A specially-trained maritime enforcement team will patrol Queensland waters this summer in a bid to reduce boating incidents.
Maritime Safety Queensland officers will roll-out across the south-east from October 4, beginning their mission on Gold Coast waterways.
Transport and Main Roads minister Mark Bailey said skippers were responsible for their own safety and the safety of others around them, including family members and friends.
"Queenslanders love the water," he said. "Unfortunately, we've seen the number of fatal marine incidents on the rise, and with the summer boating season still ahead of us, this safety campaign couldn't come at a better time."
Redlands MP Kim Richards said the maritime team will be supported by compliance partners from Queensland Water Police and Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol.
"They will be out on personal watercraft taking the safety message directly to boaties wherever they're operating," she said.
"This campaign is a combination of education and enforcement, so there's no excuse for putting your life and the lives of others in danger.
"If people aren't doing the right thing, they can expect hefty fines."
They will run over the next 12 months and include inland waterways with the support of Seqwater.
"Wherever and whenever the teams operate, they will be a highly visible presence on the water and a physical reminder to skippers of their safety obligations," Ms Richards said.
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