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Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol | Contacting the patrol | Becoming a patrol officer


Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol

The Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) enforces fisheries and boating safety laws, as well as undertaking related education and surveillance. 

How do they do this?

  • Undertake surveillance, inspection and enforcement activities to protect fisheries and fisheries habitats.

  • Colour photo of Queensland Boating Patrol officers with a fishing trawler
    QBFP officers inspect a fishing trawler
    Conduct education, extension and promotional activities through their daily patrol activities, the use of displays and lectures and their attendance at boating and fisheries functions, such as school marine olympics, boat shows, fishing competitions and fish habitat workshops.

  • Run the Queensland Fishcare Volunteers Program as part of their community education program.

  • Consult with industry and community groups on compliance priorities.

  • Continually assess and review compliance techniques and technologies to maintain an effective deterrence while minimising disruption to fishers, vessel operators and the community.

  • Run the Shark Control Program which provides bather protection to popular surfing beaches from the New South Wales border to Cairns.

The 120 staff at 22 centres carry out their duties in a range of vehicles and vessels ranging from 3 metre punts to 25 metre patrol boats capable of extended offshore patrols.

Why is it important?

With over 160 000 recreational and 13 000 commercial vessels in use, compliance with laws is necessary to ensure both the safe use of waterways and the sustainability of fisheries resources.

The vital role that the QBFP play in protecting our valuable fisheries resources has been recognised in a number of instances.

History of the QBFP

The QBFP was formed in 1967 in response to increased boating activity, particularly boats with outboard motors.

Centres were established at Brisbane, Gold Coast, Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, Roma and Karumba.

The Patrol began with 17 officers from the former Fisheries section of the Department of Harbours and Marine. At the time it was anticipated there would be 33 officers by the end of 1968 and a maximum complement of 38.

Last updated 28 November 2005