As the weather warms, boaties are reminded that law enforcement agencies will be out in force to ensure they prioritise safety and comply with the rules and regulations, following a four-day operation in Moreton Bay.
Three people were charged, and 41 infringement notices were issued as part of the large scale multi-agency compliance and enforcement operation.
Over the four days, Brisbane Water Police led the water safety operation, which included members from Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Maritime Safety Queensland, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).
Officers from all agencies worked in partnership across multiple vessels, intercepting 179 vessels in a targeted and coordinated effort to improve marine safety in local waterways.
During one such interaction, officers from QPS and QPWS detected an illegal camp set up in the Moreton Bay Marine Park.
While they were there, police located a four-metre dinghy that had allegedly been reported as stolen.
The boat was seized, and a 38-year-old Mitchelton man has been charged with one count each of receiving tainted property and unlawful use of a motor vessel.
Meanwhile, officers from Brisbane Water Police charged 48-year-old man with drink driving after they intercepted a private vessel near Nudgee boat ramp for routine compliance and safety checks.
Officers conducted a breath test that returned a positive result more than two times the legal limit. He was transported to Hendra Police station and returned a secondary reading of 0.100.
The man is due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 24 September.
The agencies used the operation to work together to educate boaties about not only their safety obligations such as ensuring they have the right lifejackets and equipment onboard but also making sure they comply with fish sizes and catch limits.
Brisbane Water Police, Acting Sergeant Gene Hill said the cross-decking operation demonstrates the commitment of maritime enforcement agencies working together to ensure Queensland waterways remain safe and accessible for everyone.
“It’s a great example of the strong working partnership and collaboration between QPS, AMSA, MSQ, QBFP and QPWS,” Acting Sergeant Hill said.
“As we come into the warmer months, we anticipate more people will be getting out and about on our waterways.
“We want to ensure boaties are following the rules and complying with their obligations so our waterways can be safely enjoyed by everyone.
“Our message is simple: Make sure your vessel is well maintained, operated safely and it is properly equipped with accessible safety gear before heading out.”
Brisbane Water Police are reminding anyone heading out onto the water to never mix alcohol and drugs when boating.
By following the rules and respecting the conditions, we can all make our waterways enjoyable and memorable for the right reasons.
Vision:
00.00-1.41: A/ Sergeant Gene Hill, Brisbane Water Police Officer in Charge
8.18-9.16: A 41-year-old man was fined failing to comply with safety equipment for expired flares and only two complaint life jackets after being intercepted as part of the enforcement operation.
9.42-10.10: A 38-year-old man was charged with receiving stolen goods, after police found an allegedly stolen boat in the Moreton Bay Marine Park.
10.11-10.22: A 48-year-old man fined for allegedly drink driving a vessel over the legal alcohol limit near Nudgee boat ramp.
