‍ ‍

MBFG Rainbow Beach Classic (Sept 10-13, 2026)
GENERAL  SAFETY  GUIDELINES

‍ ‍

A. Purpose and Limitations

1.         This document is intended to give practical safety guidelines and suggestions that are general in nature for participants of the 2026 MBFG Rainbow Beach Classic.  The approach taken has been to prepare a set of checklists for skippers and boat owners to undertake before they embark on the trip, and before they launch their vessel each time at Rainbow Beach.

2.         In accordance with general Queensland maritime legislation, each participating boat owner or skipper is responsible for the appropriate sea-worthiness of their vessel, all mandatory and optional safety and navigation equipment on board, the safety of all crew members travelling on their vessel, and all decisions they make whilst they are the master of that vessel, i.e. “You’re the skipper, you’re responsible”.  It is important that each skipper is suitably licenced for their vessel, and have the necessary skills and experience to safely operate their vessel for the maritime conditions present during the event.

3.         This guide is NOT intended to be a definitive reference or encyclopaedia on boating safety. MBFG and MBTBC Inc do not guarantee its fitness for purpose or the accuracy and/or completeness of the data and advice included, and accepts no liability for any errors or omissions resulting in personal injury or property damages.  Moreover, in no event will MBFG and MBTBC Inc. have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect, or consequential damages as a result of a person’s participation in the 2026 MBFG Rainbow Beach Classic.

4.         Please remember that everyone is at a different point on their fishing and boating journey.  Thus, there is no such thing as a dumb question or dumb answer, just a stranded fisherman!

B. Event Registration and Trip Pre-requisites

5.         All participants (Adult members, Junior members, and Guests) must pre-register on the MBFG website (www.mbfg.au) to attend this event.  Only registered participants will be allowed at the event briefings, weigh-ins, and social functions.

6.         This event will not have a Blue Card roster.  All junior members and adult members under 18 years of age as at 10 Sept 2026 will need to be registered by their parent or legal guardian, and must fish with their parent or guardian.

7.         This document is intended to give practical safety guidelines and suggestions that are general in nature for participants of the 2026 MBFG Rainbow Beach Classic. 

C. Pre-Trip Vehicle Check

8.         Towing a large boat up to Rainbow Beach is a significant undertaking, especially when the towing vehicle is also full with people, full with eskies and drinks, and full with bedding, clothes, and other personal items, lead weights, etc.  It is a good idea to put your vehicle in for a service prior to the trip, but if this is not possible, please check that your vehicle is roadworthy paying particular attention to the following vehicle items:

a.       Ensure the tyre pressure in each tyre is suitable for heavy towing over a long trip (this pressure check needs to be done when the tyres are cold, check the spare tyre as well, and please consult vehicle manufactures specifications for correct pressures);

b.       Please be aware that commercial tyre pressure gauges can vary enormously between different servos and their accuracy cannot always be relied on.  You are safer buying a good quality tyre pressure gauge and keeping it with you in the glove box of your vehicle.  That way you will be able to get accurate and consistent tyre pressure readings when you need them.

c.       Check engine oil level (use the dip-stick).

d.       Check engine coolant level (do this when engine/radiator is cold to avoid burning yourself

e.       Ensure all vehicle lights (especially brake lights, indicators and reversing lights) are functioning correctly - may need another person to assist with this;

f.        Ensure windscreen wiper blades are in good condition and the windscreen washer bottle is full and working correctly.

g.       Install towing mirrors before leaving (if necessary)

h.       Pre-program GPS/Phone with Rainbow Beach accommodation destination and do not touch phone during the journey.

‍

D. Pre-Trip Boat Trailer Check ‍

9.         Similarly, towing a large, heavy boat up to Rainbow Beach puts significant stress on your trailer.  Boat trailers endure a significant amount of ‘wear and tear’ being regularly driven into salty sea water every time your boat is launched or retrieved.  If the wheel bearings have not been serviced in the last two years it may be a good idea to put your trailer in for a service prior to the trip (especially if you have a single axel trailer), but if this is not possible, please check that your boat trailer is roadworthy paying particular attention to the following items of your boat trailer BEFORE YOU SET OUT:

a.     Ensure your boat trailer’s registration will cover the duration of the trip! Yes, really!

‍ ‍

b.     Ensure tyres (and ALL spares) are not damaged and road worthy (check tread and side walls).

‍ ‍

c.      Ensure the tyre pressure in each tyre is suitable for heavy towing with a loaded boat (the pressure check needs to be done when the tyres are cold, check all spare tyres as well, and please consult manufactures specifications for correct pressures).

‍ ‍

d.     If you have a padlock on your trailer’s spare tyre, make sure the lock still opens and closes, and that you bring the key with you.  Perhaps think about getting a spare key cut if you don’t already have one that is handy.

‍ ‍

e.     If your spare tyre is attached with a bracket and nut/bolt arrangement, ensure that the nut has not seized on the thread. Lubricate the thread, and if the nut is a different physical size to your trailer wheel nuts, ensure that you take a suitably sized spanner/socket with you to undo the spare tyre nut.

‍ ‍

f.      Jack each axel off the ground and test the bearing “wobble” of each wheel to ensure that the bearings are tight and roadworthy.  If there is too much play (“wobble”), remove wheel and hub and inspect the bearing racing.  If there are any signs of damage or major wear, replace the bearings.  If the bearings look good, re-grease and re-install the wheel bearings, and tighten up the locking castle nut (I generally replace the split pin with a new stainless split pin every time I remove (and discard) the old split pin). 

‍ ‍

g.     Many experienced boaties keep a spare set of trailer wheel bearings and a couple of new stainless split pins with them in a handy place on long towing trips.

‍ ‍

h.     If you have a “buddy bearing” setup on your axel/bearings it may be worth using a grease gun to pump grease into the bearing buddy until it starts to exude out of the grease nipple.

‍ ‍

i.       Ensure that you use either a lithium based high temperature bearing grease, or one of the new “marine” bearing greases designed specifically for boat trailers.  Consult your grease supplier/mechanic for the correct grease to use.

‍ ‍

j.       A major contributory factor to boat trailer wheel bearing failure, having towed your boat without stopping all the way to a very distant boat ramp, is to then launching your boat immediately on arrival while the trailer wheel bearings are still extremely hot.  Grab a coffee, prepare the boat for launching, and give the trailer bearings 10-15 minutes to cool down from the journey before launching.

‍ ‍

k.     Ensure you keep a suitable jack for your trailer, and correctly sized wheel brace/spanners/socket set handy if you need to change the tyre on the trailer. Remember, being able to quickly get to the jack and subsequently get the weight of the boat and trailer off the tyre’s side-wall may make all the difference between being able to safely repair the puncture and having to completely replace the tyre (which will generally require a pneumatic tyre press to remove the old tyre and put the new tyre onto your rim i.e. a tyre centre being open).

‍ ‍

l.       Some boating components are manufactured in the US (imperial measurements); some (mainly engine components) are manufactured in Japan (metric measurements), and most trailers are built in Australia (again metric).  Please be aware that metric and imperial nuts and bolts are only “interchangeable” with the other system’s tools for a very short period of time before they become unusable with either sets of tools!

‍ ‍

m.   Inspect and lubricate the trailer coupling to ensure the coupling is working correctly and locks effectively onto your vehicle’s tow-ball (Yes, that’s you Conrad!!).

‍ ‍

n.     Inspect the safety chain(s) for wear, and is/are a suitable length for your vehicle/trailer configuration.

‍ ‍

o.     Ensure your safety chain shackles are “load rated” as (I believe) it is now illegal to use older or unrated shackles to secure towing safety chains to your towing vehicle.  Load rated shackles generally have a coloured coating (usually yellow or red), or at a minimum the pin will be coloured.   If you have any questions about any of this or towing in general, my first port of call would be to contact Lewis @ Brisbane 4X4 Specialist (07-3847 2862) to get some expert advice.

‍ ‍

p.     After connecting the trailer’s electrical coupling to your towing vehicle, ensure all boat trailer lights (brake lights, indicators, reversing lights) are functioning correctly - may need another person to assist with this;

‍ ‍

q.     Ensure all boat tie downs and ratchet straps securing the boat onto the trailer are tight, and in good condition.

‍ ‍

r.      If you use an engine support bracket to secure your outboard motor while travelling, check to ensure that it is connected correctly and securely affixed.

‍ ‍

s.     Do a final safety check as the last thing you do before leaving.  Get out of your vehicle and walk completely around your boat trailer.  Check that the trailer coupling is secure and locked onto the tow ball on your vehicle; the safety chain(s) are secured and the shackle(s) is/are tight, and that the electrical connector is attached and the boat trailer lights are functioning correctly.  Then check your boat to ensure that everything has been tied down and secured properly and cannot blow out during transit.

‍ ‍

E. Pre-Trip Boat Luggage Check – Secure ALL Additional (non-fishing) Items

10.    Before departing for the Rainbow Beach Classic, it is important to check your vessel.  In addition to using the boat for fishing, many fishermen use their boats to transport items such as eskies, portable fridge/freezers, bait, bedding, fishing equipment, tables and chairs, BBQs, and camping equipment up to Rainbow Beach.  Please be aware that this not only adds weight (mass) to your boat trailer, but also adds to the overall towing mass of your vehicle, so please be sensible about what you transport in your boat.  Also be aware that items that have not been secured inside the boat can move during transit and may not only make the boat unstable to tow safely, but can actually exit the boat creating very serious impact risks to pedestrians and other road users, so make sure everything inside your boat is safely secured.  Remember, similar road rules about having to cover your load in the tray of your Ute, also apply to your boat.

11.    Fuel: Many owners of larger boats prefer to tow their boat to events with their fuel tanks either partially or substantially empty, and then fill up when they get to their destination.  If this is your situation, please factor in the time to fill up your boat before the following day’s fishing.  Having to wait in line behind 40 other boats filling up at a 2-bowser servo can be very frustration to say the least, especially when the offshore weather report is “like glass”!

‍

F. Pre-Trip Boat Check – Mandatory Onboard Boating Safety Equipment

12.    In Queensland, compulsory boat safety equipment is specified by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) under its “Safety equipment for boats in Queensland” requirements.  However, the main legislative framework is the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 – further amended in 2016, which imposes a general safety obligation on boat owners and skippers to ensure that their vessel is sea worthy, properly equipped for its intended operating environment, and operated safely.

13.    The safety equipment that must be carried onboard your vessel depends on several factors, including the size of your boat, the waters in which you operate, and whether you operate during daylight or at night.  Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) provides detailed guidelines to ensure all vessels meet the necessary safety standards, so please consult the current regulation at: https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/safety/safety-equipment-recreational-ships which take precedence over the following safety equipment tips.

14.    Life jacket laws changed on 01 December 2024.  These changes align Queensland with other states in the phasing out of older style lifejackets that have not complied with the Australian Standards since 2008.  Today, all lifejackets must meet the current Australian Standard AS4758, which should be printed somewhere on the jacket.

15.    Make sure your vessel carries a compliant life jacket for every person on your vessel.

16.    The new life jacket laws also extended when/where it is compulsory to wear a life jacket whilst boating.  As a safety guideline/tip, it is probably best for everyone on your vessel to be wearing a life jacket during the crossing of a designated coastal bar such as Wide Bay Bar, especially if the skipper unfamiliar with its shallow areas and navigation routes exiting and entering through the bar.

17.    If you wear an inflatable life jacket, make sure it has been serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.  This generally means that it needs to have been serviced within the last 12 months, and the date of that service needs to be clearly legible on the outside of the life jacket.  If you have the servicing documentation, keep it with you on your boat (for each inflatable jacket), or, at the very least take a photo of this documentation on your phone and keep your mobile with you in case you need to produce this.

18.    Ensure every one of your safety flares is in date.  Keep them together in a waterproof plastic container with a clear lid, and write the expiry date of the set in permanent marker clearly on the lid. 

19.    Also be aware that the MSQ requirement for safety flares used in Qld waters is essentially an “in-shore” set (unlike states like WA that specify an “off-shore” set of safety flares as their minimum safety standard).  If you typically fish several kms off-shore, it may be prudent to pick up a couple of “off-shore” parachute flares which have a far greater visual range, and designed for off-shore emergencies.

20.    If you intend operating beyond “smooth” and “partially smooth waters”, and operating more than 2 nautical miles from land, you will need to carry a registered EPIRB on your vessel.  Ensure your EPIRB is in registration, that these registration details are still current (especially skipper and “emergency contact” mobile phone numbers), and that the battery/antenna are working correctly and have not been damaged.  Many modern EPIRBs have a “test” function to test this very scenario.

21.    If your current EPIRB is nearing end of life (generally 10 years old), it is strongly recommended that it is replaced with a GPS enabled model.  The GPS enabled EPIRBs are not only significantly more accurate at pin-pointing your location, but they use a different satellite network for detection that circle the globe far more regularly.  This means that (if needed), your distress signal will be not only be picked up far quicker using the GPS enabled satellites, but once detected the satellite will be able to pin-point your location down to generally within +/- 100m.

22.    As a final safety equipment tip, it can be a very good idea to keep a spare set of bungs in the boat at all times in case you misplace (or simply forget) the original set.  This tip can also be a real “life saver” if you ever leave the ramp without putting in your bungs in, and suddenly realise when the boat starts to steer very sluggishly (which happens surprisingly more often than you think!)

‍

G. Pre-Trip Boat Check – Navigation Equipment

23.    Ensure your vessel’s GPS/navigation unit and antenna are working correctly before you leave for your trip.  If this vital piece of equipment fails, it will not only be very difficult to travel and navigate accurately and safely, but also almost impossible to locate your GPS marks and fishing spots.

24.    If you have a marine liquid dampened compass installed on your boat, check it for accuracy against the Compass app on your phone with the boat ignition turned (preferably with the motor running). Moreover, as a backup to your GPS, it may be worth obtaining an accompanying Maritime chart for areas that you will be travelling and fishing in.  For Rainbow Beach/Tin Can Bay/Fraser Island suitable maritime (hydrographic) charts include:

AUS 817 (Great Sandy Strait and Hervey Bay): The official hydrographic chart covering the region.   Essential for main channel bathymetry, sandbank movement trends, and wide-area navigation.

25.    It may also be useful to download the free Beacon to Beacon Guides (Fraser Coast / Great Sandy Strait), and have these free PDFs stored on your phone in case you do not have phone/internet reception offshore, or your GPS stops working.  These free PDF maps provide detailed close-ups of the channels, beacons and channel markers, shallow sandbars, and tidal reaches from Tin Can Bay Inlet up through the Great Sandy Strait. ‍

26.    If you intend using your vessel other than in daylight, you will need to have navigation lights.  Make sure the port and starboard navigations lights on your vessel are functioning along with the white anchor/travelling light at the rear of the vessel (which will generally need to be illuminated when you are travelling in the dark, as well as when you are stationary after dark).

‍ ‍

H.  Travelling to/from Rainbow Beach

27.    For safety reasons, if possible, try to travel up/down with at least one other boat owner or vehicle.  Before you leave ensure you have the mobile number for the other diver or passenger so that you can contact them if you encounter problems, need assistance, or simply lose the other vehicle(s).  During the journey actively monitor the progress of the other vehicle(s) so that no one gets “left behind”.  Drive at a comfortable pace for the slowest vehicle in the group, and take a 10–15-minute break from driving every 2 hours.

I.  Rainbow Beach Classic – Event Boat Registration Information

28.    When you arrive at Rainbow Beach, after checking in, and getting your accommodation/crew set-up, the skipper of each boat will need to provide the MBFG events team with the following information:

a.     registration number of your vessel;

b.     brief description of the vessel (colour, length, hull manufacturer/type, motor);

c.     name/radio call sign of the vessel;

d.     number of (adult) passengers the vessel is registered to carry;

e.     skipper’s first name and last name;

f.      skipper’s contact mobile number;

‍ ‍

J.  Rainbow Beach Classic – Safety Briefing

29.    The Rainbow Beach Classic Safety Briefing is a compulsory event for all participants.  For 2026, the safety briefing will take place on Thursday 10 September, around 5pm, near the camp kitchen at the BIG4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park, 308 Carlo Rd, Rainbow Beach Queensland 4581.  The briefing will be presented by local commercial fisherman Drew Gardiner from Tackle World Rainbow Beach.  Drew is an expert on the local in-shore and off-shore fishing spots, and will present: a weather and tide report for the week-end; up-to-date, local knowledge of the Wide Bay coastal bar with bar crossing advice; and fishing location and species recommendations. 

30.    Derek Greenough from MBFG will quickly summarise the event’s safety guidelines and recommendations for the event, as presented in this report.

‍ ‍

K.  Rainbow Beach Classic – Daily Event Safety

31.  At the beginning of each day (or before launching, if evening/night fishing), each skipper is required to obtain and review the current BOM weather forecast (wind/weather/tide reports) covering the areas they intend to operate their vessel, and be aware of any MSQ warnings and Notices to Mariners for their intended operating area before departure.

32.    MBFG have prepared the “Weather and Sea Conditions Guide ‘BRAGS’ rating chart” (www.mbfg.au) which gives skippers some broad recommendation on trip safety and suitability based on factors such as wind speed and direction, tides and swell height, boat size, and captain/crew experience.  Although prepared for Moreton Bay’s South Passage Bar the BRAGS rating and recommendations are generally applicable for the Wide Bay coastal bar.  As the skipper, you, better than anyone else knows the capability of your boat and crew, so use these planning tools to determine what fishing you can safely undertake.

33.    It can be very frustration taking time off work, packing fishing gear and everything else together, towing a large boat up to Rainbow Beach; only to get there and find a cyclone or high winds have made their way down the Queensland coast and you cannot get outside safely!  As the skipper you are responsible for the onboard decisions, and for the safety of your crew.  There will always be next year, and remember the adage, “those that fish and run away, live to fish another day!”

34.    Having made a decision to launch, the skipper is required to provide the events team with the following vessel information for each trip:

a.     registration number/call sign/name and mobile number of the skipper;

b.     name of each crew person on board (“pob”) for that trip;

c.     an “alternate” or back-up mobile number of a crew member;

d.     launch/return boat ramp details; ‍

e.     brief description of intended fishing locations; ‍

f.      whether travelling in/out through the Wide Bay coastal bar; ‍

g.     estimated time of departure from the chosen ramp;

h.     estimated time of arrival back at the destination boat ramp;

‍ ‍

L.  Pre-Launch Vessel Safety Briefing for all crew members

35.    Every time before launching, the skipper/master of each vessel will conduct a safety briefing to inform all crew members about the safety equipment installed on their vessel: This safety equipment briefing should include:

a.     where the life jackets are kept/stowed;

b.     how to correctly put on the particular life jacket type(s) belonging to their vessel (if possible, a demo of this on the first day);

c.     where the fire extinguisher and fire blankets are kept, and how to access them in an emergency;

d.     where the EPIRB and first aid kit are stowed (if applicable);

e.     to achieve optimal weight distribution on the vessel, where everyone in the crew is to stand/sit when travelling (especially important during the crossing of a coastal bar);

f.      Identify if anyone on the vessel cannot swim (as they may need to wear a life jacket at all times);

g.     Identify if any of the crew have medical conditions or on medication that may affect/alter the planned journey, or the evacuation procedure (e.g. diabetes, epilepsy/seizures, heart issues, mobility issues; etc;

h.     explain the emergency evacuation/abandon ship procedure to the crew;

i.       ask for/answer any questions about the vessel’s safety equipment and its usage;

‍ ‍

M.  Rainbow Beach Classic – On the Water Communication Protocols

36.    Through-out this event, all MBFG vessels will be using VHF Channel 72 for Radio Communications.  Skippers, please set your VHF radio to Channel 72 before launching, and undertake a radio check with another MBFG vessel on this channel before you leave the ramp;

37.    MBFG strongly recommends that all vessels log on/OFF with Tin Can Bay VMR.  This is especially true if you plan to travel across Wide Bay coastal bar, and only takes a minute of two.  Tin Can Bay VMR (Marine Rescue Queensland QF17) uses VHF Channel 73 for routine communications and logging on/off.  In an emergency, use VHF Channel 16 or dial 000.

38.    If you decide to change your fishing activities, especially if you plan to get back to the ramp later than originally estimated, contact VMR and update your journey details/return eta.

39.    If you are not very experienced or unfamiliar with Wide Bay bar, try to travel with/follow someone else with more bar crossing experience, and watch where they go as they travel through the bar, so you can follow suite. If you are still unsure, DON’T RISK IT and fish inside!

40.    Once back at the ramp, DON’T FORGET TO LOG OFF WITH VMR, and thank them for their coverage.

‍ ‍

N.  Beach Classic – Other Boating Considerations

41.    The Rainbow Beach Classic is the MBFG’s premier annual trip, and everyone is there to have fun, enjoy themselves, spend time with family and friend, and enjoy some cracking fishing!

42.    Getting up very early, followed by a long, off-shore day of fishing in hot, sunny weather can be very tiring.  If you plan on having a “big night with the boys”, consequences the following day could contribute to poor decision-making due to fatigue and/or residual alcohol levels.  Skippers, or anyone (even momentarily) in control of a vessel, are legally required to be under the 0.05 blood alcohol level (BAL), and not be under the influence of illegal drugs and narcotics.

43.    Qld Water Police can breathalyse and/or drug swab test any skipper they suspect of being over the legal BAL, and if they find this is the case, the skipper will most likely have his car licence, as well as his boat licence suspended in the process.

0.  Rainbow Beach Classic – Local Boat Ramps for Trailer Boat Launching

44.        From BIG4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park, the two closest boat ramps to launch a trailer boat from are:

a.     Carlo Road Boat Ramp:

1 minute drive from the BIG4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park.  

Large boat launching restrictions - only launch at high tide!

b.      Bullock Point Boat Ramp:

11 minutes drive from the BIG4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park.

Closer to Inskip Passage and Wide Bay Bar.

45. The following map show both Bullock Point and Carlo Road boat ramps within the context of Inskip Point, Fraser Island (K’Gari), and access to Wide Bay coastal bar. The second image presents a more detailed map for each boat ramp.  These maps have been reproduced from the (recently updated) Beacon-to-Beacon: Great Sandy Straight (GSS) series published by MSQ {copyright The State of Queensland (Department of Transport and Main Roads) 2016 }