I have 2 x VHF's in my big boat and have completed my competency, just because I could, not because I had to.
Phill, you DID and DO have to hold a certificate of competency if they were VHF marine radios. Its a international law and federal govt law about VHF marine radios.
The lists that you see on the Qld MSQ website are simple summations of what the maritime safety law in respect of recreational vessels actually says.
If you want to see what the Qld marine safety law actually says about lifejackets:
Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Regulations:
https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/v...016-0154#sec.8
Part 5Provisions about lifejackets for Queensland regulated ships
21 Application of partThis part applies if, under this regulation, a Queensland regulated ship is required to be equipped with a required lifejacket for each individual on board who is 1 year or more.
22 What is the required lifejacket for a shipThe required lifejacket for an individual on board a ship is a lifejacket of an appropriate size for the individual of the following type—
(a)for a ship, other than a personal watercraft, operating in smooth waters—a lifejacket level 100, 50 or 50S or a compliant inflatable diver’s jacket;
(b)for a ship, other than a personal watercraft, operating in partially smooth waters or beyond—
(i)if the ship is operating in partially smooth waters—a lifejacket level 100 or 50 or a compliant inflatable diver’s jacket; or
(ii)if the ship is operating beyond partially smooth waters—a lifejacket level 100 or a compliant inflatable diver’s jacket;
(c)for a personal watercraft—
(i)if the personal watercraft is operating in smooth waters—a lifejacket level 50 or 50S; or
(ii)if the personal watercraft is operating in partially smooth waters or beyond—a lifejacket level 50.
Note the use of the words in the legislation that are missing from the MSQ: " lifejacket of an appropriate size for the individual ".
Always be wary of the summation of any public servant. In the case of lifejackets (an important item of safety gear), they created confusion by omitting something important. I guess that having some public servant decide on what should or shouldn't be contained in any summation has its drawbacks.
Follow that link. It'll take you to the actual legislation.
The solution? Read the legislation yourself then you aren't relying on what anybody else says.
Qld Dept of Transport (Maritime Safety Qld) handed over management of the commercial fleet in Qld to Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) a couple of years ago but retained the management of recreational sector.
Dept of Fisheries Qld only check out the recreational boating sector for safety gear and navigation matters under an arrangement with MSQ. MSQ didn't have boats so relied on DAF (who DID have boats) to do work on their behalf.
Now there are surplus MSQ people to look at the recreational sector who never really had much to do with the rec sector before.
MSQ didn't get extra staff but they DID get some new boats.
So expect a surge in compliance activities by MSQ all enthusiastic about having a different role and out to impress.