|
|
|
|
| Photo: Courtesy of Ports North |
|
|
|
|
|
|
No time like the present
A message from the General ManagerWelcome to the May 2022 edition of Maritime Matters—my first since joining Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) as the new General Manager in early February.
As some of you may be aware, my last role was as the Executive General Manager, Marine and Navigation for Ports Victoria. This included the role of Harbour Master for the Port of Melbourne. Before that I had over 30 years of front line maritime operational experience in a variety of roles, both with Commonwealth and state based organisations, which included time living and operating in Far North Queensland.
I had planned a structured and orderly start to my new role as the head of an agency that has wide-ranging responsibilities across Queensland's vast coastline and inland waterways. This would have included some time to visit the regions and understand local issues across Queensland.
However, mother nature had other ideas. In my second week the extraordinary rain event of late February hit, severely impacting South East Queensland. This has naturally taken up a lot of my time ever since in managing Queensland's waterways response.
So now that we are returning to some level of normality we have turned our attention to publishing my first newsletter as General Manager of MSQ. There's a lot going on in a busy sector, so please take the time to read about some of the extraordinary work being undertaken across the state by a group of very hard working and dedicated individuals that I am proud to be leading. Kell Dillon
General Manager
Maritime Safety Queensland |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MSQ plays key role in Brisbane flood responseMSQ played an integral role in restoring safety to the waterways in the aftermath of the Brisbane River flood, with teams working in treacherous conditions, inspecting damage and monitoring dangers on the river.
Unprecedented levels of drenching rain triggered flood levels that in some places exceeded those of 2011.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boaties not heeding lifejackets messageThe numbers don't lie. Of the 259 people who drowned in boating incidents in Queensland between 1992 and 2020, only 15 were known to have been wearing lifejackets. Knowing this, lifejackets were the focus of our summer boating safety campaign as our compliance officers zeroed in on one of the critical 'Fatal Five' boating mistakes.
What we found demonstrated there is plenty of room for improvement in Queensland boaties' understanding and respect for the live saving value of lifejackets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southern Moreton Bay Islands ferry terminals take shape
Extensive upgrades to Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) ferry terminals, reported in our June 2021 edition of Maritime Matters, are on track for delivery in 2023.
Stage 1 of the project to provide better ferry terminals for residents and visitors to Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands mostly took place hidden away in sheds.
However stage 2 will increase excitement levels for the public as the new terminals for Macleay and Russell islands take shape onsite.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poseidon Sea Pilots commence pilotage services in BrisbaneMarine pilots are highly skilled and experienced mariners who help the captains of vessels of 50m or more in length to safely navigate their vessels into and out of our ports.
On 1 January 2022 Poseidon Sea Pilots (PSP), under contract to MSQ, commenced pilotage operations in the Port of Brisbane.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maritime women roll up their sleeves for pollution response
MSQ's Women in Maritime Committee continues to explore ways to create more career pathways for women in the maritime sector.
Recently we put a group of women from various agencies through an equipment familiarisation course at Airlie Beach, designed to equip them with marine pollution response skills.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Safety overhaul at Double Island Point and Pumicestone Passage
Many places along Queensland's extensive and beautiful coastline are worthy of the descriptor 'boating mecca'.
They include the waters around the scenic headland of Double Island Point and the pristine waters of Pumicestone Passage.
These waterways provide a haven for recreational activities but come with their own safety challenges for those in and on the water.
Actioning feedback and concerns, MSQ has implemented several measures in this area to protect users. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Met-Ocean sensor ups the superyachts ante on the Gold Coast
Imagine the potential benefits to the regional economy if we could double the length of superyachts able to safely access and berth in the Southport Broadwater.
Imagine also that the information enabling this to happen could be made available to skippers of commercial and recreational craft of all kinds. Too good to be true?
No—it's just happened!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Did you know?The fifth edition of the National Standard for the Australian Builders Plate for Recreational Boats was endorsed by the Transport Infrastructure Council on 5 June 2020. The new standard was called up into Queensland legislation on 10 December 2021 with a transitional period until 28 February 2022. With the transitional period over, MSQ will be conducting compliance checks to ensure new and imported boats are complying with the new standard. For further information click here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscribing to Maritime MattersYou have received this email because you work or play within the maritime community of Queensland. If someone you know would like to receive this newsletter too, they can subscribe to our mailing list via email. If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please unsubscribe. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|