Boating Basics
Boating Safety Guide
What's provided, what to check, and how we keep every hire safe
Self-drive boat hire puts you in charge on the water, and we take the safety side seriously so you can enjoy it with confidence. Here's what's included on every hire, what we'd ask you to check before you leave the ramp, and where to go for more detail.
Safety Equipment Included
Life Jackets
A properly fitted life jacket for every person on board, sized on request.
EPIRB
An emergency position-indicating radio beacon, for raising the alarm if you need help offshore.
GPS & Fishfinder
Know exactly where you are and what's beneath you, standard on the Quintrex 430.
Full Safety Briefing
A hands-on walkthrough of the boat, controls and safety gear before every hire, licensed or not.
Before You Leave the Ramp
- Check the wind and swell forecast for your planned route - our homepage weather widget shows current bay conditions.
- Confirm your route and roughly how much fuel you'll need for the trip.
- Make sure everyone on board has a properly fitted life jacket before you launch.
- Let someone onshore know your planned route and expected return time.
- Know the meaning of the navigation markers you'll pass - see our guide to buoys and beacons.
If Conditions Turn
If you're already on the water and conditions start deteriorating, head back to the sheltered bay or your launch point at the first sign of trouble rather than pushing on. If you haven't left yet and the forecast looks unsafe, get in touch - we offer free weather rescheduling rather than have anyone head out into conditions they're not comfortable with.
A current Queensland Recreational Boat Licence (RBL) is required to drive the Quintrex 430 - see our guide to boat licensing in Queensland if you're not yet licensed.
Got a specific safety question before you book? Email us - we're happy to talk through your planned trip.
Quintrex 430 Fishabout - From $250/day
Full safety briefing and comprehensive insurance included on every hire
Safety on the Water
Full safety briefing, weather rescheduling, and comprehensive insurance on every hire.
Full Insurance
Comprehensive coverage so you can focus on having fun.
Weather Rescheduling
Bad weather? We'll reschedule at no extra cost.
Safety Briefing
Thorough handover before every hire, licensed or not.
Safety FAQs
What people ask us before their first self-drive hire
What safety equipment comes with the boat?
Every hire includes life jackets for all passengers, an EPIRB, a Fishfinder, GPS navigation, and the standard safety equipment required under Queensland maritime regulations.
Do I need boating experience to hire self-drive?
You need a valid Queensland Recreational Boat Licence (or accepted equivalent), which confirms you've completed basic training. We also run a full on-water safety briefing before every hire, regardless of experience.
What should I check before heading out?
Check the wind and swell forecast, confirm your planned route and fuel needs, make sure everyone on board has a properly fitted life jacket, and let someone onshore know your plan and expected return time.
What happens if conditions turn bad while I'm out?
Head back to the sheltered bay or your launch point at the first sign of deteriorating conditions. If you haven't left yet, we offer free rescheduling for bad weather rather than risk an unsafe trip.
Is the boat insured?
Yes, every hire includes comprehensive insurance coverage.
Questions Before You Book?
Get in touch and we'll help you plan a safe, comfortable trip.