Queensland Police Service investigated the incident and discovered that the stunt had been filmed and the video posted on Facebook.
The man was issued the infringement notice under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012, which is administered by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) as the National Regulator for domestic commercial vessels.
This Act provides that all passengers have a duty on domestic commercial vessels to take reasonable care for his or her own safety.
This offence carries a maximum penalty of 12 months imprisonment or court imposed fine of $34,000.
Queensland Police Service Senior Sergeant Warren Francis, Officer in Charge, Water Police Brisbane, said this was an extremely dangerous stunt and the man was lucky to escape injury.
“The risk of injury or death is very high with this type of activity and it was an extremely reckless and dangerous stunt. The Queensland Police Service reminds people that any report of unsafe action on the water will be fully investigated and reported to the appropriate authority for prosecution,” Senior Sergeant Francis said.
AMSA’s General Manager, Domestic Vessel Division, John Fladun, said it was important that passengers of all domestic commercial vessels such as CityCats and ferries followed the instructions of crew members, and signage displayed on the vessel.
“All passengers of domestic commercial vessels must comply with on board safety instructions and have a responsibility not to put themselves or others at any unnecessary risk through reckless activities such as this,” Mr Fladun said.
“AMSA takes incidents of this nature seriously and any person found breaching the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 may face penalties,” he said.
This is the first time AMSA has issued an infringement notice for an offence of this nature under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 which commenced July 1, 2013.
Media Enquiries: AMSA Media: 1300 624 633 Queensland Police Media: 3015 2444