Queensland’s New Life Jacket Rules (2024–2025): What Every Skipper and PWC Rider Needs to Know
Boat Licence Queensland | BoatingTheory.com.au
Queensland has introduced new life-jacket (PFD) laws starting 1 December 2024, tightening safety for open boats, bar crossings, and PWCs.
These updates align with the latest Australian Standard AS 4758 life-jacket categories:
Level 100
Level 50
Level 50S
Below is a clear summary of the new rules so you can stay compliant and safe on the water.
1. When You MUST Wear a Life Jacket in Queensland
Under the new rules, simply having a PFD onboard is no longer enough — you must wear it in several common boating situations.
1.1 Boating Alone in an Open Boat
If you’re boating alone — or only with children under 12 — in an open boat under 4.8 meters and the vessel is underway, you must wear a lifejacket appropriate to the waters (AS 4758)
Tinnies, punts, and open runabouts are included.
1.2 Between Sunset and Sunrise
Everyone in an open boat under 4.8 metres must wear a lifejacket while underway between sunset and sunrise. The lifejacket level must be appropriate to the waters and activity (AS 4758).
1.3 Crossing a Designated Coastal Bar
When crossing any designated coastal bar (e.g. Gold Coast Seaway, Jumpinpin, Currumbin, Noosa, Caloundra, Wide Bay etc.), a lifejacket must be worn:
on any open boat, and
in any open area of a boat of any length.
The lifejacket level must be appropriate to the waters and activity (AS 4758).
1.4 Children 1–12 Years Old
All children aged 1 to under 12 must wear a lifejacket while underway:
on an open boat of any length, or
in the open area of any vessel.
The lifejacket level must be appropriate to the waters and activity (AS 4758).
2. Understanding “Open Boat” and “Open Area”
Open boat: no permanent cabin or enclosed space (e.g. tinnies, small centre consoles).
Open area: any deck space outside an enclosed cabin — including cockpits and foredecks on cruisers or half-cabins.
If you’re exposed to the elements, it’s an “open area,” and the mandatory-wear rules apply.
3. Special Rule: Bar Crossings on Small Craft and PWCs
All people on small craft (dinghies, kayaks, surf skis, sea kayaks, rafts, or sailing dinghies) must wear a lifejacket while crossing a designated coastal bar. The lifejacket level must be appropriate to the waters and activity (AS 4758).
Bodyboards, surfboards, and SUPs remain exempt — though wearing a PFD is strongly advised.
PWC riders must wear a Level 50 or Level 50S lifejacket depending on the waters being operated in (AS 4758).
4. Life-Jacket Standards: AS 4758 (Level 100, 50 and 50s)
By 1 September 2025, every lifejacket carried or worn on a recreational vessel in Queensland must meet Australian Standard AS 4758.
Level 100
- Suitable for open waters and higher-risk boating environments.
- Can also be used in smooth and partially smooth waters.
(The law requires wearing a lifejacket in certain situations — not specifically a Level 100.) - The correct lifejacket level depends on the waters and activity in accordance with AS 4758 guidance.
Level 50
- Brightly coloured, medium buoyancy.
- Suitable for smooth waters and partially smooth waters
- Common for PWC riders and high-speed inshore boating.
- Commonly used for inshore boating and PWC riding.
Level 50S
- “S” = Special Purpose (sports use).
- Similar buoyancy to Level 50 but not necessarily bright colours.
- Approved only for smooth waters such as lakes, rivers, and impoundments.
- Often used for watersports and PWC freestyle within smooth-water zones.
- Not approved for partially smooth or offshore waters.
⚠️ Important Safety Note: Level100 Life Jackets and PWCs
MSQ guidance advises that Level 100 lifejackets are not suitable for use when riding PWCs due to impact and mobility risks.
Although they provide the highest buoyancy and are designed to keep your head above water, the large collar and neck support can cause serious neck or spinal injuries if a PWC rider impacts the water at high speed.
Queensland’s maritime safety guidance specifically prohibits level 100 jackets for PWC riders.
Instead, PWC users must wear:
- Level 50S in smooth waters – lightweight and flexible for freedom of movement.
- Level 50 in partially smooth or coastal waters – bright colour, secure fit without a neck collar.
5. What This Means for You
Boat Skippers
- Ensure every person wear a lifejacket appropriate to the waters (AS 4758) in all mandatory conditions.
- Store jackets in an easy-to-reach place clearly marked “LIFE JACKET.”
- Before any bar crossing, confirm all passengers have them on and fastened.
PWC (Jet Ski) Riders
- Must always wear an approved Level 50 PFD meeting AS 4758.
- Smooth waters → Level 50S allowed.
- Partially smooth/coastal waters → Level 50 required.
- Level 100 life jackets are prohibited for PWC use due to injury risk.
Parents & Carers
Children aged 1–12 must wear a lifejacket while underway in open boats or open areas. The lifejacket level must be appropriate to the waters and activity (AS 4758).
Children on PWCs must wear a correctly fitted Level 50 or Level 50S lifejacket.
Fast Compliance Checklist
Lifejackets must be worn in these situations:
• Solo (or only with children under 12) in an open boat under 4.8 m while underway
• Between sunset and sunrise in an open boat under 4.8 m while underway
• Crossing a designated coastal bar
• Children aged 1–12 in an open boat or open area while underway
Choose the correct lifejacket level for the waters:
• Level 50 → partially smooth waters
• Level 50S → smooth waters only
• Level 100/150/275 → open waters (and suitable for smooth/partially smooth)
PWC riders:
• Smooth waters → Level 50S
• Partially smooth/coastal → Level 50
• Level 100 not used for PWC riding in Queensland
Key Takeaways
• Queensland’s updated rules focus on wearing lifejackets during higher-risk boating activities.
• In the listed situations, the requirement is to wear a lifejacket — not a specific level.
• The lifejacket level must be suitable for the waters and activity (AS 4758).
• Level 50 = partially smooth waters
• Level 50S = smooth waters
• Level 100/150/275 = open waters
• PWC riders wear Level 50 or 50S depending on water type.
• By 1 September 2025, lifejackets must meet Australian Standard AS 4758.
Stay Safe and Compliant with Boat Licence Queensland
At Boat Licence Queensland along with www.boatingtheory.com.au our training covers the latest Queensland Marine Safety Regulations, including these new life-jacket wear requirements and AS 4758 level 100/50/50S standards.
Before your next trip — especially if you cross the Gold Coast Seaway or Jumpinpin Bar — make sure everyone on board has the right jacket on and done up.
Your life jacket only works if you’re wearing it !!
Copyright 2025 – Boat Licence Queensland – www.boatlicencequeensland.com.au
