If you’re a boater in Western Australia, it’s important to know that new regulations have been introduced to make our waters safer and ensure legal compliance. These are the most significant changes to boating safety laws in over 30 years, focusing on lifejackets, emergency beacons, and communication devices.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changed and how you can stay safe while ensuring legal compliance on WA’s waterways.
Key Changes to Safety Equipment Laws
1. Lifejackets: What’s Required Now?
New rules mean that every person on board must have an appropriate lifejacket. Specifically:
- For kids aged 1 to 12, a Level 100 lifejacket is required when the boat is more than 400 metres from shore.
- All passengers must wear a lifejacket on boats shorter than 4.8 metres, regardless of how far they are from shore.
Wearing lifejackets saves lives, and these rules are designed to make sure every passenger, especially children, is protected.
2. Emergency Beacons (EPIRBs and PLBs)
Emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) or personal locator beacons (PLBs) must now be GPS-enabled. This makes it easier for emergency services to locate you quickly if something goes wrong.
Boaters have up to five years to make the switch, so it’s important to plan and get the right beacon.
3. Communication Equipment
If you operate a boat more than four nautical miles offshore, you’ll need to upgrade to more reliable VHF and HF radios within five years. This upgrade ensures better communication, especially during emergencies when clear and reliable contact with authorities is essential.
4. Raising Awareness: Education Campaign
The WA Department of Transport has launched an education campaign featuring videos of real stories from people affected by boating accidents. These videos aim to show why it’s so important to follow the new laws and take safety seriously.
General Boating Rules in WA
In addition to the updated safety equipment rules, several existing boating laws continue to apply to ensure everyone on the water stays safe:
Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST)
To operate any boat with a motor larger than 6 horsepower (4.5 kilowatts), you must have an RST. The minimum age for this is 14 years.
The RST ensures that you have the skills and knowledge needed to operate a boat safely.
Vessel Registration
All boats with mechanical propulsion need to be registered every year. This keeps your boat legally recognised and ensures it’s accounted for under WA’s boating safety systems.
Navigation and Collision Rules
Skippers must follow specific navigation and collision rules to prevent accidents. This includes:
- Keeping a lookout
- Understanding right-of-way rules
- Taking steps to avoid other vessels
Speed Limits
In some areas, such as near bridges and mooring zones, there’s an 8-knot speed limit to protect both people and marine life. It’s important to observe these limits and be mindful of your surroundings.
Why These Changes Are Important
The new laws aim to reduce accidents and fatalities, as WA waters have seen a rise in boating incidents over recent years. By complying with these regulations, you’re not just avoiding fines—you’re actively contributing to a safer environment for everyone.
Lifejacket requirements, updated emergency beacons, and better communication equipment are all practical measures designed to protect you and your passengers.
What’s Next for Boaters?
If you’re a boat owner or skipper, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with these new regulations and make any necessary upgrades. Start by checking if your lifejackets are compliant, look into upgrading your emergency beacon to a GPS-enabled model, and, if you go far offshore, plan to update your communication devices to meet the new standards.
You can learn more about these changes through the WA Department of Transport’s website or by visiting your local boating school, such as Sea Safe Boat School. They offer training and guidance on everything from lifejacket fitting to safe boating practices, and their skippers ticket workbook is a great resource to help you stay compliant and safe on the water.
Enjoying WA’s Waters Safely
Western Australia offers some of the most stunning waterways in the world, and by following the latest rules, you can enjoy them safely and responsibly. Remember, these changes are designed to protect lives, ensure legal compliance, and make boating safer for everyone.
Stay informed, be prepared, and you’ll have a fantastic and secure boating experience every time you set out. For more details on the new boating regulations, visit the Department of Transport’s official site or consult a local expert to make sure your vessel is up to standard.
Safe boating starts with knowledge and compliance, so take the time to get up to speed on the latest rules.
