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Emergency & Safety of Life Communiations
To enhance the monitoring of Distress Calls, consider adding these channels to your
Dual Watch or Tri Watch
This function is commonly available on both base and portable marine radios, allowing you to simultaneously monitor VHF 16 and any other selected channels.
Brisbane & Bremer Rivers - Riverwatch
Brisbane River – Gazetted Speed Limits
The gazetted speed limits, over the ground, by legislation for the Brisbane River, are:
From the Entrance Beacons to Luggage Point
13 knots (three-meter draft and over)
Upstream of Luggage Point
8 knots (three-meter draft and over)
From the public boat ramp at Kookaburra Park to Mount Crosby Weir
6 knots (all traffic)
• Story Bridge to William Jolly Bridge
15 knots (eight-metre LOA and over)
All creeks and waterways flowing into the Brisbane River (except the Bremer River)
6 knots all traffic.
Temporary speed limits may be gazetted during harbour works, such as wharf and bridge construction.
Further information is available via Brisbane VTS or Notice to Mariners
Commercial vessels should generally operate as close as practicable to the starboard side of the centre third of the navigable river unless it is unsafe. Masters are required to give position calls via VHF channels 12 and/or 13 on approach to sharp/blind bends and bridges, with additional calls when overtaking other vessels or in restricted visibility. Commercial vessels and recreational power craft operate in the centre third of the river however they do enter the outer thirds when docking and crossing the river. Commercial vessels and recreational power craft are required to maintain a proper lookout for all passive crafts when entering and exiting the outer thirds of the river.
Radio information for the Brisbane River
A dual watch is recommended for the following areas
In the area between Point Cartwright at Mooloolaba and Brett's Wharf at Hamilton Reach VHF 16 & 12 as sometimes
Brisbane VTS or larger commercial vessels may call you and ask about your intentions.
From Brett's Wharf Upstream, it is recommended that VHF 16 & 13 is monitored especially on approach to sharp/blind bends and bridges, with additional calls when overtaking other vessels or in restricted visibility, larger commercial vessels such as citycat ferries or charter boats may call you and ask for your intentions.
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