The Department of Transport’s Marine Safety Education Trailer and education officers will be metropolitan and Mandurah ramps until the end of January giving advice to boat owners about marine regulations and marine safety equipment changes, such as the new requirement for a 406 MHz EPIRB.

Marine Safety general manager David Harrod said December marked the official start of the summer boating season and boat ramps provided the perfect setting to inform and educate the boating community.

He said people visiting the trailer could also get advice on how to obtain their Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST) and join more than 128,000 people who have gained the marine qualification.

“A free workbook is available from education officers at the trailer, outlining all the information a person needs to gain their RST, a list of authorised training and assessment providers is also available,” Mr Harrod said.

It is compulsory for people in charge of a recreational vessel with a motor of more than 4.5 kilowatts (six horsepower) to hold an RST or face a fine of $200.

For more information visit http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/im arine