Most days on a boat or jet ski in Queensland end with nothing more than a good catch or some sunburn. But when accidents happen, the injuries can be serious. If someone else was responsible, you may have the right to claim compensation.
The statistics put things in perspective:
- 2,670 watercraft-related hospitalisations were recorded in Australia in 2017–2018 (AIHW).
- 425 boating sport hospitalisations occurred nationwide in 2023–2024.
- In Queensland, research shows about 19 serious jet ski accidents for every 100,000 licence holders.
And sometimes, the consequences are devastating. In July 2025, a jet ski crash in Sydney left one boy dead and another with a severed arm.
This is why Queensland law gives injured people the right to seek compensation — not just for medical treatment, but also for rehabilitation, lost income, and the long-term impact on their lifestyle.
In this article, we explain how boating and jet ski injury claims work in Queensland, who may be responsible and the steps to securing fair compensation.
When Is Someone Liable for a Boating or Jet Ski Injury?
In simple terms, liability means legal responsibility. A person or company is liable for your injuries if their negligence – that is, their failure to take reasonable care – caused the accident.
Negligence on the water can look very different depending on the situation. Here are some common examples:
- Reckless operation: Speeding through a no-wake zone, driving under the influence of alcohol, or ignoring navigational rules.
- Poor vessel maintenance: A steering system that fails mid-journey, broken safety gear, or engines not serviced properly.
- Lack of safety measures: No life jackets provided, slippery decks with no warning signs, or faulty railings.
- Collisions: Failing to maintain lookout, not following right-of-way rules, or operating too close to swimmers or other vessels.
For example, if you’re a passenger on a boat and the skipper decides to show off by weaving through crowded waters, only to crash, they may have breached their duty of care to you. Likewise, if a jet ski hire company gives you equipment in poor condition or fails to explain how to use it safely, they may be responsible if you’re injured.
It’s also important to note that liability can change depending on where the accident occurs. Rules differ between coastal waters, rivers, and lakes, which can affect who is responsible and under what legislation you can claim compensation.
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How to Start a Compensation Claim
Making a claim after a marine accident can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into steps helps.
Step 1: Gather evidence at the scene
If possible, take photos of the vessels, accident site, and any visible injuries. Collect names and contact details of witnesses. If police or Maritime Safety Queensland attend, note down report numbers.
Step 2: Get medical treatment
Your health comes first, but medical records are also critical evidence. Ambulance notes, emergency department records, and specialist reports link your injuries directly to the accident. Delaying treatment can weaken your claim, as insurers may argue your injuries were not serious.
Step 3: Notify the right organisations
- Notify your insurer promptly, as many have strict timeframes.
- File an incident report with Maritime Safety Queensland if required.
- Inform your employer if your injuries will affect your work.
- For tourists, notify your travel insurer.
Step 4: Build your case
Your lawyer will gather supporting documents such as vessel registration details, maintenance logs, weather conditions, and expert accident reconstructions. These details strengthen your position in negotiations or court.
What Compensation Can I Claim?
Compensation aims to return you, as far as possible, to the position you would have been in had the accident not occurred. In Queensland, damages usually fall into two main categories:
Economic losses
- Medical costs (hospital treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, medication).
- Lost wages while you’re unable to work.
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous role.
- Domestic and care assistance, even when provided by family.
- Special equipment and home modifications (e.g., wheelchairs, ramps).
Non-economic losses
These cover the impact on your life beyond financial losses:
- pain and suffering,
- loss of enjoyment of life, and
- permanent disabilities.
Courts take into account the severity of your injuries and their effect on your future.
For serious accidents, future medical expenses can be the largest part of the claim. Experts may assess your need for ongoing physiotherapy, psychological support, or surgeries years down the track.
Insurance and Boating Accidents in Queensland
Unlike cars, boats in Queensland are not covered by Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance unless being towed on a trailer. That means other sources of insurance become important:
- Public liability insurance: Often held by marinas, tour operators, or boat owners, and commonly the main source of compensation.
- Workers’ compensation: Available if your injury occurred while working, for example, in commercial fishing or tourism.
- Travel insurance: May apply to tourists, though some policies exclude “high-risk” activities such as jet skiing.
Each case is different, and understanding the insurance landscape is key to knowing how much compensation you may realistically receive.
Time Limits for Claims
In most cases, you need to start court proceedings within 3 years of the accident.
There are exceptions:
- For gradual injuries, the three years may start later when symptoms become clear.
- Different rules may apply for minors or claims against certain government authorities.
- Maritime law and federal jurisdiction issues can also affect deadlines.
Because missing a time limit can completely prevent you from claiming, it’s important to get legal advice as early as possible.
Common Boating and Marine Injuries
Boating accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of them extremely serious. Some of the most frequent injuries include:
1. Collision injuries
When two vessels collide – or when a boat hits a dock, buoy, or submerged object – passengers are often thrown around violently. Head trauma, broken ribs, and fractures are common, as passengers rarely have seatbelts or restraints to protect them.
2. Propeller accidents
Propeller injuries are among the most devastating. They usually occur when someone falls overboard near a running motor or when swimmers stray too close to boats. These accidents often result in deep lacerations, amputations, or permanent scarring.
3. Slip and fall accidents
Wet decks, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting create high slip risks. A fall on a moving vessel can lead to back injuries, fractures, or head injuries. Boat owners have a legal duty to maintain safe surfaces and warn passengers about hazards.
4. Carbon monoxide poisoning
Few boaters consider the risks of carbon monoxide. Faulty exhaust systems or poor ventilation in enclosed cabins can cause deadly gas build-up. Symptoms may be subtle at first, but prolonged exposure can cause brain damage or even death.
Jet Ski Accidents: Why They’re So Dangerous
Jet skis combine high speed, powerful engines, and open water. When things go wrong, the injuries can be severe.
- High-speed impacts: Hitting the water at high speeds can feel like crashing into concrete. Riders thrown off may suffer concussions, spinal damage, or internal injuries. In rare cases, the powerful water jet expelled from a jet ski can penetrate the body and cause internal trauma, sometimes leading to life-threatening injuries.
- Inexperienced operators: Many riders hire jet skis without much training, leading to poor judgment in unpredictable water conditions.
- Rental company responsibilities: Under Queensland law, hire companies must supply working equipment, provide safety instructions, and check that riders are capable of handling the craft. If they cut corners, they can be held liable.
- Manufacturing defects: Steering or throttle faults have caused serious crashes. In these cases, both the manufacturer and the hire operator may share responsibility.
Insurance can be complicated with jet skis. Several policies may apply, including the rental operator’s liability cover, your own travel insurance, or even international policies for overseas visitors. Each has different exclusions, which can affect the size and success of your claim.
Legal Help Matters
Boating and jet ski accident claims involve complex layers of state and federal law, insurance policies, and maritime regulations. Insurers often try to reduce payouts by arguing your injuries are not severe, or that you contributed to the accident.
But our experienced Personal Injury Lawyers will:
- Investigate liability and identify all responsible parties.
- Gather strong medical and technical evidence.
- Negotiate with insurers to maximise your payout.
- Ensure all deadlines and legal requirements are met.
This support allows you to focus on recovery while your lawyer handles the legal battles.
Final Thoughts
Queensland’s waterways are a source of freedom and adventure, but when an outing ends in injury, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. The law gives you the chance to put things right — not just through covering expenses, but by restoring stability to your life.
At ROC Legal, we’ve stood beside Queenslanders facing the unique challenges of boating and jet ski accidents. We know how these claims work, and we know how insurers operate. With offices across Rockhampton, Brisbane, Bundaberg, the Gold Coast, and Hervey Bay, our team of Public Liability Compensation Lawyers and Workers’ Compensation Lawyers are ready to help you navigate the path ahead. Start your claim today.
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