Queensland Water Police have a joint responsibility for the safety of all waterway users within the South Eastern Police Region which incorporates all Gold Coast waterways. Due to the nature of local residential waterways and the close proximity to beaches and islands, a large number of children within the community are provided with the opportunity to be actively associated with boating and water based recreational activities.
This aspect of growing up with and around vessel use is a unique aspect of life on the Gold Coast; however, this lifestyle comes with responsibilities relating to the safe and considerate operation of vessels.
Although a recreational licence cannot be obtained until a person turns 16 years old; under current legislation any person operating a vessel which is powered by an engine up to 4.5 kW (6 HP) is not required to hold a Recreational Marine Drivers Licence. This does not diminish the vessel operators’ obligations under all other aspects of marine related legislation and general safety obligations.
Queensland Water Police deal with a large number of juvenile marine offenders each year in relation to a variety of offences. Predominantly the children attract attention to themselves by the manner of operation, e.g. speeding in 6 knot residential canal areas, speeding within specified distances of pontoons, jetties and anchored vessels or “spraying” each other and pontoons with erratic freestyling manoeuvres.
Recent marine incidents resulting from serious offences committed by juvenile offenders have reinforced the importance of children being provided with proper education and supervision in relation to the operation of vessels.
In recognition of the focus on education of juveniles in the marine environment, Gold Coast Water Police have introduced the Juvenile Marine Cautioning Program. In essence, juveniles who are identified committing marine related offences are initially provided with education and guidance to promote marine safety and responsible vessel operation. When an individual is identified as a repeat offender other levels of enforcement and penalties are considered including Marine Infringement Notices and Children’s Court appearances.
As parents of children with access to small vessels it is incumbent upon you to ensure that instruction is provided in the safe operation of the vessel when unsupervised. You must also ensure the vessel is seaworthy, has the required safety equipment and complies with legislative requirements (capacity label, registration numbers etc.)
It is important that the education of children using our waterways is a joint effort with support of parents to ensure the safety of not only the children, but all waterways users.
Sergeant Tony Nelson
Gold Coast Water Police
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.