Boat launching ramps in Mandurah will be the focus of a campaign to highlight safety on the water this weekend.

The Department for Planning and Infrastructure’s Marine Safety Education Trailer will be visiting ramps in the area to highlight marine regulations and marine safety equipment changes, such as the new requirement for a digital 406 MHz EPIRB.

Department Marine Safety Education Program Quality Coordinator Chris Mather said summer was the busiest time on the water and boat ramps provided the perfect setting to inform and educate the boating community.

“This summer the trailer has been visiting busy ramps in the metropolitan area and also in the Peel region to highlight safety on the water and the response has been excellent,” Chris Mather said.

The Marine Safety Education Trailer will be visiting boat ramps including Mary Street lagoon and Mandurah Ocean Marina on Saturday February 7 2009 at peak launch and retrieval times and travelling to ramps at Dawesville and surrounding areas on Sunday February 8, 2009.

Mr Mather said people visiting the trailer could also get advice on how to obtain their Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST) - and join more than 115,000 people who have gained the new 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 providers is also available,” Mr Mather said.

It is compulsory for people in charge of a recreational vessel with a motor of more than 4.5 kilowatts (6HP) to hold an RST or face a fine of $200.

The RST requires people in charge of a recreational vessel to have the minimum level of skill and knowledge needed to protect themselves, their passengers and to share the water safely with others.

People wanting further information about safe boating can log on to http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine or contact the Department on 9216 8966.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Bronwyn Hillman 0408 098 220

Read more news