As of 1 April 2006, it is compulsory to wear a life jacket:

• When crossing a coastal bar in an open boat that is less than 4.8 metres in length.
• If you are under the age of 12 in an open boat that is less than 4.8 metres in length, while it is underway.

Who does it apply to?

The changes apply to commercial, fishing and recreational boats.

The regulation will only apply to those boats that are already required to carry life jackets as part of their safety equipment. Under existing legislation in Queensland, most boats must carry an appropriate life jacket for each person on board for the area they are operating in.

For this reason, no additional costs will be imposed on boat owners.

Read more at the MSQ Website

Purpose of a life jacket

Emergency or high risk situations can happen very quickly on the water, even if conditions look calm. Once in the water it is extremely difficult, and in some instances impossible, to put on your life jacket. In situations of heightened risk, the chance of survival in the event of an incident is increased if an appropriate life jacket is being worn.

So while most people know that life jackets save lives - it is not a life saver if you're not wearing it.

Determining the length of your boat

The length of your boat is the distance from the foremost part of the hull to the aftermost part of the hull of the boat. This excludes removable parts which can be detached in a non-destructive manner and without affecting the structural reliability of the boat, for example outboard motors, swimming platforms, bowsprits, fittings or attachments.

Check your vessel registration certificate for the registered length of your vessel.

Definitions

• Under 12 - From 1 up to, but not including 12 years of age. It is not recommended that children under this age travel on boats unless necessary, at which time they should be held securely by a parent or adult.
• Open vessel - A boat that does not have a permanent rigid deckhouse, cabin or other enclosed space suitable for a person to occupy.
• Underway - A boat not at anchor, made fast to the shore or aground. A boat does not have to be moving to be underway.
• Coastal bar - A shallow area where sand is deposited across a river mouth, lake, estuary or harbour entrance.
• Designated coastal bars - Currumbin Bar, Tallebudgera Bar, Jumpinpin Bar, South Passage Bar, Caloundra Bar, Maroochy Bar, Noosa Bar and Wide Bay Bar.