Maritime Safety Queensland Warns Boaties to Stay Alert Even in Calm Conditions
Maritime Safety Queensland on Patrol Credit: Maritime Safety Queensland
The following media release has been supplied by Maritime Safety Queensland and includes important boating safety advice for Queensland boaties, shared here for AFLOAT Magazine readers with an interest in marine safety and safe boating practices.
The Queensland Government is urging boaties to stay alert every time they are on the water, after a new report has shown most incidents on Queensland’s waterways occur in favourable conditions.
The 2025 Marine Incidents in Queensland report by Maritime Safety Queensland found the majority of serious boating incidents occurred in good conditions inshore – which includes rivers, creeks, streams and lakes, waters within breakwaters or revetments and within half of a nautical mile from land.
Across Queensland, 70 per cent of reported incidents occurred in designated smooth waters, 62 per cent in clear weather, 66 per cent in good visibility and 59 per cent in winds below 16 knots.
The report recorded 328 reported marine incidents statewide, which is an increase of five per cent from 2024, while Queensland recorded one recreational boating fatality, the lowest annual fatality count this century.
Outside of Brisbane, the Gladstone maritime region recorded the most incidents with 67, which is a 20 per cent increase in incidents compared to 2024.
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said the findings showed boaties could not afford to switch off just because conditions looked favourable.
“When the water is calm and the weather is clear, it can be easy to think an incident won’t occur but that is exactly when complacency can creep in.
“Good conditions and being close to land are no guarantee of safety. Stay alert every time you are on the water.
“Collisions between vessels were the leading incident type across the majority of regions in Queensland, which reinforces the importance of keeping a proper lookout, travelling at a safe speed and giving other vessels enough room to manoeuvre – especially in tighter channels and anchorages.”
Region-specific statistics
Brisbane maritime region
- 184 reported marine incidents in the region, a 12 per cent increase compared to 2024.
- Collisions between vessels were the most common incident type.
- Collisions between vessels accounted for 31 per cent of reported marine incidents.
Gladstone maritime region
- 67 reported marine incidents in the region, a 20 per cent increase compared to 2024.
- Collisions between vessels were the most common incident type.
- Collisions between vessels accounted for 22 per cent of reported marine incidents.
Mackay maritime region
- 28 reported marine incidents in the region, a 38 per cent decrease compared to 2024.
- Collisions between vessels were the most common incident type.
- Collisions between vessels accounted for 29 per cent of reported marine incidents.
Townsville maritime region
- 19 reported marine incidents in the region, a 5 per cent decrease compared to 2024.
- Collisions between vessels were the most common incident type.
- Collisions between vessels accounted for 26 per cent of reported marine incidents.
Cairns maritime region
- 30 reported marine incidents in the region, an 11 per cent increase compared to 2024.
- Grounding was the most common incident type.
- Grounding accounted for 26 per cent of reported marine incidents.
This information was supplied by Maritime Safety Queensland. AFLOAT Magazine will continue to share important marine news Australia updates and boating safety information relevant to boat owners nationwide. Read more marine news at AFLOAT Magazine.
