The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is warning holidaymakers and vessel owners to stay safe and comply with the law this summer.
AMSA has identified an increase in illegal charter operations particularly in popular backpacker destinations along the Queensland coast, as well as in the greater Sydney and Melbourne regions and inland lakes.
These operations often involve private recreational vessels hired out for payment without AMSA certification putting passengers and crew at serious risk.
Vessels operating without AMSA-issued permissions do not have a safety management system to ensure they are fit for purpose and operated safely. They are also unlikely to be prepared for emergencies at sea.
Passengers may be unaware that these trips are both illegal and unsafe.
Holidaymakers
If you’re booking a trip — for example, to the Great Barrier Reef — make sure the operator is licensed and the vessel is certified. Cheap deals on social media or online marketplaces may look tempting, but they could cost more than money — they could cost you your life.
Check whether a vessel has AMSA-issued permissions here: https://www.amsa.gov.au/list-commercial-vessels-vessel-permission
Vessel owners
Renting out your recreational vessel for commercial use without AMSA certification is illegal. Heavy penalties apply, and you could be held liable if an incident occurs.
Keep it recreational and protect lives — or get the required permissions to operate commercially: https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels