Boat Licence Question

[buff]

Hey guys, just need some advice with regards to a licence question. QLD Transport can't seem to help as I get various vague responses when I ask.

I have a QLD Recreational Licence for boats and I have a chance to work for a security company that runs boats as a part of the business. They state that I have a good enough licence but when I read up on the different licences from the QLD transport site, I get the impression that if the boats are a part of a business, then you would require a commercial licence like a Coxswains. Or am a missing something here. I just don't want to get in the poo if something happened to me on the water.

I know that the security boat (small runabout and 75hp) is registered as a recreatioanl vessel. Wondering if that would make a difference to the licencing requirement? Thanks.

[marlin magic]

It depends if the boat is in survey or not if it in survey you will need a coxswain but not sure :dry:

[Gazza]

If it's registered recreational no need for an additional license would be my call

Cheers Gaz

[tangles]

A couple of years ago I worked on the Tank St bridge in the city and we had a guy in a big ally punt who ferried workers and tools across the river. The guy operating the punt only required a rec licence at the time, which surprised me.

The company was very strict about safety regulations, and the safety officer was a stickler for tickets and blue cards.

I'm not really sure where the rec licence cuts off and the coxwains ticket starts.

[bootyinblue]

buff wrote:

Hey guys, just need some advice with regards to a licence question. QLD Transport can't seem to help as I get various vague responses when I ask.

I have a QLD Recreational Licence for boats and I have a chance to work for a security company that runs boats as a part of the business. They state that I have a good enough licence but when I read up on the different licences from the QLD transport site, I get the impression that if the boats are a part of a business, then you would require a commercial licence like a Coxswains. Or am a missing something here. I just don't want to get in the poo if something happened to me on the water.

I know that the security boat (small runabout and 75hp) is registered as a recreatioanl vessel. Wondering if that would make a difference to the licencing requirement? Thanks.

I think your answer will lie on the follwing couple of pages.

/>http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Registration.aspx 'All ships used for activities undertaken for financial reward are considered commercial ventures'

And then

/>http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Licensing.aspx 'Commercial and fishing ship marine licences

Commercial and fishing ships are those used in conjunction with any type of business, trade or commerce' and 'Recreational boat licences

Recreational boats are those used for recreational purposes and are not for any type of business, trade or commerce'

Looks pretty straight forward to me.

[tugger]

gday buff i would ring marine safety queensland and get it from the horses mouth they are the ones that deal with this and will set you straight. a lot of the rules can be vague like you have noticed and you would be better off talking with them and perhaps ask them to email you the facts so you are covered

mark

[buff]

Thanks for the answers guys. I did manage to find a knowledgeable person in the industry that advised me that as long as the vessel was no longer than 6m, whether it is used for work or recreation, you only need the Recreational Licence. Apparently it is a bit of a loophole in the legislation. It also turns out the security vessel in question is registered as a work vessel. Looks like I'm fine though. Thanks.

[bootyinblue]

Yep... insurance companies love loopholes too. It just gives them an out for not paying out on claims.

Did a crash out here a little while ago where old mate on a restricted bike license took his mates R1 for a spin, straight into the side of a Maloo ute. Wrote them both off and insurance have refused to pay out as he was not appropriately licenced. Maloo owners insurance will now have to go him civilly and thats if there is anyone or anything left after the R1 owner has a chop.

Is it worth it?