Boating enthusiasts who have not already done so will be able to take the first steps towards gaining their Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST) at the Fremantle Boat Show next week.

Department for Planning and Infrastructure Marine Education Officers will be on hand at the show to advise skippers on how to obtain their RST -  and join more than 115,000 people who have gained the new qualification.

The Department’s Acting Manager of Safety Education Sue Matthews said  those visiting the Marine Safety Education Trailer would be able to pick up a copy of the RST Workbook free of charge.

“The workbook contains all the information needed to gain an RST and a list of authorised providers is also available from the Department when people are ready to book their RST assessment, and training if required,” Ms Matthews 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.

Recognised as one of the most significant marine safety initiatives ever introduced in WA, 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.

Ms Matthews said people who visited the Department’s multi-award winning Marine Safety Education Trailer could also obtain the latest information about safe boating including the new requirement for a 406 MHz EPIRB.

"People will be able to pick up a brochure giving information on how to correctly dispose of their old 121.5/243 EPIRB highlighting the need to disarm the unit and check with local waste management facilities on environmentally friendly ways of disposing of the battery," Ms Matthews said.

Fremantle Boat Show, held at the Fremantle Esplanade Reserve , Fishing Boat Harbour and Challenger Harbour begins on Friday March 27 and concludes on Sunday March 29, 2009.

People not attending the event wanting further information about the RST or 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

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