Mandurah skippers get chance to have their say on boat safety

Keen skippers and boating enthusiasts from around the Peel region will get the chance to have their say on proposed changes to safety equipment requirements at an information session which is to be held in Mandurah this Saturday.

The Department of Transport (DoT) is hosting the event, along with many others across the state.

It follows the release of the Recreational Vessel Safety Equipment Review Position Paper for community comment.

The position paper, formulated following initial community consultation in March 2017, details 12 proposals including the compulsory wearing of lifejackets for children and by anyone on a vessel less than 4.8 metres in length, bringing Western Australia into line with other states.

Under the proposed reforms recreational vessels will also not need to carry any safety equipment when operating in protected waters or within 400m of shore in unprotected waters.

Beyond 400m, vessels will require a GPS-enabled distress beacon, plus either flares or an electronic night signalling device, and a marine radio will only be required when operating more than four nautical miles from shore.

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Department of Transport maritime deputy general manager Ray Buchholz said it had been more than 25 years since the last review of safety equipment requirements for recreational vessels in Western Australia.

He said the reforms were designed to simplify laws making it easier for skippers to comply and save lives on the water.

"While boat owners and users are the target for the information sessions, it's hoped those who have a personal water craft (PWC) or regularly paddle, windsurf or enjoy kite surfing will also attend as these craft also require safety equipment," he said.

The Mandurah session will be held on Saturday, October 26.

Information sessions are also being held in Bunbury, Rockingham, Broome, Albany, Hillarys, Karratha, Geraldton and Fremantle.