Understanding Queensland’s New Life Jacket Laws for 2024

Starting December 1, 2024, Queensland is introducing new life jacket laws aimed at enhancing safety on its waterways. These changes affect everyone from casual boaters to avid fishermen, and it’s essential to understand how they impact your time on the water.

What’s Changing?

1. Boating alone or with children under 12 on open vessels under 4.8m — life jacket mandatory while underway.
2. Crossing coastal bars — all persons on open vessels must wear a life jacket.
3. Nighttime boating on open boats under 4.8m — all occupants must wear life jackets between sunset and sunrise.
4. Children aged 1–12 must wear a life jacket at all times on open boats while underway.
5. New life jacket standards — by April 30, 2025, all life jackets must comply with Australian Standard AS 4758.

Resources

For the latest details, visit Maritime Safety Queensland.