Coast Guard Rockhampton QF19

18/01/2026

ATTENTION MARINERS:
ROCKHAMPTON PILOTAGE AREA

Issued: 1600hrs, 18 January 2026

Next update: As the situation changes.

Regional Harbour Master (Gladstone) - Temporary Closure of the Fitzroy River and Port Alma, Rockhampton Pilotage Area.

Closure Area:
- The ROCKHAMPTON PILOTAGE AREA including the FITZROY RIVER AND PORT ALMA

The Regional Harbour Master (Gladstone) considers it necessary to ensure safety to temporarily close part of the ROCKHAMPTON PILOTAGE AREA including the FITZROY RIVER AND PORT ALMA (Closure Area) due to high river water flow and riverine flooding.

In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

What are we expecting?
- Conditions are now hazardous to mariners
- Large quantities of floating debris are expected to flow downstream, with existing debris being experienced.
- BE AWARE - Emergency Service vessels may not be able to assist due to the dangerous conditions and or significant delays in help may be experienced due to a high volume of emergent jobs.

A person must not, without the Harbour Master's permission:
- Cause a ship to enter, leave or navigate in the Closure Area, unless the person has a reasonable excuse; or
- Anchor, berth or moor a ship in the area unless the person has a reasonable excuse

Exempt vessels: Emergency service and Maritime Safety Queensland vessels are excluded from this closure.

Failure to comply with the temporary closure carries a maximum penalty of $33,380 for an individual, or $166,900 for a corporation pursuant to section 97 of the Act.

Advice
- It is too late to consider the safety of the vessel.
- Personal safety is the priority, mariners are directed to stay off the water.
- Response action should already have been taken
- If its flooded, forget it.

For more information:
- Follow your local council disaster dashboard here https://emergency.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au
- Follow the Maritime Safety Queensland dashboard here https://qldmaritime.msq.qld.gov.au and follow MSQ on social media
- Check the weather forecasts here http://www.bom.qld.gov.au/qld/
- Maintain a listening watch on VHF 16

18/11/2025

28/06/2025

This mornings flotilla and bi-annual meetings saw 4 new full members joining the team at QF19.

2 of our members, Martin and Steve were recognised for their fantastic volunteering efforts, both receiving recognition of 10 years with Coast Guard.

And Brian was presented with the National Medal for 15 years service.

And to top of the morning our Flotilla elections saw Mike Oo’Dell sworn in as Flotilla Commander, and Steve Rye sworn in as Deputy Flotilla Commander.

Well done to all!

16/04/2025

What a great turn out today! Thanks to those that paid us a visit! Coast Guard Rockhampton, Maritime Safety Qld and Water Police will be back at the North Rockhampton boat ramp again tomorrow morning (Thursday 17th April) from 7am

MSQ free boat and safety gear check at the North Side boat ramp in Rockhampton.
Come along Thursday 17 April between 7-2 to make sure you are prepared for boating on the Easter holidays. Go into the draw to win one of two inflatable lifejackets and discuss the new lifejackets rules. Visit the Coast Guard stall and vessel.
All inspections will be educational.

07/09/2024

Tinny for sale.

Our 4m tinny has become surplus to our needs and is up for sale.

Length: 4m
Motor: 25hp Yamaha
Motor Hrs: approx 20hrs
Trailer registered to: 18/08/25
Hull currently has commercial rego, so will have to be re-registered by the new buyer

Comes with;
- Raymarine Dragonfly Nav/sounder combo
- VHF marine radio
- Anchor and rope
- Navigation Lights
- seats
- custom built console

$7,000.00

Drop in to Bluefin Sports Rockhampton for further information or to view.

06/09/2024

On Friday 6th Rockhampton Coast Guard participated in an NRL and Community Gala day at Milman State School.

The day involved several schools from the district coming together for a day of football competition and learning about the various emergency services and their functions.

15/08/2024

Council urges caution after rowing course dislodges after rain event

Following the unseasonal wet weather event this week, strong river currents have caused extensive damage to the recently installed eight-lane rowing course at the Ski Gardens. The rowing course has now been completely dislodged and travelled downstream.

A large portion of this is currently entangled at the Barrage and the Neville Hewitt Bridge. Hyacinth and remnants of the rowing course have also been swept downstream into the saltwater area of the river, creating a significant hazard for boaters. This is likely to continue over coming days.

Rockhampton Regional Council is urging those with assets in the river to be aware and not to attempt to remove any of the rowing course debris.

Council crews are assessing the situation and developing a recovery plan to retrieve the lane wires and buoys in conjunction with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ). Due to strong river flows at present, it is anticipated that the clean-up will take more than a week.

To report a marine incident, please contact Maritime Safety Queensland on (07) 4971 5200.

Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Following the unseasonal wet weather event this week, strong river currents have caused extensive damage to the recently installed eight-lane rowing course at the Ski Gardens. The rowing course has now been completely dislodged and travelled downstream.

18/07/2024

A big Thank You to Precision Engraving and Laser Cutting for helping to replace the ropes on our flag pole.

Precision Engraving & Laser Cutting - PELC

23/06/2024

04/06/2024

05/11/2023

On Saturday our crew undertook a training run to allow members to build on their sea time, improve navigation skills and get some on water time outside the river.

We ventured from Port Alma to Yellow Patch, adjacent to Cape Capricorn on the north eastern tip of Curtis Island.

23/10/2023

Recently Rockhampton Coast Guard had a FLIR camera installed on our primary rescue vessel Bluefin Sports Rescue.

Many of our activations occur at night, and the river can be challenging to navigate in darkness with a myriad of obstacles to avoid, ranging from other vessels (some without lights) mooring balls, crab pot floats, rocks, tree branches and other debris). The addition of a FLIR camera gives our crews a much clearer image and will enhance our night time capabilities greatly.

Last weeks search and rescue activity was a good chance for our crew to make use of the FLIRs Infrared mode to assist in trying to locate the missing person. It also made our participation safer, giving our crew greater vision of the rocks, river banks and other vessels navigating in close proximity.