Coast Guard Yeppoon QF11

03/09/2026

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

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:

Date: 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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:
New Members: R. Tout, E. Pringle, C. Stanley-Hunt, W. Kalecinski, D. Parker, B. Parker, S. Dening
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
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.

23/08/2026

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

Send a message to learn more

19/08/2026

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.

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.

16/08/2026

SAFETY MESSAGE: H5 AVIAN INFLUENZA - A message from the Reef Authority August Update 2026

We (the Reef Authority) have confirmation of a positive case of the H5 avian influenza in Queensland. Our experts through the Reef Joint Field Management Program are experienced in how to operate in the face of these sorts of challenges and will continue to remain in regular contact with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and Biosecurity Queensland to ensure we have the latest information and can respond appropriately.

What you can do:

If you encounter sick or dead birds or other wildlife, you should:

• AVOID: Keep yourself, your guests, your pets, and others away from the birds or their immediate environment.

• RECORD: Note the exact location and description of the bird(s).

• REPORT: Do not touch the animals. To report, phone immediately:

o Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 (business hours), or

o Contact the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.

• CLEAN: When going to and from national parks, reserves or farms, clean your footwear, clothing, and vehicles to help prevent spreading diseases between places.

• OBSERVE: If you’re travelling past a known seabird colony, observe from a distance and see if there’s anything unusual or unexpected (such as large numbers of dead birds on an island). If you see something unusual, report it to:

o Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 (business hours), or

o Contact the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.

Send a message to learn more

12/08/2026

Coast Guard – Central Qld Squadron Media Release 20260809

Noticeably quiet week all round for all the flotillas with only ninety-six boats on the log with more boaters taking advantage of a sunnier Sunday to get on the water. Coast Guard Rockhampton undertook something out of the ordinary this week when they were tasked to locate a sunken car in the Fitzroy River.

UPCOMING COURSES: There are no courses scheduled for August.

Training: On Sunday 9 August at 0800, QF19 brought Bluefin Sports Rescue with five volunteer crew to Keppel Bay and Islands for training away from the river environment. They teamed up with QF11 to gain further experience, finishing at 1115.

Coast Guard Yeppoon QF11:

Activation: On Sunday 9 August a call was received at 1130 from a Marine Assist member in a 5m Cuddy cabin with two people on board. They had broken down near Miall Island and were requesting a tow. Yeppoon Rescue Two was dispatched with five volunteer crew members and the vessel was taken under tow and returned to Rosslyn Bay harbour boat ramps at 1230.

10/08/2026

Helicopter training between Coast Guard and CapRescue is scheduled for this morning and Thursday morning @ 10am Wreck Point. Dependant on work load and weather conditions. All welcome to come down and watch.

09/08/2026

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

Send a message to learn more

05/08/2026

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.

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.