Boating, diving and snorkelling

Hire a vessel

To hire a vessel:

• register with us by emailing our Station Assistant – Boating & Diving at mbrsboat@uq.edu.au
• ensure you’re familiar with and follow UQ's boating safety procedures.

Allow 30 minutes before departure for a vessel safety check and induction for all crew.

Required qualifications

Vessels used for research and education are classed as commercial vessels.

Minimum qualifications

You'll need these minimum qualifications to operate UQ Science vessels.

All vessel masters must hold:

• valid first aid and CPR certificates
• short range radio operator certificate of proficiency.

Where the vessel master is not UQ personnel, they may only operate a research vessel if they hold:

• AMSA issued certificate of competency (eg. Coxswain)

Where the vessel master is UQ personnel, they may operate a research vessel if they hold:

• coxswain certificate of competency, or
• valid state-issued recreational marine driver's licence AND operate the vessel in accordance with AMSA Exemption 15.

All vessel operations must comply with the restrictions of the licence the vessel master holds. For example: a person holding an NC3 Coxswain certificate of competency may only operate a vessel up to 1nm from shore, during daylight hours, and with no more than 6 persons aboard the vessel.

Hire a vessel and skipper

Researchers and educational groups can hire the services of a skipper.

You must book in advance.

For more information, email our Station Assistant – Boating & Diving at mbrsboat@uq.edu.au.

Price list

For information about hire charges for researchers and educational groups, see our price list.

Visit the Faculty of Science website for full details on diving with UQ, including required paperwork, qualifications, dive plans, and other policies and procedures.

Requirements

Minimum requirements for snorkelling with UQ as part of your fieldwork:

• fit and clear mask and snorkel
• breathe with snorkel to avoid carbon dioxide toxicity
• effective fin technique
• swim 200 metres with mask, snorkel and fins
• fitness to snorkel.

Before you start fieldwork:

• download and fill in a UQ snorkel registration form
• email your form to our Station Assistant – Boating & Diving at mbrsboat@uq.edu.au
• provide us with medical fitness information
• ensure you’re familiar with and follow UQ's snorkelling safety procedures.

Equipment hire

You can hire a limited range of snorkelling equipment from us, including:

• mask and snorkel
• half and full fins
• weight belt
• booties
• short wetsuits (supplies are limited).

Contact us in advance if you want to use our snorkelling gear to avoid disappointment.