Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) has issued a critical reminder to masters of recreational boats about the dangers of breaching collision regulations in busy shipping lanes.

The safety reminder follows the prosecution of the skipper of catamaran Sensation, who was fined $6000 in the Sandgate magistrates court for causing a near miss with a chemical tanker.

The incident occurred on 21 May last year, when 146-metre chemical tanker Fairchem Restio was forced to take evasive action twice after the 15-metre catamaran crossed into its path while returning from Moreton Island to Manly Boat Harbour.

Despite attempts by the tanker’s marine pilot to contact the catamaran via VHF radio, Sensation’s skipper failed to respond, leading the pilot to suspect the vessel was on autopilot.

The court heard the skipper remained unaware of the imminent danger he had created, endangering not only his crew, including four children, but also the tanker and its crew.

The $6000 fine was deemed appropriate to serve as a deterrent and reinforce the need for compliance with the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 and International Collision Regulations.

MSQ said the incident highlights the life-threatening risks posed when small vessels fail to maintain a proper lookout in designated shipping channels.

“This Court outcome should serve as a reminder to skippers of small vessels they should keep a proper lookout and avoid shipping lanes in our ports,” said Kell Dillon, MSQ general manager.

“Large trading ships can take up to two nautical miles or ten minutes to stop and cannot change course quickly. If forced to alter course, they could run aground with potentially very serious consequences for the ship and the environment.

“More importantly, lives are put at severe risk, most particularly those onboard the smaller vessel. MSQ has grown increasingly concerned that some skippers of recreational vessels do not appreciate how difficult it is for large ships to see and avoid them if they get in the way.”

Mr Dillon said the Collision Regulations exist for a good reason – to save lives and property.

MSQ said it urges all vessel masters to maintain a proper lookout and exercise caution in busy shipping channels to prevent such dangerous incidents.