A new marine officer has commenced their role to assist with safety around the Pumicestone Passage.
Maritime Safety Queensland appointed the new locally based officer to boost education and compliance around the Caloundra area.
The marine officer, who commenced duty in mid-October, will primarily conduct activities relating to boating’s ‘fatal five’: failure to carry proper safety equipment such as lifejackets, speeding, failure to keep a proper lookout, alcohol and drug use, and poor trip planning.
Their duties will also include marine pollution inspections, investigating marine incidents, maintaining navigational aids and signage, managing buoy moorings, anchoring and vessel liveaboard management, supporting hydrographic surveys and responding to complaints.
Related story: ‘Dynamic’ conditions prompt arrival of marine officer
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey welcomed the appointment of the new officer.
“I am very pleased that Maritime Safety Queensland now has a dedicated marine officer in Pumicestone Passage to look after safety on this very popular area of the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“The Pumicestone Passage attracts a great many people who enjoy its waters for boating, swimming or fishing, or simply to live beside and appreciate its natural beauty.
“In recent times, due to both its popularity and the dynamic and changing conditions at its northern end after the storm-induced breakthrough in 2022, ensuring safety on its waters has become more challenging.
“MSQ has responded to the challenge by appointing an additional dedicated marine officer, who will boost MSQ’s presence on the waters of Pumicestone Passage.
“The MSQ marine officer will be supported in combating boating’s ‘fatal five’, when necessary, by MSQ’s specialist Maritime Enforcement Team.
“MSQ also wants to remind mariners that conditions in the passage remain dynamic after last year’s breakthrough.
“They should take care in this area and check MSQ’s Notice to Mariners for the latest information on hazards, waterway depths and shoaling.”
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the new officer would boost safety on the water.
“We love the Pumicestone Passage here in Caloundra and I’m very excited to see MSQ establish a dedicated marine officer to ensure we can all enjoy the passage safely and responsibly,” he said.
The officer can be contacted through MSQ’s Sunshine Coast Office based at Mooloolaba on 5373 2310 during office hours or 3623 3900.
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