Queensland mulls allowing younger boaters on the water

The proposed rule change is one of a number of recommendations made to the Queensland Government in the wake of a series of public meetings held around the state mainly to identify and remove abandoned and neglected boats from waterways.

Maritime Safety Queensland general manager Angus Mitchell told boatsales.com.au that the state government was now talking with the community about a number of proposed licencing changes.

“The aim [of the changes] is to ensure everyone using our waterways is aware of the laws and rules, and can safely and competently operate a vessel,” Mitchell said.

“The War on Wrecks Taskforce held public forums around the state in 2020, where community discussions proposed several options for creating a safer environment on our waterways,” he said.

“The taskforce’s interim report following these community discussions made 11 recommendations on a range of regulatory, social and behavioural strategies.”

According to Mitchell, youth licensing was one of those proposals put forward by the taskforce.

“Maritime Safety Queensland is now considering options for some of those recommendations but there is no timeframe for policy changes or regulatory reform,” he said.

“Any proposal to make changes will involve further community consultation subject to prior government consideration.”

Any rule change to bring down the age at which children can drive a boat in Queensland will match other states where children as young as 12 are able to drive a boat under strict conditions including daylight hours only, no jet skis, and at speeds of less than 10 knots.

While Queensland requires skippers to hold a valid marine licence to drive a boat, the licence is endorsed for the lifetime of the holder and does not need annual renewal.