Queensland has recorded its lowest number of recreational boating deaths in the past four years.
The 2018 annual Marine Incident Report, prepared by Maritime Safety Queensland, was tabled in parliament this week by Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey.
"Any death on waters is one too many, but it's encouraging to see a continued improvement in recreational boating safety which has shown a steady decline in the rate of reported marine incidents over the past decade," Mr Bailey said.
"More than 261,000 recreational vessels are now registered in Queensland which is about one vessel for every 19 people.
"The Marine Incident Report is Maritime Safety Queensland's best measure of how safe we are on our waterways and how best we can improve our performance for the increasing number of boaties.
"Last year we recorded six deaths from five marine incidents involving recreational vessels which was one less than last year.
Mr Bailey said the report would be carefully analysed by Maritime Safety Queensland to identify areas where safety regulations and education could be most effectively directed.
"Unfortunately, we saw a sharp rise in incidents resulting in hospitalisations from 19 in 2017 to 36 last year.
Across Queensland, there were 342 reported incident involving 465 vessels, which included 38 domestic commercial vehicles, 269 motorboats, 93 sailboats, 40 personal watercraft, 16 paddle boats and nine houseboats.
The Gold Coast reported the most marine incidents with 83, followed by Gladstone with 69, Brisbane with 53 and Townsville with 42.
"In the broadest sense, the most important message we can give is for boat masters to ensure there are always enough lifejackets on board for everyone and everyone knows how to use them.
The majority of these incidents occurred in smooth waters, clear weather, with good visibility and winds below 16 knots.
Incidents most commonly occurred on the weekend and between 9am and 6pm.
"What the data shows is that no matter what the conditions or time of day, it's important that everyone avoids becoming complacent, and that we all work together to improve maritime safety into the future, especially with more Queenslanders on the water."
Member for Redlands and War on Wrecks Chair Kim Richards said the Brisbane management area received 53 marine incident reports involving 82 vessels (73 Queensland regulated ships and nine domestic commercial vessels).
"Human factors were again the most significant contributor to many incidents which frequently happened on smooth water, with good visibility in clear weather," Ms Richards said.
"There were 18 people injured in these 53 incidents including one fatality and four hospital admissions.
"Clearly the importance of keeping a proper lookout at all times cannot be overstated.
"Not surprisingly almost half of all reported marine incidents happened on the weekend."
Regional breakdown
Brisbane (Pinkenba)
The Brisbane (Pinkenba) management area received 53 marine incident reports involving 82 vessels — 73 Queensland regulated ships and nine domestic commercial vessels. There were 18 people injured in these 53 incidents including one fatality and four hospital admissions.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast management area received 83 marine incident reports involving 125 vessels — 115 Queensland regulated ships and 10 domestic commercial vessels. Twenty-nine people were injured in these 83 incidents including 16 who were admitted to hospital.
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast management area received 36 marine incidents reports involving 54 vessels – 51 Queensland regulated ships and three domestic commercial vessels. Nine people were injured in these 36 incidents including four who were admitted to hospital.
Gladstone
Gladstone maritime region received 69 marine incident reports involving 84 vessels — 79 Queensland regulated ships and five domestic commercial vessels. Fifteen people were injured, including two fatalities and seven admitted to hospital.
Mackay
Mackay maritime region received 18 marine incident reports involving 24 vessels — 23 Queensland regulated ships and one domestic commercial vessel. Six people were injured including, one hospital admission and five other injuries.
Townsville
Townsville maritime region received 42 marine incident reports involving 48 vessels — 43 Queensland regulated ships and five domestic commercial vessels. Seven people were injured, including two fatalities, three admitted to a hospital, and two minor injuries.
Cairns
Cairns maritime region received 38 marine incident reports involving 48 vessels — 43 Queensland regulated ships and five domestic commercial vessels. Eleven people were injured, including one fatality, nine hospital admissions, and one with minor injuries.
