Unlock North Queensland with ABCNQ
One of North Queensland’s true drawcards is its stunning coastline, dotted with secluded bays, coral reefs, and winding rivers just waiting to be explored. With ABCNQ, you can.
More than 22 years ago, Jason Robinson became Townsville’s first BoatSafe-approved provider. His brainchild, ABCNQ—short for Anything Boating Camping North Queensland—has since been the region’s go-to for boat and jetski licensing, while also offering charters and a wide range of boating and camping accessories.
Today, Jason and his partner Peta, who also operates The Jobshop delivering first aid training and event support, run the operation together. With more than 30 years of combined military and civilian maritime experience, they continue to deliverer accessible, safety-driven courses for everyone from first-time skippers to seasoned mariners.
ABCNQ specialises in boat and or jetski licences, combined licences, Coxswain Grade 3, and marine radio courses. Every program includes online theory training, a closed-book exam, hands-on practical sessions, and a final assessment on the water. “If there’s a suitable body of water and people that need it, we can get in it and we can make it happen,” Jason says. That commitment has taken the team everywhere from Mackay to Cape York, with thousands of students trained along the way.
“Boating is one of the skills that spans every walk of life,” said Jason.
“You’ve got people with a ten-foot tinny and your million-dollar man with the 80-foot boat—it literally spans everyone.”
Jason’s own path into marine education began in Army water transport, where he gained hands-on experience operating small boats and landing craft after his deployment to East Timor in 1999—one of Australias largest deployments since the Vietnam war at the time. After a motorbike accident reduced his medical status, he transitioned into civilian licensing, applying his military skills in a new context.
For Jason, ABCNQ was a way to share his extensive boating knowledge and, in turn, help people access the region’s hidden treasures. “We’ve got some absolutely amazing spots up here that most people miss out on without a boat licence,” he said. “We’re out there on the reef, fishing, or exploring places like Zoe Bay at Hinchinbrook—million-dollar locations you just can’t reach any other way. We get people out there and make those experiences possible."
These days, Jason rarely steps onto a boat without his newest companion, Teo: a four-month-old Labrador and trainee assistance dog. “The students love having him there. He comes out on the boat. Any excuse to get in the water, he’s there,” Jason laughs.
But Teo’s presence is more than adorable enthusiasm. After the loss of their previous dog Loki from old age and Jasons mental health battles from his previous employment, Jason began exploring support options. That’s when he connected with the Young Diggers Dog Squad, a national program helping veterans and first responders train their own assistance dogs.
“Young Diggers were just super helpful,” he says. “It definitely decreased my anxiety, and it’s a chance for me to help educate the public that there’s more to service dogs than just guide dogs.”
Jason joined the Dog Squad as a rookie handler in September. Since then, Teo has passed his suitability assessment and begun group sessions, exposure training, and preparation for his upcoming learner’s assessment. “He’s literally spends 24/7 with us,” Jason says. “He’s managed to ruin all my old rules about dogs staying outside.”
As ABCNQ continues teaching safe boating across the region, Jason hopes locals will also consider supporting the organisation that supports him.
Ready to explore North Queensland’s waterways or support veterans with assistance dogs? Visit www.abcnq.com.au to get your boat or jetski licence, and much more and check out youngdiggers.com.au to learn how you can help the amazing work they do helping Veterans and first responders.
