Published
26 January 2002
Ministers
Safe Boating a Skyworks priority
26/01/02 People viewing tonight's Lotto Skyworks from boats are urged to make safety a priority.
26/01/02
People viewing tonight's Lotto Skyworks from boats are urged to make safety a priority.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has reminded skippers to plan their boat trip and observe the special restrictions on Perth Water.
Ms MacTiernan said that more than 300 boats were expected to take to the water tonight.
"It should be a great evening, but skippers have a responsibility to those on board to take some simple commonsense precautions," she said.
"Every marine officer from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure Marine Safety Branch will be on the water this evening, monitoring safety compliance, helping skippers and enforcing on-water restrictions.
"All vessels must have some form of navigation lights and they should have life jackets and flares on board.
"Those boats fitted with radio communications are asked to monitor the 27 Mhz frequency Channel 27.91 or 27.90 for the duration of the event.
"Probably the most dangerous time on the water is following Skyworks, when the number of vessels on the water can make for hazardous conditions. Boat owners should be prepared for delays and skippers should consider delaying their trip home for 30 minutes to an hour."
Ms MacTiernan said there were a number of special water restrictions boat owners should be aware of, including:
- an eight-knot speed limit will apply from a line drawn between Quarry Point and Quarry Spit Post and then to Mill Point. This speed limit extends to Perth Water;
- Perth Water will be closed to all vessels from 5pm to 9.30pm; and
- vessels are only to anchor or moor in the spectator craft areas.
Boat owners are also reminded that as usual after dark, the speed limit on the Swan and Canning Rivers is 10 knots.
Minister's office: 9213 6400
