Gold Coast Boat Licences

Heading out on the water this week? Don’t forget the basics.

The waterways are getting busier and a little prep can make all the difference.

• Check your lifejackets (and wear them!)
• Make sure your gear’s working and your boat’s fuelled
• Let someone know where you’re going
• Keep an eye on your mates in the water or on smaller craft
• Take it slow near swimmers, sandbanks and other vessels

From dolphins to dinghies, everyone should get home safe.

On the *seventeenth 😅* day of Christmas, my true love sent to me…

TWELVE tides reviewed
ELEVEN sober skippers
TEN radio checks
NINE kill-switch lanyards
EIGHT compliant lifejackets
SEVEN nav marks shining
SIX knots when posted
FIVE notice to mariners
FOUR flares in date
THREE forecast updates
TWO boat safety checks
and a link to MSQ’s daaaashboooard! 👏
www.qldmaritime.msq.qld.gov.au

Check your lifejacket canister ⚠️ It’s always good to inspect your lifejacket, just make sure it's not damaged and the canister is not corroded. Please also follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for your specific model if you're thinking of servicing the lifejacket yourself. Find out the general steps to self-service your lifejacket on https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/safety/life-jackets #NationalSafeBoatingWeek #SafeBoating #NSBW #MaritimeSafetyQLD #LifejacketWearIt #BoatSafeHomeSafe

🧍‍♂️ Are you a solo operator? Working alone at sea comes with unique risks — and it’s important to be prepared.

Use our Solo Operator Checklist to help identify and manage those risks so you can stay safe and get home at the end of each trip.

Ask yourself 🤔
✅ What could go wrong while I’m working alone?
✅ How can I reduce the risk of injury or getting stuck without help?
✅ Do I have the right equipment and communication tools on board?

Your safety starts with a plan. Start protecting yourself today and download the checklist – link below 👇

Out with the old, in with the new. 🦺 It's National Safe Boating Week—and Dayne from the Maritime Enforcement Team is here to talk about your lifejacket. A reminder that your lifejacket should meet the Australian Standard AS 4758. You must also wear a proper lifejacket while underway in high-risk situations. 👉 Learn more about lifejacket rules: https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/safety/life-jackets #NationalSafeBoatingWeek #SafeBoating #NSBW #MaritimeSafetyQLD #LifejacketWearIt #BoatSafeHomeSafe

Wave Break Island: Shaping the Future 🌊✨

We’ve already had a fantastic response, with many people sharing ideas on how to enhance eco-tourism and protect what makes Wave Break Island so special.

Now’s your chance to join the conversation. Consultation on the draft feasibility study has been extended until Sunday 12 October 2025 — so if you haven’t had your say yet, there’s still time.

👉 Share your thoughts today: www.gcwa.qld.gov.au or email: [email protected]

Together, we’re unlocking the future of this much-loved Gold Coast destination.

Gary’s keen to impress his girlfriend with a spin on a jet ski. She’s got her lifejacket on, so they’re good to go… right?

Not quite.

Checkout the comment below to find out why that might be a no go 👀

Do you have expired flares stored on your boat? Don’t know what to do with them? There are flare disposal locations across Queensland.

Flares are only good for so long - after their expiry date, you can’t trust they’ll fire when you need them most.

✔ Check the expiry date (it’s stamped right on the side).
X Don’t throw them in the bin - that’s a serious no-no! 🙅‍♂️
✔ Drop them off at a proper flare disposal bin instead.

📅 Outdated flares = unreliable flares. Do the right thing and ditch them properly!

Find your nearest drop-off spot here 👉 https://brnw.ch/21wUnlc

Broadwater Parklands Boat Ramp Repair and Floating Walkways Upgrade

GCWA will be repairing the two boat ramps and replacing the three floating walkways at Fisherman's Lawn to improve access to the waterways for recreational users.

This upgrade ensures safe access for waterway users to the popular destination.

During the construction works, the boat ramp will be partially closed for approximately 8 weeks to provide sufficient time for the demolition and construction of the new dual lane boat ramp.

There will also be some access limitations to the boat ramp and floating walkways, however one lane of the boat ramp will always remain open.

The works are expected to commence in early May 2025 and be completed by July 2025.

Alternative public boat ramps, jetties and pontoons can be found via our interactive online map: https://www.gcwa.qld.gov.au/