Join the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol

The Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) offers great job opportunities, helping to conserve Queensland's fisheries resources and keep our waterways safe.

What do field officers do?

  • Education: They explain fishing rules and regulations to recreational fishers, commercial fishers and the general community, and keep vessel operators informed about small craft safety. They also give talks to community groups and take part in community events.
  • Monitoring and inspection: They patrol the state's waterways to ensure that everyone is abiding by fishing and boating laws – checking licences and catches, inspecting fishing vessels and gear, monitoring small craft safety and supervising shark safety. They also check that fish are sold through legal markets and that fish markets do not sell undersize fish.
  • Investigation: They investigate cases of alleged infringements and compile reports.
  • Enforcement: They issue cautions or infringement notices and, when necessary, prosecute matters in the Magistrates Court.

Are there any special conditions?

As someone who serves the Queensland community you have to be prepared to:

  • work anywhere in the state
  • comply with QBFP transfer guidelines
  • comply with the QBFP code of uniform and appearance
  • take up your initial appointment at your own expense (that is, accept responsibility for moving if required)
  • disclose your employment history and details of any court-imposed penalties if asked
  • successfully complete an extensive training program.

Do I need any qualifications?

There are some mandatory requirements and some desirable skills.

You will need one of the following:

  • Diploma of Government Investigations
  • Diploma of Policing
  • Diploma of Crime and Justice Studies
  • a qualification relevant to QBFP duties and considered to be equivalent to or higher than a Diploma.

You will also need:

  • a current open drivers licence for a manual vehicle
  • a recreational shipmasters licence
  • a medical certificate indicating that you are physically capable of performing the required duties (including an assessment that indicates that you are not colourblind)
  • a certificate stating that you are able to swim 100 metres in 5 minutes.

Desirable qualifications or experience include:

  • a senior first aid certificate
  • a coxswain certificate
  • a Certificate IV in Government (Investigation) or appropriate elements
  • Royal Lifesaving Society qualification or Surf Lifesaving Australia qualification
  • work experience or service in a community voluntary organisation (e.g. Coast Guard, Air Sea Rescue, Landcare, Australian Surf Rescue, Surf Lifesaving).

For training options and venues, visit Australian Government Skills.

How do I apply?

Positions are advertised in leading newspapers, in the Queensland Government Gazette and on SmartJobs.

Please note: QBFP do not offer traineeships. Students currently completing a relevant tertiary level course, who require industry experience to meet the requirements for their qualification, may be considered for work experience with QBFP at the discretion of the District Officer or District Manager (other conditions also apply). This placement is not available to high school students.

More information

Call 13 25 23 or email info@daf.qld.gov.au.