Those of you who don’t have enough Government regulation in their lives will be pleased to know we now have a whole heap of new laws to comply with. It doesn’t seem that bad at the moment. I have spoken with Steve at maritime safety Qld to sort out exactly what is going on.
1. Any new grower (post 1st July 2013) will need to comply in full with the new national laws, that means a coxswains certificate regardless of boat size. Pre 1st July 2013 growers can continue to operate under the existing laws, that is boats under 6 meters can continue to use a recreational licence
2. If you use your boat for recreational purposes, you must have an exemption certificate with you as well as a log book. You need to fill the exception form out and return it to Maritime safety, they will then return a certificate to you at no cost. This is no cost now, not necessarily in the future, so I suggest we all go ahead and get one. There is no size/length limit on the exemption. Police and Boating Patrol will both be enforcing this regulation and it carries a $2.3k fine if you fish from an oyster vessel with out the exemption certificate with you.
Download the application for recreational use file by clicking on this link Recreational Use 04
Print out the form and send it to Maritime Safety Queensland — MacArthur Avenue East — Pinkenba — Queensland 4008
3. You can not have duel registration on your boat..ie J number and recreation number, doing so carries a $2.5k fine.
4.We need to be registered with Maritime safety before 2016 , possibly mid next year if they are ready. I will post a link to the rego form here when I have it. The new rego will probably be for 5 years and there will be a fee.
5. You must carry the safety equipment as per recreational use. There will most likely be shipboard safety courses etc to do as well, but this has not been finalized.
6. Any questions, leave them here or ring Steve on 36327558
7. Links to coxswains details for newer growers AMSA718
