Boat owners have been urged to make safety their priority this Easter and carry the required and recommended safety equipment including their Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST).
Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) Waterways Safety Director Graeme Meinema said the extended Easter break was one of the busiest and most dangerous times to be on the water due to the high number of craft and increased the risk of incidents and tragedy.
“Having recently marked 20 years since its introduction, this Easter we’re urging skippers to share the waters safely, carry their RST and apply the knowledge and skills obtained when earning the marine qualification,” Mr Meinema said.
“Our patrols will be checking vessels meet the safety requirements and monitoring behaviour, particularly on the Swan Canning Riverpark and also at inland dams where we will be targeting speeding and illegal freestyling by personal water craft (PWC).
“We are working closely with other authorities at a number of busy locations, including Logue Brook Dam, to address unsafe on-water behaviour that puts the lives of other waterway users at risk.
“Skippers heading offshore need to be mindful of the changing swell conditions at Easter when operating near reefs and at Rottnest skippers unfamiliar with the Island’s complex reef system need navigation charts on board.
“Always check the weather on Deckee before heading out and while you’re on the water, particularly the swell, and change your plans if the conditions don’t suit your vessel size.
“Remember, wearing your lifejacket while on the water could save your life in an emergency.”
To reduce the rising number of boating incidents and fatalities in WA the RST was announced in early 2006 as a compulsory marine qualification to ensure that individuals in charge of recreational vessels in WA have a minimum standard of skill and knowledge to operate safely.
There are more than 313,000 RST holders in WA and more than 104,000 registered recreational vessels. The RST is required for anyone operating a boat with a motor over 6 horsepower (4.5kW).
Deckee is available now for free download from the App Store and Google Play Store. Visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/Deckee to find out more. To check the swell appropriate for your vessel, the required safety equipment for the area of operation or get a nautical chart visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/safetyequipment
Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au
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