$6000 fine after near-miss in Moreton Bay

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) has warned recreational boats about the dangers of breaching Collision Regulations after a near-miss in a busy shipping lane.

It follows the recent prosecution of a catamaran skipper in Sandgate Magistrates Court after an incident last year.

The skipper of the 15-metre catamaran, Sensation, was fined $6000 for causing a near-miss with a 146-metre chemical tanker, Fairchem Restio, in Moreton Bay.

Fairchem Restio, carrying a hazardous cargo, had to take evasive action twice after the catamaran crossed its path while returning from Moreton Island to Manly on May 21, 2023.

Despite attempts to contact the catamaran via VHF radio, Sensation's skipper did not respond, leading the pilot to suspect the vessel was on autopilot.

The court heard the skipper was unaware of the imminent danger he had created, endangering his crew — including four children — but the tanker and its crew.

The $6000 fine reinforces the need for compliance with the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 and International Collision Regulations.

“This should serve as a reminder to skippers of small vessels to keep a proper lookout and avoid shipping lanes in our ports,” MSQ General Manager, Kell Dillon

Increasingly concerned

“Large trading ships can take up to two nautical miles 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 were put at severe risk, most particularly those onboard the smaller vessel.

“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.

“It is important to understand the onus to obey the Collision Regulations is on the Masters of vessels, who must know and understand their obligations.”

For more on safe navigation and shipping lanes in Queensland’s major ports, visit www.msq.qld.gov.au/safety/ship-navigation-area-warning

Chartlets for Cairns and Abbot Point major ports are not available.