QLD Boating Rules
What is the minimum age to obtain a recreational marine driver licence (RMDL) in Queensland?
16
What safety item must be available for each person on board a recreational boat in Queensland?
A life jacket
What does a red buoy with even numbers indicate when returning to harbour in Queensland?
Port side (left) channel marker.
What time of day is it generally safest to cross a coastal bar in Queensland?
At high tide.
What type of vessel is typically used for personal recreation on Queensland waterways?
Dinghies
In Queensland, when must lifejackets be worn on a boat under 4.8 metres?
When crossing a designated coastal bar.
Name one piece of safety equipment required for boats operating more than 2 nautical miles offshore.
EPIRB
What marine park stretches along Queensland’s coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
What does BOM stand for when checking marine weather?
Bureau of Meteorology.
What kind of vessel is a PWC?
Personal Watercraft
True or False: You can operate a jet ski in Queensland with only a regular boat licence.
False
What colour is a distress flare used during the day?
Orange
What do you call the chart used to navigate Queensland’s coastal waters?
A nautical chart.
What colour warning flag is used by surf lifesavers to show dangerous conditions?
Red
What should you do when meeting another boat head-on in open waters?
Both vessels should alter course to starboard (right).
What is the speed limit in a 6-knot zone in Queensland?
6 knots
What’s the minimum requirement for fire safety on a boat with a fuel-powered engine in Queensland?
At least one fire extinguisher must be carried.
What is the purpose of a green lateral mark in Queensland waterways?
Indicates starboard (right) side when returning to harbour.
What natural phenomenon causes tides in Queensland’s coastal waters?
The gravitational pull of the moon and sun.
What’s the term for a boat turning around in a confined area using a forward and reverse gear sequence?
A three-point turn or pivot turn.
What does a “wash zone” sign indicate in Queensland waterways?
Reduce speed to avoid creating wash that can affect other boats or the shore.
What type of anchor is commonly used on sandy seabeds in Queensland coastal waters?
Sand or plough anchor
What is the name of the current that flows south along Queensland’s east coast?
The East Australian Current.
What is the term for a fast, narrow current moving away from the shore that can be dangerous to swimmers and boaters?
Rip current.
What is cavitation in relation to boat propellers?
It’s when air bubbles form around the propeller, reducing its efficiency and causing damage.