Boat Mooring Inspection in Cairns

Why do I need a mooring inspection?

Mooring inspections are important to ensure that each boat’s mooring is well maintained and fit for purpose.

As a Buoy Mooring Authority permit holder, you agree to maintain your vessel mooring for the life of your permit.

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) is responsible for managing buoy moorings in Cairns. MSQ administers, sets conditions of use and issues buoy mooring authorities to recreational vessel owners.

Failure to comply with the ‘conditions of use’ set by MSQ (or the directions of the Cairns Regional Harbour Master) may result in the buoy mooring authority holder being held liable.

Repercussions may include but are not limited to an authority holder losing their buoy mooring authority permit, being liable for any costs incurred by MSQ, or being liable for penalties/prosecution.

If you are unsure of your obligations, please contact MSQ Cairns directly.

MSQ Contact Information

Alternatively, contact one of our Boat Mooring Specialists at North Marine to discuss your vessel mooring in Cairns for advice.

Contact Us

When you engage North Marine to inspect a boat mooring in Cairns, we will inform you of the date of the next round of mooring inspections.

Information you need to provide:

• Copy of your Buoy Mooring Authority permit from Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ)

Your Buoy Mooring Authority contains all the information we require to conduct a boat mooring inspection. It states:

• The buoy mooring number
• Name of the buoy moring authority holder
• The date that the permit is due for renewal
• Vessel details

Most buoy mooring permits require that moorings and apparatus are inspected every year.

You can find this information on your MSQ Buoy Mooring Authority permit. Ask a specialist at North Marine if you require any assistance.

As a Buoy Mooring Authority permit holder, you agree to maintain your vessel mooring for the life of your permit.

You are responsible for ensuring that the mooring and tackle remain in the approved mooring location, in good condition and able to secure the vessel intended for use.

Consider additional boat mooring inspections:

• If you notice signs of damage or wear
• If an unauthorized watercraft has been on your mooring
• After a significant weather event
• If your naval architect drawing suggests more frequent intervals

Signs of wear that indicate your buoy mooring needs to be inspected include, but are not limited to:

• Chaffed Rope
• Worn Shackles
• Rusted Chain
• Sun-damaged Rope

Included in a boat mooring inspection in Cairns Inlet

North Marine crew inspect your boat mooring. The crew:

• Ensure that the mooring is in the correct location, as allocated on the Mooring Authority permit
• Ensure all parts of the mooring and tackle are in good condition and are appropriate to secure the vessel listed on the Mooring Authority permit
• Report to the designated owner and/or person listed on the Authority on the condition of the mooring and any noteworthy items
• If the mooring meets the conditions of the Mooring Authority and is fit for its intended use, North Marine will issue a mooring Certificate of Compliance that MSQ recognises.

What if a mooring requires repair work?

If the crew finds that the mooring components are worn, the owner/designated person is notified.

You can decide if you would like the components changed out at that time or if you would like to leave them. Any repair work will be charged at a set hourly rate, and, if required, the replacement of components is charged separately.

Please note that if the condition of the mooring is below the standard required for a Certificate of Compliance to be issued, North Marine will not issue a Certificate until the mooring meets these conditions.

I would like to install an approved small boat mooring or yacht mooring in Cairns Inlet

If you would like to install an approved small boat mooring in Cairns inlet, please visit the page ‘Install a Swing Mooring’.

Here, you will find information on how to install a recreational vessel mooring in Cairns Inlet, including:

• How to install a recreational swing mooring in Cairns
• How to obtain a Mooring Authority permit
• What are the costs involved in installing a boat mooring
• Will I own my boat mooring?
• Swing mooring configurations

Install a Swing Mooring

For all other types of mooring installation throughout Queensland, including cyclone-rated moorings, please visit:

Mooring Installation Queensland