Coast Guard Yeppoon QF11

21/10/2026

Coast Guard – Central Qld Squadron Media Release 20261018

Windy and wet conditions kept boaters off the water this week with brief lulls on Friday allowing some campers to get back home from the islands. The poor boating conditions were reflected in the log on/off statistics with only thirty-eight vessels logged on over the course of the week. Coast Guards Keppel Sands and Yeppoon took the opportunity on the weekend to undertake training in the rougher conditions to hone their rescue skills.

UPCOMING COURSES: There are no further courses planned for the month of October.

It has been a quiet week due to inclement weather, but on and off water training was still undertaken. There were two activations occurring late last Sunday with only a public service event this week.

Wednesday 13 October Training in Activate MRQ: The TripWatch system currently in use will be replaced with Activate MRQ on 9th November when QF11 transitions to MRQ. Steve Maher, a volunteer from MRQ Bundaberg, travelled to Yeppoon to provide training in the use of the system which is in use at their unit. Twelve participants with a range of roles gained experience in using the system with particular emphasis on logging boats on and off.

Wednesday 13 October Public Service: A request for a Scattering of Ashes took place off Wreck Point with three volunteer crew members aboard Yeppoon Rescue Two conducting the request.

Activations:

Late last week - Sunday 11 October - Two jet ski requests.

At 16:00 a call was received from the first jet ski with one person on board which had a flat battery near Man and Wife Islands. Yeppoon Rescue Two was dispatched with four volunteer crew members and a battery jump starter. After attending to another closer jet ski call for assistance, they arrived and were able to jump start the craft and shadow it into Rosslyn Bay harbour arriving at 17:47. The owner donated for the service provided.

At 16:07 while getting ready to address the first jet ski request, a second jet ski with one person on board ran out of fuel in Statue Bay. This was dealt with first by Yeppoon Rescue Two with four volunteer crew members. The craft was taken under tow and returned to Rosslyn Bay harbour at 16:30. Yeppoon Rescue Two then set out to the first request.

This Week: No activations occurred this week.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Flat batteries

Flat marine batteries in Queensland happen quickly because hot tropical and subtropical weather speeds up internal chemical reactions, water evaporation, and self-discharge. High electrical loads from fish finders, live-well pumps, and fridges also drain batteries fast while out on the water. Rough chop and trailering can loosen wing nuts or cables, interrupting proper charging from the outboard alternator.

Some Suggestion on How to Avoid Flat Batteries:

Use a Smart Charger: Invest in a multi-stage smart charger or maintainer (such as a SmartCharge system) and keep the battery plugged in when the boat is stored at home.

Manage Summer Heat: Store your boat in shaded or ventilated areas and use insulated battery boxes if the battery sits in direct sun or a hot engine bay.

Install a Battery Monitor: Use a real-time battery monitor or Bluetooth-enabled BMS (Battery Management System) to track voltage drops and state of charge before you launch.

Match Battery Chemistry & Purpose: Separate starting banks from house banks, use AGM, gel, or LFP (lithium iron phosphate) where appropriate, and ensure compliance with AS NZ 3004 Standards for marine electrical setups.

Carry a Portable Jump Starter: Keep a compact, waterproof-rated portable marine jump starter charged and stored safely on board.

14/10/2026

Though hot towards the end of the week, the winds were mild resulting in 130 vessels logged on to TripWatch across the four flotillas. The water wasn’t looking its best with the blue-green algae in abundance, particularly around the coastline.

UPCOMING COURSES: There are no further courses planned for the month of October.

Coast Guard Yeppoon QF11 (see photos): A busy weekend at the ramps once again and training continues for Delta crew with on-water training in rafting and recovery of a person overboard using our training dummy.

Barbecue Lunch Saturday 10 October - A full get together and barbecue lunch was held for all crews as a goodbye to Coast Guard and a welcome to Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) as this weekend marks the final round of crew weeks. It also provided the opportunity for an update around the transition to MRQ on the 9th of November and an opportunity to ask any questions.

Activations: There were three activations this week with one aborted on the way to the destination.

● Monday 5 October - A call was received at 12:37 from a Marine Assist member in a five metre runabout with four people on board. They were experiencing engine problems at Putney Beach on Great Keppel Island (Woppa) and requested a tow. Yeppoon Rescue Two with four volunteer crew members was dispatched and took the vessel under tow returning to Rosslyn Bay harbour at 14:15.

● Tuesday 6 October - A call was received at 10:19 from a Marine Assist member who couldn’t get the engine of his 6.1m runabout started at Outer Rock. Yeppoon Rescue Two set off with four volunteer crew members. When they were near Conical Rock they received a call to say that the owner and the other person on board had solved the problem and a tow was no longer needed. Yeppoon Rescue Two returned to base arriving at 11:37.

● Friday 9 October - At 11:09 a 13.7m yacht with two people on board reported that their engine wouldn’t start and they were unable to steer or anchor and were located in the mouth of the Fitzroy River. They were travelling south and they requested a tow to Cape Capricorn where Coast Guard Yeppoon would be able to hand over the tow to Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) Gladstone. The diesel engine would then be able to be repaired in Gladstone. This was agreed upon by both organisations and Yeppoon Rescue Two set out with four volunteer crew members. They took the vessel under tow in the mouth of the Fitzroy River and were able to successfully hand the tow over to MRQ Gladstone at Cape Capricorn. Coast Guard Yeppoon then returned to Rosslyn Bay harbour arriving at 17:00 after a long trip.

11/10/2026

SAFETY MESSAGE: Overloading

Overloading is one of the easiest ways to capsize your boat and contributes greatly to boating fatalities. The more weight in the boat, the lower the freeboard which increases the chances of swamping and lowers stability. Overpowering your vessel also causes overloading due to the increased weight. Overloading compromises the safety of everyone on board.

● Check for the Australian Builder’s Plate (ABP) attached to your vessel. The ABP is an information plate attached to most new powered recreational boats, including imported boats. The ABP provides essential information to a boat’s operator regarding the safe operation of a boat. It includes information such as the boat’s maximum loading capacity, maximum engine power, and the flotation performance of the boat in the case of an emergency.

● Know how to safely load your boat by:

● storing heavy items low and central in a place where they cannot move around.

● distributing the weight, including passengers, evenly throughout the boat

● compensating for the weight of extra fuel

07/10/2026

Rough winds created poor conditions at the start of the week but eased slightly for the weekend encouraging some boaters out on to the water for the last weekend of the school holidays. There were seventy-six vessels on the log across the four flotillas for the week. Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and the Water Police were also spotted out and about around the Keppels this weekend helping to keep boaters safe.



UPCOMING COURSES: There are no further courses planned for the month of October.



Just Held: Safe Boating 3 October. The course was well attended with ten members of the public once again appreciating the information and the opportunity to activate a flare safely.



FLOTILLA INFORMATION:

Public Service: Coast Guards Yeppoon, Rockhampton, and Keppel Sands provided safety vessels for the CapRoc regatta held on 3 - 5 October off Fisherman’s Beach at Emu Park. This regatta provided a variety of events such as an 11.5km marathon, an around Great Keppel Island (Woppa) change over race, and a downwind event from Emu Park to Farnborough beach. Many thanks to all the volunteers who gave up their time over the long weekend to make this a safer event. Conditions in the changeover event on Sunday certainly gave the crews some training in rough water.



Coast Guard Yeppoon QF11: A busy weekend at the ramps but encouragingly only two activations were required.

Sunday 4 October - A call was received at 09:30 from a boater in a 5.5m Cuddy cabin with two people on board which ran out of fuel in Keppel Bay. Yeppoon Rescue Two with four volunteer crew members and two trainees was dispatched to tow the vessel back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour. While on this activation a second call was received from a yellow flexihull acting as an es**rt boat in the Around Great Keppel change over outrigger canoe race. They had lost their steering in the vicinity of Great Keppel Island (Woppa) and needed a tow back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour. Yeppoon Rescue Two proceeded to this vessel, took it also under tow, and both vessels were brought back into the harbour arriving at 14:35.

05/10/2026

SAFETY MESSAGE: Basic Tool Kit for Boating

You need a tool kit when boating to handle sudden mechanical failures, perform emergency quick-fixes, and stay safe on the water where help can take time to arrive.

Suggestions for a basic toolkit:
● spark plug spanner and spark plugs (for petrol engines)

● small adjustable spanner that will fit the propeller

● pair of pliers

● metal file

● wire brush

● hacksaw and blade

● Phillips head and standard screwdriver

● spare fuel line

● electrical wiring

● insulation tape

● a can of water-displacing spray.

# Safetybyallmeans

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30/09/2026

Rough winds created poor conditions for boating on the weekend with only 95 vessels on the log across the four flotillas for the week.



Many thanks to the gentleman who reported a sick bird in the marina area to Coast Guard Yeppoon. This allowed us to contact the relevant agency for assistance. With Avian flu a possibility, it is important to report any sick wildlife that could be affected. If you see a sick animal please report it - do not touch the animals. To report, phone immediately:

o Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 (business hours), or

o Contact the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.

UPCOMING COURSES for October:

Safe Boating 3 October 0800-1130hrs - This free course will be held at the Coast Guard Yeppoon’s Operations centre. The course is a great introduction for new boaters or those new to the area and covers general safety and information regarding local boating. Enjoy a fun morning where you can learn how to safely use flares and different lifejackets, and improve your boating skills and knowledge. This course has no examination. Due to the use of flares in this course, closed footwear is required. For more information and to register, please call (07) 4933 6600.



FLOTILLA INFORMATION:

● Face to Face Meeting: On Saturday 26th November members of the Central Queensland flotillas were invited to a Face to Face meeting at Coast Guard Yeppoon operations centre with joint AVCGA/MRQ delegates. AVCGA National Commodore Matthew Semmens along with Deputy National Commodore David Taylor also joined in online. The purpose of the meeting was to provide AVCGA members with the required information about the transition process to MRQ and their constitutional rights during this process. This is ahead of the proposed transition date of the week beginning November 9. The meeting was well attended with many questions about the process asked and answered.

● Coxswain’s Grade 1 Course - On Sunday 27 November five QF11 members and one QF19 member continued their course with a practical diesel and electrical assessment.

ACTIVATIONS:

● Monday 21 September - A call was received at 13:45 from the owner of a 5.8m Cuddy cabin with four people on board (two adults and two children) who was at Barren Island with an engine that wouldn't tilt down. He didn’t have any tools so Yeppoon Rescue Two set out with four volunteer crew members and a flat bladed screwdriver that was able to solve the problem. With the motor now down he was able to make way back towards the harbour shadowed by Coast Guard for two thirds of the way. He then peeled off on his own way with Coast Guard Yeppoon arriving back at base at 15:35.

● Tuesday 22 September - A call was received at 9:30 from a 7.3m Cabin Cruiser with a blown motor with seven adults and five children on board. He requested a tow from Great Keppel Island (Woppa) back to Rosslyn Bay harbour. Yeppoon Rescue Two set out for the tow with four volunteer crew members. They returned to base with the boat in tow at 11:30.

27/09/2026

SAFETY MESSAGE: Boating with children.

Safety is the top priority when boating with children and is essential for a safe and enjoyable outing.

● Life Jackets https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Safety/Life-jackets - every child on board must have a properly fitted life jacket. In QLD children aged over one year and under 12 years must wear a lifejacket when on an open boat or in the open area of a boat of any length while it's underway.

● Supervision -

○ Assign a dedicated watcher -On a boat with multiple children, designate one adult whose primary job is watching the kids — not driving, fishing, or socialising.

○ Buddy system - In the water, pair children up so they look out for each other. No child should swim alone.

● Sun Protection - Time on the water intensifies UV exposure. The reflection from the water surface means UV hits from above and below.

● Hydration and snacks - Children dehydrate faster than adults, and the combination of sun, wind, and activity on the water accelerates fluid loss. Pack snacks that are easy to eat,

● Clear rules - Establish clear rules before departure e.g.

○ No running on the boat.

○ Stay seated when the boat is moving.

○ Always ask before getting in the water.

○ Always keep your hands inside the boat.

# Safetybyallmeans

A lifejacket is a vital piece of safety equipment that could save your life. Put the lifejacket on as part of your pre-trip preparation. It is a lot harder to put a lifejacket on during an emergency and almost impossible to put it on when you are in the water.

23/09/2026

Coast Guard – Central Qld Squadron Media Release 20260920

Busy day on the ramps on Sunday as the milder winds tempted boaters out to enjoy the start of the school holidays. Overall, there were 119 trips logged across the region. This is just a small fraction of the vessels that took to the water so hopefully everyone else has made sure that they have told someone where they are going and when they are expected back.



Big shout out to Levi who found the missing tender from Lady Peggy on Saturday and hung around until someone could collect it - much appreciated.

UPCOMING COURSES for October:

Safe Boating 3 October 0800-1130hrs - This free course will be held at the Coast Guard Yeppoon’s Operations centre. The course is a great introduction for new boaters or those new to the area and covers general safety and information regarding local boating. Enjoy a fun morning where you can learn how to safely use flares and different lifejackets and improve your boating skills and knowledge. This course has no examination. Due to the use of flares in this course, closed footwear is required. For more information and to register, please call (07) 4933 6600.

Just Held: A CPR and First Aid course was held on Saturday 19 September which attracted 17 Coast Guard Yeppoon crew members. This was the largest first aid course completed at Coast Guard Yeppoon operations centre with many members seeking to renew their qualifications a little early ahead of the changeover to Marine Rescue Queensland. It was also the first course with our new presenter, Lisa Hurring, who willingly shared her expertise to provide an engaging and informative experience.

ACTIVATIONS: Two activations (one of which was cancelled on the outward journey)

● Saturday 19 September: At 0914hrs assistance was requested by the sole rider of a jet ski that would not start. Yeppoon Rescue Two responded with five volunteer crew members on board and met the jet ski at Secret Bay, Great Keppel Island (Woppa). They towed the jet ski back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps, returning to base at 1150hrs. On both legs of their journey, they kept a look out for a missing tender from Lady Peggy which was last observed drifting near Sloping Island but had no sighting of it. It was subsequently found by a member of the boating public between Pumpkin Island and Sloping Island.

● Sunday 20 September: At 0610hrs the owner and one of two adults on board a 6m cuddy cabin located at North Keppel Island (Konomie) called for assistance due to engine failure. They reported that the single outboard engine had stopped working and that oil was leaking through the engine cowling. Yeppoon Rescue Two responded with five volunteer crew members on board, but the activation was cancelled soon after leaving Rosslyn Bay Harbour, as the stricken vessel recontacted to inform that a friend was towing him back to the harbour. The crew returned to base at 0745hrs.

20/09/2026

SAFETY MESSAGE: Safety advice for paddling on the sea.

Keppel Bay and the Keppels provide many beautiful areas to go paddling on small watercraft like SUPs, sea kayaks, surf skis, and canoes. Whilst the weather is now warming up, conditions, currents, and tides can however change quickly, and the sea that you headed out on may not be so calm when you try to return!

Stay safe:

● Check the marine weather forecast and tide times. If conditions worsen, paddle to the nearest shore immediately.

● Tell someone your plan, route, and return time, and it’s best to write these down too for others to reference and to prevent forgotten information.

● Stay close to shore unless experienced and try to paddle with others.

● Wear a properly fitted life jacket as required for your area and craft.

● Wear bright clothing for the temperature and sun exposure.

● If crossing open water or any area transited by boats, consider fitting a pole light to your craft so that you are easier for boaters to spot.

● In an emergency, stay with your craft: it’s easier to spot than a person in the water! Carry communication equipment such as a waterproof VHF radio or mobile phone in a dry pouch and call for help on Channel 16. Consider purchasing a personal locator beacon if you are planning to go on long trips.

# Safetybyallmeans

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15/09/2026

Coast Guard – Central Qld Squadron Media Release 20260913

What a difference the weather makes - strong winds kept numbers low on the water this week with only forty-two vessels on the log. No calls for assistance were made - nothing happened except training! The marine forecast has more of the same leading into next week. Even if the morning does dawn clear and still, check the forecasts and expect gusting winds to pick up from mid-morning onwards.



UPCOMING COURSES for September: The following course will be held at the Coast Guard Yeppoon Operations Centre, Rosslyn Bay Harbour, and are open to the public. To register, please call on 07 4933 6600, or visit in person.

First Aid:

● Date: Saturday 19 September 08:30 - 15:30 hrs

● Info: First aid certificates are valid for three years, whilst CPR certifications must be refreshed annually

● 2-6 hours duration

● Cost: $150 (First Aid) or $70 (CPR only) for the public.



FLOTILLA INFORMATION:

Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) officials visited all four Central Queensland Flotillas this week with suitcases full of MRQ uniforms for members to try on. The new uniform is blue with yellow inserts and members will be provided with two full sets of working uniforms, hats, warm and wet weather gear, a dress uniform, and even shoes.

The transfer to MRQ is getting closer, and you will soon see us sporting our new uniforms. While we may look different there will still be the same familiar people and the same commitment to safety at sea. As with any transition there will be teething problems and we ask for patience as we navigate the process.

Coast Guard Yeppoon QF11: QF11 Yeppoon monitors communications (radio and telephone) from Friday to Monday 06:00 - 18:00 each week and provides safety coverage 24/7 for the boating community in the area bounded by Townshend Island in the north, Cape Capricorn in the south and Douglas Shoals in the East (~55 Nautical miles from the coast). Regular training is held to maintain skills in all weather conditions.