FROM REBECCA MITCHELL, VMR RABY BAY
On 1 December 2024 new lifejacket laws came into effect*. Lifejackets must be worn when:
- Boating alone or only with children under 12 years on an open boat less than 4.8 metres in length whilst underway.
- People boating between sunset and sunrise on an open boat less than 4.8 metres in length whilst underway.
- People crossing a designated coastal bar on an open boat and on an open area (the deck) of a ship of any length.
- Children one year or more and under 12 years on an open boat or an open area (the deck) of a ship of any length whilst underway.
The current standard for lifejackets is AS4758. Lifejackets/PFDs manufactured to AS1512, AS1499 and AS2260 are now outdated. The cut-off date for replacement is 1 September 2025. For more information go to https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/safety/life-jackets
*Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024
Do you know the VHF channels commonly used in Moreton Bay? The most commonly used are listed below.
- 16: The main distress frequency, this channel is used for distress calls, urgency calls and calling. It is monitored 24/7 by Maritime Safety Queensland and volunteer marine rescue stations.
- 20: VHF Repeater working channel at Tangalooma with coverage of northern Moreton Bay.
- 21: VHF Repeater working channel at northern Moreton Bay
and offshore. - 67: Secondary distress frequency.
- 72 : Working channel Northern Moreton Bay.
- 73: Working channel Central Moreton Bay, preferred for
logon at VMR Raby Bay. - 77: Working channel.
- 81: VHF Repeater Northern Moreton Bay.
- 82: VHF Repeater Southern Moreton Bay.
- 83: VHF Repeater South Passage Bar and surrounds.
When crossing shipping channels, monitor VHF 16 or:
- 12: Brisbane VTS covering main shipping channels between Point Cartwright at Mooloolaba and Brett’s Wharf at Hamilton Reach on the Brisbane River.
- 13: Brisbane River upstream from Brett’s Wharf and Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
