Carry a spare bung for your boat on board. They are not expensive but can save you considerable anguish on certain occasions.

Do not use aged fuel mixtures in you boat fuel tank. This often leads to motor start problems. Ensure your fuel is of the highest quality and free of water contamination. Use doubtful fuel in your lawn mower.

Do not let your boat start battery “die of old age “ in your boat. Replace it prior to letting you down. (perhaps every 24 months).

Ensure your motor receives regular service and maintenance by persons with appropriate skills and knowledge.

Please ensure you have some form of communication in the event of trouble. A mobile phone is better than no radio at all. Let the Coast Guard or VMR know you plans.

Check you have all the required safety equipment for the area you are boating in. (smooth, partially smooth, or open waters). The best way to make sure your compliant and carrying the appropriate safety equipment is to go to the Maritime Safety Queensland website. Click on this link to go there now: https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/safety/safety-equipment-recreational-ships
Remember the drink driving rules on the water (the skipper must stay under the 0.05 limit). Water Police conduct alcohol and drug checks on a regular basis. You could potentially lose your car and boat licence. Check current laws!

Don’t overload you boat. Use the max. capacity labels as a guide. These labels are required to be fitted to you boat. Obtain these labels and the appropriate booklet from the Queensland Transport Customer Service outlets.

Lifejackets are arguably the most important piece of safety equipment. New Lifejacket laws were introduced in QLD in December 2024. Make sure you are familiar with them and stay compliant. You are required to be wearing lifejackets in certain situations now. Please click on the link to read the current lifejacket laws: https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/safety/life-jackets. Also remember, lifejackets only save lives when being worn!

There are many methods and cures claimed for sea sickness. Some work, some don’t. The only sure way to prevent this is to sit under a tree.