Queensland’s Chief Health Officer has been very clear – if you don’t need to be out then stay at home.
However, as there is on land, there are exceptions that apply on water.
Social distancing rules always apply – at the boat ramp and on your boat.
You should only be on your boat alone, or with no more than one other person; or with family who ordinarily live in the same household as you.
Some essential reasons you may need to use your boat could be to:
- exercise (e.g. kayaking/sailing/paddling etc);
- fish;
- get to and from work, where the work cannot reasonably be performed from home;
- get groceries; and
- provide assistance, care or support to an immediate member of the person’s family.
We want people to be able continue their normal lives as much as possible under the current circumstances, but advice of the Chief Health Officer must be followed.
Unless you have an essential need to be out – stay ashore.
If you do need to go out, stick to your local waters.
Be aware also that in the current environment volunteer marine rescue organisations may experience staff shortages and find it difficult to maintain normal levels of service to the boating community should you encounter difficulties on the water.
Skippers are always responsible, generally this is applied to safety equipment, keeping proper look out and proceeding at a safe speed.
In this pandemic, MSQ also asks skippers to be responsible and support the Chief Health Officer and help stop the spread of COVID-19.