Locals and visitors to Karratha will be reminded of the importance of safety on the water as the town hosts one of the region's biggest fishing competitions next weekend.

The Department of Transport's award winning Marine Safety Education Trailer will be attending the King Bay Game Fishing Club competition weigh-in area and visiting  local boat launching ramps to provide marine safety advice to skippers.

The Department's local Regional Officers and Marine Education Officers will be on hand to discuss safety issues, recent changes to marine laws including the new requirement for a 406 MHz EPIRB and other initiatives such as the Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST).

Department Acting Manager Safety Education Sue Matthews said the fishing competition, in addition to the people visiting for the FeNaClng Festival, made the weekend one of the busiest times on the water in Karratha.

"It is a perfect time to inform and educate locals and the visiting boating community and we urge skippers to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about boating safety," Ms Matthews said.

The Marine Safety Education Trailer will be visiting launching ramps in the Karratha and Dampier area and also Point Sampson from Friday July 31, 2009 to Monday August 3, 2009.

Ms Matthews said people visiting the trailer could get advice on how to obtain their RST and join more than 124,000 people who have already gained the qualification.

“Copies of the free workbook, which contains all the information needed to gain an RST and a list of authorised providers, is also available from the education officers at the trailer,” 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.

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Bronwyn Hillman 0408 098 220

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