Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) is moving to stop increasing numbers of maritime border breaches during the State’s COVID-19 restrictions.
General Manager of MSQ, Angus Mitchell said several boaties had been intercepted and fined, placed into hotel quarantine or turned back in recent weeks in an expensive reminder of their responsibilities.
“Maritime Safety Queensland is the lead Agency responsible for the offshore border response to contain the virus by ensuring boaties comply with health advice,” Mr Mitchell said.
“MSQ has a full-time, on-water presence and it is carrying out targeted, intelligence-based and random vessel intercepts, assisted by the Queensland Water Police.”
He said MSQ had recently fined the four-member crew of a 34-metre super-yacht, which berthed in Southport last week after leaving a Sydney hotspot, for providing false and misleading information upon arrival.
“Thankfully, they all tested negative to COVID-19 which is a great relief considering they had attended the Wallabies versus France rugby international in Brisbane last week,” Mr Mitchell said.
“As of 1 July, anyone who provides false or misleading information, or breaches the directions, can expect an on-the-spot fine of more than $4,000, a court-imposed penalty of up to $13,785 or six months’ imprisonment.”
Mr Mitchell said MSQ also identified two other sailing vessels which arrived on the Gold Coast from the Sydney hotspot last week.
“A 68-year-old skipper was placed in Government hotel quarantine and issued with a $4,003 fine for failing to comply with a COVID-19 border direction while another skipper was fined $4,003 and turned around at the border,” he said.
“The message is clear, if you have been in a COVID-19 hotspot and you cross our maritime border, you will be intercepted and face the consequences,” Mr Mitchell said.
