Beach equipment hire operations are focused close to
resort areas and regional population centres. The craft and equipment
hired usually includes motorised vessels such as dinghies, jet skis and
personal watercraft; non-motorised vessels such as kayaks, sailboards
and surf skis; and equipment such as snorkel gear.
What do I need to know?
When you operate a beach hire or water sports operation in the Marine Park, you need to know about
- Marine Parks permits, how you apply, how much they cost and your responsibilities as a permittee. Check whether you need additional permits, e.g. from your local Council.
- Management arrangements for your area, especially zoning requirements.
- Special management arrangements for the Cairns, Hinchinbrook and Whitsunday Planning Areas, including sensitive locations and significant bird sites. You must only hire your craft from outside the Planning Areas, or in the Hinchinbrook area from intensive use Locations and in the Whitsundays from setting 1 areas. The client using your equipment or craft may access the whole of the Planning Areas including sensitive sites and setting areas, providing that they are not performing motorised water sports.
- Specific management arrangements when you are conducting motorised water sports.
- The Environmental Management Charge, how much your clients must pay, who is exempt from paying and your responsibilities to collect, record and remit the charge.
What does my permit allow?
Your permit to operate beach hire or water sport activities in the Marine Park will generally allow you to hire out craft and equipment, and service that equipment. You are not able to hire the craft and equipment with crew.
You may also have other specific conditions stated in your permit. You should make sure you know your permit conditions.
How can I operate to a high standard?
Unlike most tourism operations, you and your staff are often not with your clients when they visit the Marine Park. It is therefore very important that they are well briefed before they begin their adventure and that you provide high quality back up for them.
In all your operational practices in the Marine Park, you can help by following the responsible reef practices. Please also brief your clients on these practices and make available hard copies of the key recommendations.
