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Maritime Safety Queensland has issued a critical reminder to masters of recreational boats about the dangers of breaching collision regulations in busy shipping lanes, following the prosecution of a catamaran skipper in the Sandgate Magistrates Court.
The skipper of the 15m sailing catamaran Sensation was fined $6000 for causing a near miss with a 146m chemical tanker Fairchem Restio in Moreton Bay.
The incident highlights the life-threatening risks posed when small vessels fail to maintain a proper lookout in designated shipping channels.
Carrying hazardous cargo, Fairchem Restio was forced to take evasive action twice after the catamaran crossed into its path when returning from Moreton Island to Manly Boat Harbour on May 21, 2023.
Despite attempts by the tanker’s marine pilot to contact the catamaran via VHF radio, the skipper of Sensation failed to respond, leading the pilot to suspect the vessel was on autopilot.
The court heard that the skipper remained unaware of the imminent danger he had created, endangering not only his crew – including four children – but also the tanker and its crew.
The $6000 fine was deemed appropriate to serve as a deterrent and reinforce the need for compliance with the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 and international collision regulations.
MSQ urges all vessel masters to maintain a proper lookout and exercise caution in busy shipping channels to prevent such dangerous incidents.
Maritime Safety Queensland general manager Kell Dillon said, “This court outcome should serve as a reminder to skippers of small vessels they should keep a proper lookout and avoid shipping lanes in our ports.”
“Large trading ships can take up to 2NM or 10 minutes to stop and cannot change course quickly.
“If forced to alter course, they could run aground, with potentially very serious consequences for the ship and the environment.
“More importantly, lives are put at severe risk, most particularly those onboard the smaller vessel,” Mr Dillon said.
“MSQ has grown increasingly concerned that some skippers of recreational vessels do not appreciate how difficult it is for large ships to see and avoid them if they get in the way.
“The collision regulations exist for a good reason – to save lives and property.”
He added that it was important to understand that the onus to obey the collision regulations is on the masters of vessels, who must know and understand their obligations.
For additional information on safe navigation and shipping lanes in most of Queensland’s major ports, visit msq.qld.gov.au/safety/ship-navigation-area-warning
Note, chartlets for Cairns and Abbot Point major ports are not available.
