One million people in Queensland or 19 per cent of the population now have a recreational marine driver licence.
This includes Recreational Marine Driver’s Licences (RMDL) and Personal Watercraft Licences (PWCL). The one millionth licence was recently issued in the greater Brisbane region.
About four in every five RMDL holders are males, with females making up 18 per cent.
The Brisbane maritime region, which includes the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, has 64 per cent of the state’s RMDL holders.
The Gladstone region (inclusive of Wide Bay and Rockhampton) has 15 per cent, Mackay five per cent, Townsville seven per cent and Cairns (including Torres Strait and the Carpentaria Coast) eight per cent.
The remaining one per cent live interstate or overseas.
Queensland has a strong boating safety record, but recent years have seen increases in marine incidents including tragic fatalities.
This was partly due to the increase in boating activity during the COVID-19 lock down which sadly was coupled with a rise in boat related incidents.
In each of the past four years, fatalities have been in double figures with 15 lives lost last year.
Just as on our roads, boating has a “fatal five” behaviours which can lead to incidents and fatalities.
These are failure to keep a proper lookout, failure to carry safety equipment – mainly lifejackets – speeding, poor trip planning and alcohol or drug use.
Failure to wear lifejackets has been a major factor in marine fatalities.
Between 2011 and 2020, marine incidents resulted in 47 people drowning, with 35 of these not wearing lifejackets.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey MP said, “The Palaszczuk Government is investing $185.3 million in marine infrastructure, including boat ramps, floating walkways, pontoons and dredging projects over the next four years so it’s no surprise Queenslanders are hitting our waterways more than even before.”
“Getting a licence is the first step to being safer on the water but taking personal responsibility in operating a vessel at a safe speed, keeping a proper lookout and carrying the right safety gear need to be top of mind every time you go out.
“Our message to licence holders whether they’ve had their licences for 30 days or 30 years is to be mindful of the fatal five but, above all, keep your speed down, plan your trip carefully and wear lifejackets. Especially when in rough conditions, at night or when boating alone.
“Queensland provides some of the world’s best recreational boating experiences from the tip of Cape York, down through the Great Barrier Reef and the Gold Coast.
“Queensland has many spectacular boating areas including Moreton Bay which is near my electorate. Queensland is the country’s boating mecca for both tourism and industry.
“It shows boating is as much a part of the Queensland lifestyle as going to the footy or hosting a barbecue.”
