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SMBI Carriage of Dangerous Goods Changes

An aerial shot of a vehicle ferry transporting cars across to the island

Passengers travelling on Bay Islands passenger ferries are advised fuel or dangerous goods are no longer be permitted on passenger ferries from Tuesday 5 October 2021 due to safety reasons.


Dangerous Goods – limits and requirements
The following limits will apply to travel on the vehicle ferries for walk on passengers:

One only of the following:

  • Lawnmowers, whipper snippers, portable generators and outboard motors (empty of fuel)
  • There will be no freight charge for transporting one of these items

Maximum of two of the following (in any combination):

  • (up to) 25 litre approved fuel containers (see AS/NZS2906.2001)
  • (up to) 9kg gas bottles
  • There will be no freight charge for transporting up to two of these items

If trolleys are used to move dangerous goods, they are limited to having two wheels only. Containers and gas bottles must be compliant to AS:NZS2906, and in good condition.

Always let crew know you will be travelling with dangerous goods; they will be able to advise you when to board and show you how to store your items correctly.

Items will be locked away during travel and upon arriving at your destination, crew will unlock the storage and direct you when to disembark the vessel.

Please note at times Moreton Escape may be used to replace an existing vessel or as an additional service, this vessel does not have the accredited storage lockers to transport dangerous goods (inc fuel) without a vehicle.

Dangerous good information

  • (from the SeaLink Bay Islands Passenger Ferries Non Passenger Travel document)

    • diesel or fuel driven generators, large compressors, welders
    • dangerous goods, these items are only permitted on vehicle ferries
    • empty jerry cans or gas bottles
    • lawn mowers, large petrol or diesel run items / machinery
    • engines (excluding outboard motors, max. 15 HP secured on a trolley)
  • (from the SeaLink Bay Islands Passenger Ferries Non Passenger Travel document)

    • electric items / machinery
    • petrol or diesel driven items / machinery – empty of fuel and in new or good condition
    • outboard motors – empty of fuel, must be secured on a trolley (max. 15 HP)
    • portable air compressors must be empty of any fuel and air pressure before boarding
  • Customers can purchase walk-on tickets over the phone, in person at the Redland Bay Office and from our crew onboard the vehicle ferries. Even though inter-island travel is free of charge we recommend customers book onto a service, so crew are aware of their intention to travel.

    When a customer purchases a walk-on ticket a booking will be made with the passenger details, departure and arrival locations, time, and date. This way the crew will know when someone is travelling as a walk-on to or from any of the islands.

    Please note, just like with vehicle bookings, only crew can add additional passengers onto a service within an hour of travel

    Walk on passenger tickets

  • Passengers are able to walk onto any of the main three SeaLink Bay Islands vehicle ferries:

    • Venture,
    • Bay Islander and
    • Lakarma

    All have accredited storage for the transportation of dangerous goods.

Frequently asked questions

  • The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority, and the vehicle ferries are the safest option for the transportation of fuel and gas bottles.

  • Storage facilities will be installed on all 3 of the current vehicle ferries (Venture, Bay Islander & Lakarma) over the coming weeks. Storage will also be included in the new vessels prior to service.

  • A one way passenger ticket to and from the mainland is $8 per adult. Inter-island travel is free of charge. There will be no freight charge to transport fuel or gas bottles. Student, concession and child fares are also available.

  • Tickets can be booked by phone on 07 3488 5300, purchased from our Redland Bay office, or onboard from our crew - please note tickets are not available from the Russell Island office.

  • To ensure the vehicle ferry is aware you will be travelling, please phone 07 3488 5300 and purchase your walk on ticket and advise our Reservation Consultant of the time and date you intend to travel.

  • These changes are effective from the first service on Tuesday the 5th October 2021. Therefore, from this date no dangerous goods will be permitted onboard the passenger ferries.

  • Yes, providing it is stored in a container/gas bottle that is in good condition and meets Australian Standards (AS/NZS 2906).

  • No, fumes and/or leftover fuel can still be a risk to passenger and crew safety, so empty fuel cans and gas bottles must be transported on the vehicle ferry where they can be stored correctly.

  • Only if the item is new or in good clean condition and empty of fuel. Items must be stored correctly and are approved at the Master’s discretion.

  • You are permitted to carry up to two 25L approved fuel containers or gas bottles as a walk on passenger. Larger quantities should be transported in a vehicle.

  • Once you have purchased a walk on ticket when you are ready to board the vessel please follow advice from the crew. You will need to declare your dangerous goods and store them in the designated area regardless of travel distance. When you are ready to disembark, advise the crew and collect your items when directed.

Change to Carriage of Dangerous Goods

Passengers travelling on Bay Islands passenger ferries are advised fuel or dangerous goods will no longer be permitted on passenger ferries from Tuesday 5 October 2021 due to safety reasons.

We have conducted internal and external risk assessments, which recommended the transportation of dangerous goods - including fuel - no longer be permitted on the Bay Islands passenger ferries.

Any passengers wishing to transport fuel or dangerous goods will need to purchase a ticket to travel on the vehicle ferry as a walk-on passenger. These ferries are fitted with the specific storage for transportation of classified dangerous goods, which includes fuel.

Passengers will be able to walk onto any of SeaLink’s vehicle ferries that have accredited storage for the transportation of fuel and dangerous goods.

Walk on passenger tickets are priced as per below:

  • $8 per adult, one way
  • $6 per student, one way
  • $4 per concession card holder, one way
  • $4 per child (5-14 years old), one way
Inter-island travel for walk on passengers will remain free of charge.

The following limits will apply to travel on the vehicle ferries:

  • Lawn mowers, whipper snippers, portable generators and outboard motors (empty of fuel, one only)
  • Maximum of two (2) (up to) 25 litre approved fuel containers (see AS/NZS2906.2001)
  • Maximum of two (2) (up to) 9kg gas bottles
There will be no freight charge applicable for transportation of fuel and gas bottles.

Both SeaLink and TransLink, the public transport agency for Queensland, appreciate the support and understanding of the island communities during the transition.