Published 13 years ago, updated 6 years ago

From ibinews.com

The state will require additional safety training and introduce a license class for boats 12m and above.

The Queensland government said it plans to overhaul its boating safety and licensing system. New rules call for more detailed training for new boat owners as well as a new license for owners of larger boats.

“One of the major focuses of these reforms is the enhanced night and electronic navigation training for all new licence holders,” said Craig Wallace, minister for Marine Infrastructure, in a statement. “Under the new rules instructors providing licence courses for boaties through our BoatSafe program will offer additional training covering all aspects of safe navigation.”

Wallace said that the government would also be introducing a new boat license for boats 12 meters and over. “We’ve found that the larger boats are over-represented in serious marine incidents,” said Wallace, adding that the new licences would not affect current recreational marine and commercial licence holders.

The safety reforms will come into effect in January 2012 and new licence will take effect from January 2013.