Coast Guard Keppel Sands QF20

Coast Guard Keppel Sands QF20 Radio Frequencies monitored: General: VHF 21,22, Emergency: VHF 16,67 Discount on membership fee for regular raffle supporters.

What We Do
Coast Guard CQ cover an area from as far south to Cape Capricorn, north to Percy Group, east to the Swains and the bounds of the Fitzroy river and waterways. Australian Volunteer Coast Guard - Keppel Sands - Monitoring Marine Radio:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
06:00 to 18:00

Coast Guard Yeppoon will respond to any radio calls to Coast Guard Keppel Sands 06:00 - 18:00 all othe

r days

Call Sign: VMR 471 Coast Guard Keppel Sands

Radio Frequencies Monitored:
VHF 16, 21, 22
27Mhz 86, 88
Resuming soon:
MF/HF 2182, 2524, 4125, 6215, 8291

QF20MarineAssist
The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, Keppel Sands is staffed entirely by volunteers providing radio monitoring and a marine search and rescue service. In addition to some State Government funding, we raise our funds from interested members of the public including our Marine Assist Contributors, major sponsors and fund raising. CONTRIBUTOR LEVELS:
•PWC – Limited Personal Water Craft (Jet-Skis; Kayaks; & Boats under 3 metres) - an area bounded by Waterpark Point, Keppel Islands to Cape Keppel.
•LR – Limited Recreational (traditional membership level) - an area bounded by Cape Manifold, Perforated Island, Barren Island, Hummocky Island to Cape Capricorn.
•OR – Open Recreational - an area bounded by Island Head Creek, North West Island, Masthead Island to the southern end of Curtis Island. MARINE ASSIST FEATURES:
Unique identifying number, no longer required to provide a trip sheet provided you log on and off by radio. Assistance on the water

Weather forecasts on request.
15% discount on Suncorp Boat insurance. UPGRADE:
Contributors may upgrade to another category at any time by paying a pro-rata fee. CONTRIBUTION:
Your contribution will apply to a single boat owner or joint owners for a specific vessel and is not transferable on change of ownership of the vessel. Contribution commences on lodgement of an application and payment of the chosen fee. TRAINING:
Coast Guard Yeppoon is an accredited training centre for Marine Radio. Marine Assist contributors may undertake a one-day training course and the examination to obtain a Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency. Marine radios do not require registration but VHF operators are required to hold a Certificate of Proficiency. SPONSORSHIP
Our current major sponsor is: Central Highlands Safety Services

WHAT WE DO
Coast Guard plays an extremely important role in the safety of mariners around our vast Australian coastline, far out to sea, and in many of our inland waterways. Each year Coast Guard volunteers perform thousands of activations. Rescues range from assisting sinking vessels, vessels with flat batteries and other mechanical problems, vessels that have run aground and often towing these disabled vessels back to safe harbour. As well, when emergencies arise, Coast Guard is often called upon to perform Medivac responses from hard to reach islands and beaches and to provide crucial search and rescue functions for persons who may be lost or missing at sea or in other waterways. Our vessels must be maintained to commercial standards and be ready to respond 24 hours per day, every single day of the year. This takes a great deal of dedication from our volunteers to fundraise the money needed to keep these vessels ready to respond at any time. Coast Guard also maintains radio safety watches along many parts of the coastline and some inland waterways on VHF, 27MHz and HF frequencies with weather reports available on request.

Coast Guard – Central Qld Squadron Media Release 20260906Glorious weather during the week plus a student free day on Fri...
10/09/2026

Coast Guard – Central Qld Squadron Media Release 20260906

Glorious weather during the week plus a student free day on Friday 4 September, saw 238 boaters on the water across the region. It was pleasing that out of this number only 9 vessels needed Coast Guard assistance.

UPCOMING COURSES for September: The following courses will be held at Yeppoon Flotilla, Rosslyn Bay Harbour, and are open to the public. To register, please call Coast Guard Yeppoon on 4933 6600, or visit in person. Our courses fill quickly, so give us a call.
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.
Just Held: The Marine Radio Licence course attracted nine attendees with four public members and five Coast Guard members, two of whom were brushing up on their skills. All were successful in obtaining their marine radio operator’s licence.

FLOTILLA INFORMATION:
Coast Guard Keppel Sands QF20: Coast Guard Keppel Sands provides a Radio listening watch for the Capricorn Coast on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6am to 6pm. The service covers Channel 16 (emergency) and Channels 21 and 22. Our crew is on standby for assistance, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Regular training is held so the crews are ready to assist vessels in the Keppel Bay area.
You can log your trips by calling on Channels 21 or 22, Phone 49344906 or using the QR Code signs at the boat ramps. Yeppoon log-ins come to us automatically on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and ours go automatically to Yeppoon on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
We welcome visitors to our centre on the top of Limpus Heights (South Bluff), Keppel Sands, where there is a wonderful view from our lookout point, of Long Beach down to the mouth of the Fitzroy River, Keppel Bay, and the Islands in the bay.

Coast Guard Rockhampton QF19: QF19 Rockhampton maintains 24/7 safety coverage for the commercial and recreational boating communities along the Fitzroy River region. The areas of coverage include the Fitzroy River freshwater section from the barrage to the current water ski area, the Fitzroy River tidal section out to Curtis Island, and the Port Alma area to a location halfway down the Narrows channel. QF19 can be contacted any time on 0428 580 646.

Coast Guard Thirsty Sound QF24: QF24 is located at Stanage Bay and is always on the alert through the northern regions on VHF Channels 81 and 83. Be sure to log on as you travel through that area.

Coast Guard Yeppoon QF11: Glorious weather and boating conditions resulted in a remarkably busy weekend for Delta Crew, with nine activations (three on Friday, four on Saturday, and two on Sunday), many of which overlapped! All three rescue boats were used, including the small trailer vessel RIB RV McDonald’s.
ACTIVATIONS:
Friday 04 September:
● At 12:30 two adults aboard a 6.15m centre console vessel requested assistance due to a fuel issue preventing its engine from running. Yeppoon Rescue Two with three volunteer crew members met the vessel in Keppel Bay, halfway between Rosslyn Bay and North Keppel Island (Konomie), taking it under tow. The crew berthed the vessel safely at the Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps and returned to base at 13:45. The vessel owner was a new Marine Assist member.
● At 14:50 two adults on board a four metre jet ski requested a tow due to an inability to start the engine. Yeppoon Rescue Two headed out with three volunteer crew members on board, meeting the jet ski riders at Putney Beach, Great Keppel Island (Woppa). As this jet ski did not have a tow tap, the crew applied the emergency jet ski skin that covers the engine intake and exhaust. This prevents water being forced into and damaging the engine whilst under tow, enabling tows to be completed at normal speeds. The crew towed the jet ski back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps, completing the activation at 17:00.
● Yeppoon Rescue Two was not back long before receiving another call for assistance at 17:10 for an RIB located at Great Keppel Island (Woppa). After a quick crew change, three volunteer crew members headed out into a beautiful sunset to meet the stranded boaters at Fisherman’s Beach. This vessel, a 5.2m centre console RIB with three adults and one child on board, could not be started. It was located at the water’s edge, so the crew nosed up to the vessel to pass over the tow line and then pulled them off the beach. This tow was berthed after dark at the public ramps of Rosslyn Bay Harbour, with the crew returning to base at 19:30.

Saturday 05 September:
● At 10.55 the owner of a vessel located just SSE of Sloping Island requested assistance due to a breakdown. This vessel, a 5.1m aluminium plate boat, had two adults and two children aboard. Yeppoon Rescue One responded with six volunteer crew members and took the vessel under tow back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps. The crew returned to base at 12:10.
● At 13:42 assistance was requested by the sole rider of another jet ski claimed by Great Keppel Island (Woppa). This 5m fishing jet ski would not start and required a tow. Nine volunteer crew members responded aboard Yeppoon Rescue Two and towed the vessel back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps, returning to base at 11:23.
● At 14:15 the owner of a 4.3m side console vessel with two adults on board requested a tow due to steering failure. Yeppoon Rescue Two headed back out with six volunteer crew members and met the boat at Putney Beach, Great Keppel Island (Woppa). This was towed to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps, with the crew returning to base at 16:00.
● At 14:24 Yeppoon Rescue Two had just departed base when a call for help came in from two adults aboard a 5.7m cuddy cabin at Iron Pot Island (Bluff Rock). This vessel had a flat battery and could not be started. Seven volunteer crew members responded aboard Yeppoon Rescue One and towed this vessel back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps, returning to base at 14:56.

Sunday 06 September:
● At 10:29 two adults on board a jet ski called for help after their engine broke down in Statue Bay. Three volunteer crew members responded aboard RV McDonald’s and towed this vessel the short distance into the public ramps at Rosslyn Bay Harbour, completing the activation at 11:15.
● At 13:21 assistance was requested from a 5.3m vessel located at Leeke’s Beach, Great Keppel Island (Woppa). This vessel, with two adults and three children aboard, had broken down. Yeppoon Rescue Two responded with six volunteer crew members and towed the vessel back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps, returning to base at 15:00.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Navigation Hazard (see photo).
On Saturday 5 September what appears to be an Indonesian Ghost net (yellow, semi-submerged object approximately four metres in length was reported by Coast Guard Yeppoon to Maritime Safety Queensland. The object is described as cylindrical in shape, with netting wrapped around it, and presents a potential navigation hazard. At the time of sighting the object was located at -22 degrees 51.419 minutes S, 150 degrees 53.321 minutes E up near Stockyard Point.
This serves as a reminder to always keep a constant lookout while boating, not just for whales now, but for debris as well.

Coast Guard – Central Qld Squadron Media Release 20260830Reasonably calm weather during the week tempted boaters onto th...
02/09/2026

Coast Guard – Central Qld Squadron Media Release 20260830

Reasonably calm weather during the week tempted boaters onto the water. As the winds increased at the end of the week however, there were only seventeen vessels logged on over Saturday and Sunday out of the 135 for the week across the region.

UPCOMING COURSES for September: The following courses will be held at Yeppoon Flotilla, Rosslyn Bay Harbour, and are open to the public. To register, please call Coast Guard Yeppoon on 4933 6600, or visit in person. Our courses fill quickly, so give us a call.
* Marine Radio Licence: Saturday 05 September 08:15 - 14:15 hrs
Cost: $250 for public, or $220 for Marine Assist members
Info: The course covers VHF marine radios, plus MF and HF training too for those seeking additional training. This course includes an examination.
Required: Please bring your driver’s licence as well as your Unique Student Identifier (USI) number: usi.gov.au/create.
* First Aid/CPR: 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:
Coxswain Training: Coxswain training for the Central Queensland flotillas continued with some aspiring coxswains finishing their practical assessment on Monday 24 August in the waters off Yeppoon and others from Coast Guard Thirsty Sound being assessed on Sunday 30 August.

Coast Guard Keppel Sands QF20: Coast Guard Keppel Sands provides a Radio listening watch for the Capricorn Coast on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6am to 6pm. The service covers Channel 16 (emergency) and Channels 21 and 22. Our crew is on standby for assistance, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Regular training is held so the crews are ready to assist vessels in the Keppel Bay area.
You can log your trips by calling on Channels 21 or 22, Phone 49344906 or using the QR Code signs at the boat ramps. Yeppoon log-ins come to us automatically on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and ours go automatically to Yeppoon on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
We welcome visitors to our centre on the top of Limpus Heights (South Bluff), Keppel Sands, where there is a wonderful view from our lookout point, of Long Beach down to the mouth of the Fitzroy River, Keppel Bay, and the Islands in the bay.

Coast Guard Rockhampton QF19: QF19 Rockhampton maintains 24/7 safety coverage for the commercial and recreational boating communities along the Fitzroy River region. The areas of coverage include the Fitzroy River freshwater section from the barrage to the current water ski area, the Fitzroy River tidal section out to Curtis Island, and the Port Alma area to a location halfway down the Narrows channel. QF19 can be contacted any time on 0428 580 646.

Coast Guard Thirsty Sound QF24: QF24 is located at Stanage Bay and is always on the alert through the northern regions on VHF Channels 81 and 83. Be sure to log on as you travel through that area.

Coast Guard Yeppoon QF11:
Vale Vivienne (Viv) Semple: It was with great sadness that members of the CQ Flotillas attended the funeral of Vivienne Semple on Friday 28 September. Viv joined QF11 in July 1986 and became heavily involved in the organisation in the roles of Quartermaster, Purser, and fund raiser in its formative years. Our thoughts are with her family at this time.
Activations: Just one activation during this increasingly windy week, but it was another long twelve-hour job for our volunteers.
* Wednesday 26 August: At 1330 a solo yachtsman aboard a 12.5m monohull requested assistance from just south of Dome Reef. The vessel had just motored east out of Pearl Bay when it suffered a fuel blockage, and the yachtie reported that he was unable to effectively manoeuvre by sail. Four volunteer crew members responded aboard Yeppoon Rescue Two and took the vessel under tow at around 1630, averaging eight knots on the return journey. This long return transit took six hours down to Rosslyn Bay Marina, where the yacht was assisted to a mooring. The crew returned to base extremely late at 2310 following a transit spanning nearly 95 nautical miles.
Training: Charlie crew undertook training in rafting and berthing using Yeppoon Rescue One and Two in the strong winds to improve their skills in this vital part of rescues.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Speed safety - Refer to https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Waterways/Speed-limits for more information.
Maximum speed limits apply in boating areas throughout Queensland. There are penalties and on-the-spot fines for exceeding a speed limit. For safety reasons, it may also be necessary to stay well below these limits depending on the conditions at the time, for example, harsh weather.
The following speed restrictions apply throughout Queensland whether speed limit signs for the area are present or not.
A speed limit of six knots applies within 30m of:
* a person in the water
* a boat at anchor, moored, made fast to the shore or aground.
* a jetty, wharf, boat ramp, or pontoon in or on the waters in boat harbours, marina, and canals.

Different rules for speed and distance apply to personal watercraft (jet skis). You must reduce your speed to no more than six knots if you are within 60m of:
* people in the water
* anchored or moored boats, structures, boat ramps, jetties, or pontoons
* the boundary of a bathing reserve (check with your local council for locations)
*the shore.

Even at slow speeds your boat will create a wash. Look behind at your wash and be aware of the impacts this can have on the other boats, people in the water or on the shore. Travelling at the speed shown on a speed restriction sign does not guarantee you are not creating excessive wash. When navigating near, in, or through a mooring area drive slowly and keep wash to a minimum and keep a lookout for people in the water, small dinghies and trailing ropes.

# Safetybyallmeans

Coast Guard – Central Qld Squadron Media Release 20260823Very windy during the week but settled a little over the weeken...
26/08/2026

Coast Guard – Central Qld Squadron Media Release 20260823
Very windy during the week but settled a little over the weekend. Many vessels took the opportunity to get out early in the week. There were eighty-five vessels on the log for the region over the week.
UPCOMING COURSES: There are no further courses scheduled for August.
September: 5 September Radio Course - Under federal regulations, you need an operating certificate to use a VHF and HF radio. This course will provide you with this certification. The course will be held at the Coast Guard Yeppoon Operations Centre with registration opening at 08:15 with a start time of 08:30 and finishing at 14:15. There will be a cost for the course to cover the licence and there will be an examination at the end. You will need to bring your Driver’s licence with you plus your Unique Student Identifier (USI).
Just Held: On Wednesday 19 August, 10 families (30 adults and children) involved in the Home Schooling Program visited Coast Guard Yeppoon. They were taken on a tour of the base, watched a version of the Safe Boating Course, and toured the vessels which proved the highlight of the trip.

FLOTILLA INFORMATION:
* Coast Guard Keppel Sands QF20: Coast Guard Keppel Sands provides a Radio listening watch for the Capricorn Coast on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6am to 6pm. The service covers Channel 16 (emergency) and Channels 21 and 22. Our crew is on standby for assistance, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Regular training is held so the crews are ready to assist vessels in the Keppel Bay area.
You can log your trips by calling on Channels 21 or 22, Phone 49344906 or using the QR Code signs at the boat ramps. Yeppoon log-ins come to us automatically on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and ours go automatically to Yeppoon on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. We welcome visitors to our centre on the top of Limpus Heights (South Bluff), Keppel Sands, where there is a wonderful view from our lookout point, of Long Beach down to the mouth of the Fitzroy River, Keppel Bay, and the Islands in the bay.
* Coast Guard Rockhampton QF19: QF19 Rockhampton maintains 24/7 safety coverage for the commercial and recreational boating communities along the Fitzroy River region. The areas of coverage include the Fitzroy River freshwater section from the barrage to the current water ski area, the Fitzroy River tidal section out to Curtis Island, and the Port Alma area to a location halfway down the Narrows channel. QF19 can be contacted any time on 0428 580 646.
* Coast Guard Thirsty Sound QF24: QF24 is located at Stanage Bay and is always on the alert through the northern regions on VHF Channels 81 and 83. Be sure to log on as you travel through that area.
* Coast Guard Yeppoon QF11: Bi-Monthly Meeting 18 August: At the bi-monthly meeting on 18 August we welcomed the following people who are keen to volunteer their time to keep boaters safe at sea as well as reward those who already volunteer so much of their time to help others:
• Memberships:
o New Members: R. Tout, E. Pringle, C. Stanley-Hunt, W. Kalecinski, D. Parker, B. Parker, S. Dening
o Regular Membership: D. Boyce, R. Braziatis, C. Palk, R. Ciesiolka, B. Bradbury, M. Boustead, R. Petersen, B. Fitzsimmons, J. Fitzsimmons, C. Leah, D. Rigby, C. Rivett, L. Styles, N. Styles, S. Tipman, A. Van Den Oetelaar, N. Vardy, K. Vaughan, D. Vidler, C. Voce
o Transfer of Membership: D. Rigby to QF11 from Victoria, M. Shyne to QF11 from Tin Can Bay
• Awards: 300 Activations – A. Sleeman, 100 Activations – I. Purves, 5 year Service Award - P. McIndoe
Activations: After a blustery week with very little action, Yeppoon Flotilla responded to four activations over the weekend, two of which covered some long distances.
• Saturday 22 August: At 1259 the owner and one of five adults aboard an 8.5m cabin cruiser requested assistance due to a blown gearbox. This vessel could not transit home and was located quite a way out to sea at Johnson’s Patch, 40 nautical miles (74km) ENE of Rosslyn Bay Harbour. Yeppoon Rescue Two with six volunteer crew members responded, meeting the vessel shortly before 1500 and taking it under tow. This was a long, slow transit and took over four hours to return to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps. After nearly seven hours on this activation, the crew returned to base shortly before 2000hrs. The total distance for this activation was around 80 nautical miles (150km).
• Saturday 22 August: At 1430 a second call for assistance was received from two jet ski riders out at Great Keppel Island (Woppa). This jet ski was located at Putney Beach and required a tow. Yeppoon Rescue One responded with seven volunteer crew members and towed the jet ski back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps at five knots, returning to base in 1700.
• Sunday 23 August: Early on Sunday, at 0656, Queensland Police activated Yeppoon Coast Guard regarding a vessel in trouble a significant distance away north of Karamea Bank. This vessel, a 9m power catamaran with one solo occupant aboard, had a flat battery and its engine could not be started. Yeppoon Rescue One headed out and at around noon (after 4:45 hours transit) located the vessel 80 nautical miles (145km) NE of Rosslyn Bay Harbour, at a position 15km SE of Bell’s Reef, part of the Swain’s Reef complex. The vessel was taken under tow for the slow journey back to base, and at time of writing are still underway. Due to the target vessel weight and size the rescue boat is only traveling at 10kts, half the speed of its outward journey as such the crew are expected to return to base after another 8-9 hours at around 2100hrs this evening. The total distance of this journey will be over 160 nautical miles (>300km), with a total duration of 14hrs.
• Sunday 23 August: At 1235 two adult occupants of an 8m half cabin cruiser requested assistance due to breaking down just NE of North Keppel Island (Konomie). Yeppoon Rescue Two responded with five volunteer crew members, taking the vessel under tow back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps. The crew returned to base at 1520.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Safety and planning for multi-day boating trips
Heading out to the reef for a few days of fishing is one of the best parts of boating in Queensland, but the further offshore and the longer you're away, the more a small problem can turn into a big one. This is especially important for longer trips, where assistance takes a long time even once the alarm is raised.
Log a trip/float plan with your local Coast Guard or Marine Rescue base before you leave, giving your route, anchorages, and expected return time, and update us if your plans change. It's best to do this over the phone or online so that we also get your vehicle and trailer registration details. If you are late checking in or returning, and we cannot reach you, checking the boat ramp car park tells us straight away whether you're overdue out on the water or have simply already returned and forgotten to log off. This makes a real difference to how quickly and where we start looking.
A few practical tips for the trip itself:
• Fuel: Plan on the "rule of thirds" — a third out, a third back, a third in reserve for wind, current, or a detour — and carry extra in secure, well-stowed containers if your tanks don't give you that margin.
• Water and provisions: Pack more freshwater than you think you'll need, especially in summer heat, and keep a few days' reserve separate from your everyday supply in case the trip runs long.
• Breakdown contingency: Carry basic spares (belts, impellers, fuses, a spare battery, or jump-start pack) and know how to raise help — VHF, HF, or satellite phone/EPIRB — if you can't self-recover.
• Regular check-ins: Schedule a set time each day to call in "all good" to your shore contact or Coast Guard. A missed check-in is what gets help looking for you before a flat battery or fouled prop turns into hours adrift unnoticed.
# Safetybyallmeans

Coast Guard – Central Qld Squadron Media Release 20260816Windy weather on the weekend kept boating numbers low but kinde...
18/08/2026

Coast Guard – Central Qld Squadron Media Release 20260816

Windy weather on the weekend kept boating numbers low but kinder weather early in the week allowed boaters out with ninety-seven boats logged on during the week.
UPCOMING COURSES: There are no courses scheduled for August.

FLOTILLA INFORMATION:
Coast Guard Keppel Sands QF20: Coast Guard Keppel Sands provides a Radio listening watch for the Capricorn Coast on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6am to 6pm. The service covers Channel 16 (emergency) and Channels 21 and 22. Our crew is on standby for assistance, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Regular training is held so the crews are ready to assist vessels in the Keppel Bay area.
You can log your trips by calling on Channels 21 or 22, Phone 07 4934 4906 or using the QR Code signs at the boat ramps. Yeppoon log-ins come to us automatically on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and ours go automatically to Yeppoon on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
We welcome visitors to our centre on the top of Limpus Heights (South Bluff), Keppel Sands, where there is a wonderful view from our lookout point, of Long Beach down to the mouth of the Fitzroy River, Keppel Bay, and the Islands in the bay.

Coast Guard Rockhampton QF19: QF19 Rockhampton maintains 24/7 safety coverage for the commercial and recreational boating communities along the Fitzroy River region. The areas of coverage include the Fitzroy River freshwater section from the barrage to the current water ski area, the Fitzroy River tidal section out to Curtis Island, and the Port Alma area to a location halfway down the Narrows channel. QF19 can be contacted any time on 0428 580 646.

Coast Guard Thirsty Sound QF24: QF24 is located at Stanage Bay and is always on the alert through the northern regions on VHF Channels 81 and 83. Be sure to log on as you travel through that area.

Coast Guard Yeppoon QF11:
Activations: This week Yeppoon Flotilla undertook three activations including a medical evacuation. They also engaged in helicopter training with CapRescue.
* Wednesday 12 August: At 1219 the owner and sole rider aboard a jet ski requested assistance due to engine breakdown. Yeppoon Rescue Two responded with three volunteer crew members and met the vessel on Fisherman’s Beach, Great Keppel Island (Woppa), towing it back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps. The crew returned to base at 1430.
* Wednesday 12 August: At 1656 the owner and one of three adults on board a 6.6m runabout requested assistance due to engine breakdown. This vessel was located near Manifold Island, east of Stockyard Point, so quite a distance from home. Yeppoon Rescue Two responded with four volunteer crew members and through uncomfortable conditions at sea state five towed the vessel back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps. The crew returned to base well past dinnertime at 2125.
* Thursday 13 August: At 1200 the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) requested Coast Guard assistance with a medical evacuation from Pumpkin Island. Three volunteer crew members aboard Yeppoon Rescue One transported two QAS paramedics and their equipment over to Pumpkin Island, where they disembarked onto the sand via the bow ladder. Two people were brought off the island and transported back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps. Coast Guard volunteers assisted the QAS paramedics with the gear and the patient, returning to base at 1315.

Helicopter Training: On Tuesday 11 August and Thursday 13 August, Coast Guard Yeppoon and the CapRescue team engaged in winching and high line training between the Rescue300 helicopter and Yeppoon Rescue One in Keppel Bay. Coast Guard Yeppoon frequently supports CapRescue with various forms of maritime rescue training for helicopter crews, helping to ensure safe and effective rescue practices. This training is intensive and always requires careful coordination and communication between the aircraft and rescue boat, as well as teamwork between flight and Coast Guard teams.

SAFETY MESSAGE: When do I use a MAYDAY call?
Hopefully, you will never have to make a call which starts with these three repeated words, but it is a call that every boatie should know how to make and rehearse regularly so you are prepared for any emergency.
You send a MAYDAY call if you are in grave or imminent danger, and immediate assistance is required (e.g. if the boat is sinking or on fire). This call has priority over all other transmissions. The distress frequency is VHF 16.

When not to call a MAYDAY:
* There is engine failure in calm weather with safe anchorage available. The vessel is disabled but people are not in grave/imminent danger. Call the Coast Guard or another vessel and request assistance.
*You run out of fuel, but the vessel is safe. Assistance may be needed, but this is not a distress situation.

Examples of when to call a MAYDAY:
* Your boat is sinking and there is immediate threat to life.
* There is an uncontrolled fire aboard where the fire can rapidly make the vessel uninhabitable.
* You have had a major collision with serious hull damage where the vessel may sink or become unsafe.
*The boat is taking on water, the pumps cannot keep up and there is the imminent possibility of sinking.
* The boat has capsized with people in the water which puts them in immediate danger.
* The boat is breaking up on rocks or a reef and there is immediate danger to life.

If you have a marine radio, please ensure that you know how to use it correctly before setting out on your trip. Coast Guard Yeppoon is running a radio course on Saturday 12 October to provide you with the necessary skills. If you are interested, give them a call.

# Safetybyallmeans

Coast Guard – Central Qld Squadron Media Release 20260802Windy conditions kept boating down over the weekend with only n...
04/08/2026

Coast Guard – Central Qld Squadron Media Release 20260802

Windy conditions kept boating down over the weekend with only ninety vessels on TripWatch across the four Central Queensland Flotillas.

UPCOMING COURSES: There are no further courses scheduled for August.
Just Held (See photos): On Saturday 1 August, the Safe Boating Course attracted ten participants who enjoyed the information session and the opportunity to set off flares.

FLOTILLA INFORMATION:
Coast Guard Keppel Sands QF20: Coast Guard Keppel Sands holds a regular weekly raffle fundraiser each Saturday and alternate Sundays at the Keppel Sands Hotel, and thanks are extended to them for their ongoing support. If you would like to support the fundraising efforts through the purchase of raffle tickets (multiple gift card or meat voucher prizes) or Marine Assist cover for your vessel, please call 07 4934 4906. Regular training is held so the crews are ready to assist vessels in the Keppel Bay area.

Coast Guard Rockhampton QF19: QF19 Rockhampton maintains 24/7 safety coverage for the commercial and recreational boating communities along the Fitzroy River region. The areas of coverage include the Fitzroy River freshwater section from the barrage to the current water ski area, the Fitzroy River tidal section out to Curtis Island, and the Port Alma area to a location halfway down the Narrows channel. QF19 can be contacted any time on 0428 580 646.

Coast Guard Thirsty Sound QF24: QF24 is located at Stanage Bay and is always on the alert through the northern regions on VHF Channels 81 and 83. Be sure to log on as you travel through that area.

Coast Guard Yeppoon QF11:
Activations: This week Yeppoon Flotilla performed two activations and two public service engagements. The weather was largely blustery again on the weekend.
* Wednesday 29 July: At 0816 the owner and one of two adults on board a 6.4m half cabin cruiser requested assistance due to engine breakdown. Yeppoon Rescue Two responded with three volunteer crew members and met the vessel at Man & Wife rocks, towing it back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps. The crew returned to base at 1000
* Saturday 01 August: Saturday brought an early wake up call for four volunteer crew members with a 0100 request to undertake a medivac from Great Keppel Island (Woppa). With winds over 20 knots conditions were at sea state five, but the night was at least clear and bright with a 92% full moon. Yeppoon Rescue One transported two Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics and their equipment over to Fisherman’s Beach, where they disembarked onto the sand via the bow ladder. This requires clear communication and safe, effective teamwork to first set up the metal boarding ladder off the bow, and to then bring the vessel bow up onto the beach and to hold it firmly against wind and current. One patient was then brought off the island and transported back to Rosslyn Bay Harbour public ramps, which provided a shallower ramp angle for moving the stretcher and gear rather than the Coast Guard ramp at low tide. Coast Guard volunteers assisted the QAS paramedics with the gear and patient, returning to base at 0440.

Public Service: During the week Coast Guard Yeppoon undertook two public service activations to support Konomie Island Environmental Education Centre on North Keppel Island (Konomie). On the morning of Monday 27 July, four volunteer crew members aboard Yeppoon Rescue Two towed several small tinnies over to the island for Yeppoon State High School, and on Wednesday afternoon three volunteer crew members towed them back again.

Night Training (see photos): On Thursday 30 July at 1800 the second night training session was held with four crew members on board Marine Assist Rescue heading over to Considine Beach. These night time sessions are invaluable in equipping crew with the skills needed to perform rescues under all conditions.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Weather conditions
We have continued windy conditions predicted for the week ahead, with unpredictable gusts and morning fog. It is crucial to check weather conditions before heading out to sea, and to monitor the weather during your trip in case of unforeseen changes.

Important considerations include:
* Marine weather warnings: As well as checking the forecast for the duration of your trip, look also for changing conditions in the hours afterwards. There are many reasons why your return home can be delayed or prolonged, and if seas and winds are rising this can present safety risks.
* Wind and gusts: Gusts can be as much as 40% stronger than sustained wind speeds. Know the safe limits of your vessel; for example, for small vessels the safe upper limit for wind speed may be 15kts. For sailing vessels it is vital to also consider crew capacity and experience.
*Waves and swells: Wind speed directly impacts sea conditions, and wind is a primary driver of waves and swell. Keep this in mind too when crossing coastal bars, where unpredictable steep and breaking waves may arise. Heavy rain and winds can impact tidal ranges.

Multiple resources exist for checking marine weather:
* Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Marine Forecasts: Provides detailed forecasts, warnings, and other marine information.
* MetEye: A BoM tool for viewing weather maps, including wind and wave forecasts.
*MarineLite: A service for downloading weather information in remote areas or for users with limited internet access.
* VHF Radio: Coastal radio stations transmit weather reports every day. In Capricornia, the Coast Guard weather reports are provided three times daily at 07:10, 12:10, and 17:10.
* It is also possible to call the Coast Guard over the phone or radio to receive weather information at other times.

Finally, if you are ever in doubt as to your capacity to make it home or to safe waters due to changing conditions, call for advice or assistance.
# Safetybyallmeans
IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT US:
QF24 Coast Guard Thirsty Sound Ph: 07 4937 3155
QF20 Coast Guard Keppel Sands Ph: 07 4934 4906
QF19 Coast Guard Rockhampton Ph: 0428 580 646
QF11 Coast Guard Yeppoon Ph: 07 4933 6600

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Coast Guard Keppel Sands QF20
Keppel Sands, QLD
4702

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 6am - 6pm
Thursday 6am - 6pm

Telephone

+61749344906

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