Coast Guard Redcliffe - QF3

31/05/2026

📻⚓ Congratulations to all participants who recently completed the Marine Radio Licence Course at QF3!

The course was attended by both members of the public and new Coast Guard volunteers, providing essential knowledge and practical skills in marine radio communications.

Successful candidates have now obtained either their Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) 🚢📡 or Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP – VHF only) 📻, internationally recognised qualifications that are highly valued across the maritime industry. 🌏

Reliable radio communication is a critical part of safety on the water, and it's great to see so many people investing in these important skills. ⚓🛟

👏 Well done to everyone involved, and a big thank you to our instructors and volunteers who helped make the course a success.

Safe boating starts with good communication! 📡🌊

If you're interested in this course keep an eye out for upcoming courses advertised on our social media. Or get in touch and we can let you know when our next course gets scheduled. 📅

31/05/2026

30/05/2026

Today we gathered as a send off to our valued friend and volunteer Kel Bennett. Alongside family, friends and volunteers we scattered Kel's ashes on a beautiful day on Moreton Bay.

The sea was not simply a place you travelled across; it was a place where you served, where you stood watch, where you helped others find their way home.

You answered the call when people needed assistance. You gave your time, your skill, and your care to your community. In calm seas and rough weather alike, you were someone others could depend upon.

As we scatter your ashes, we return a part of you to the waters you knew so well.

May every tide remind us of your steady presence. May every sunrise over Moreton Bay remind us of your optimism and commitment. May every vessel that passes these shores remind us of the countless journeys you made in service to others.

Though your watch has ended, the example you set remains. In the lives you touched. In the people you helped. In the friendships you built. And in the memories we carry forward.

Today we say farewell, but not goodbye.

For as long as these waters meet the horizon, and as long as your name is spoken among family, friends, and fellow Coast Guard members, your legacy will continue.

Fair winds, calm seas, and thank you for your service.

26/05/2026

👀⚓ COLREG of the Day #2

Rule 5 – Keep a Proper Lookout
Every vessel must maintain a proper lookout at all times.

That means using:
✔ Your eyes
✔ Your ears
✔ Radar and electronics if fitted

A proper lookout helps you:
• Detect other vessels early
• Spot hazards
• Avoid collisions
• Respond to changing conditions

📱 A skipper staring at a phone or sounder is NOT keeping a proper lookout.

Night operations, fog, rain, glare, and busy waterways all make lookout even more important.

⚠️ If you’re underway, somebody should always be actively watching.

23/05/2026

Earlier this week our crew responded after reports of a yacht looking like it was in trouble.

On arrival, and working together with the skipper, our crew was able to safely attach a tow line and tow the vessel to deeper waters. We then remained on scene for some time to ensure the vessel’s capability to steer and maneuver on its own.

Following further assessment, the Water Police attended and requested Coast Guard assistance to tow the yacht to a safe anchorage outside Scarborough Harbour. The operation was completed safely under the es**rt and supervision of Water Police, with all involved working together to achieve a positive outcome.

The evolution took approximately three hours. Well done to all crews involved.

21/05/2026

⚓ Why EVERY Boat Should Have a Name... Even a 3 Metre Tinnie

Many people think only large cruisers or offshore boats need names. Not true!

Whether you own a yacht, a centre console, or a little 3 metre tinnie with a 15hp outboard... giving your boat a proper name is smart seamanship.

🚨 Why boat names matter:
✔ Emergency situations - If you ever need to call for help over marine radio or phone, saying:
👉 “This is TINNIE TROUBLE taking on water near the leads” is far clearer than:
👉 “Uh… the little blue aluminium boat…hold on, I'll hang over the side and get the rego”

A unique name helps rescuers identify you quickly.
✔ Easier communication - Boat ramps, marinas, friends on the water, and radio operators can identify you instantly.
✔ Pride & ownership - Naming a boat creates connection and responsibility. People tend to care more for equipment that has an identity.
✔ Tradition - Boats have been named for thousands of years. It’s part of maritime culture, from massive ships to humble fishing tinnies.

⚓ Tips for choosing a good boat name:
✅ EASY TO SAY - If you have to repeat it many times on the radio, it’s too complicated.
✅ EASY TO SPELL - Avoid strange spellings or hard-to-understand words.
✅ EASY TO HEAR - Names that sound similar to common radio terms can cause confusion.
❌ “Sea Ya”
❌ “Knot Working”
❌ “Reelaxin”
Can sound unclear over radio static.
✅ UNIQUE - Try to avoid names every second boat already has. You want people to immediately know it’s YOUR vessel.
✅ SHORT IS BETTER One or two words usually work best.

⚓ Some good examples:
• Driftwood
• Tin Dragon
• Reef Runner
• Southern Starman
• Blue Fin
• River Rat

⚠️ Avoid offensive names.
Remember: kids, families, coast guard, and marine rescue volunteers may all hear your boat name over the radio.

🪧 You don't need to sign write your boat name on your boat, you can just know it and register it, and use it over the radio. You can also let us know the vessel name when you're logging your trip on and off as well as your RED member number.

Even the smallest boat deserves a proper identity. What’s the best boat name you’ve ever seen?

19/05/2026

🚤⚓ COLREG of the Day #1

What are the COLREGs?
COLREGs are the “International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.” They are the road rules for boats.

Whether you’re operating a tinny, yacht, jetski, fishing boat, or commercial vessel, these rules help everyone stay safe on the water.

The key principle:
👉 Every skipper is responsible for avoiding a collision.

Even if another vessel should give way, you must still take action if a collision risk develops.

Safe boating starts with:
✔ Keeping a proper lookout
✔ Travelling at a safe speed
✔ Understanding who gives way
✔ Using correct lights and signals

📘 Knowing the COLREGs could save your boat or someone’s life.

18/05/2026

Today is International Day for Women in Maritime May 18 2026.

Check out the official International Maritime Organisation video and join the conversation as we celebrate the women shaping the future of maritime.

18/05/2026

📻⚓ Marine Radio Course 31 May 2026

Want to feel confident on the radio when you’re out on the water? Whether you’re cruising offshore or sticking close to shore, having the right radio qualification could make all the difference in an emergency.

The team at Coast Guard Redcliffe are hosting a Marine Radio Course at the Coast building on:

🗓 31 May 2026

💰 Long Range (LROCP) – $200
💰 Short Range (SROCP) – $180
🎉 Discount available for Marine Assist members

These nationally recognised courses cover correct radio procedures, distress calls, and everything you need to operate your marine radio legally and confidently.

📍 Location: Coast Guard Redcliffe Building
📧 To enrol, contact Doug at: [email protected]

Spots fill quickly, contact us today to secure your place and stay safe on the water! 🌊

16/05/2026

👋 Welcome to the region
Upcoming public events being held in Brisbane.