This is late notification, but it is here to serve as general notice - Adam Gallash

Recreational Skippers’ Tickets required from April 1, for under-25s.

New recreational boating laws requiring people under the age of 25 to have a Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (or RST) if they are in charge of a vessel, will be enforced throughout Western Australia from tomorrow (April 1).

All other recreational skippers will be required to have an RST from April 2008.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the laws had been introduced to improve boating safety, by ensuring that skippers had the basic skills needed to protect themselves and their passengers and shared the water safely with others.

“The need for better safety education for boat owners has been reinforced by the high number of boating incidents and deaths during the summer,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“Since June last year, more than 110 boating incidents, including 10 fatalities from six recreational incidents, have been reported to the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.

“This is much higher than the WA average of five boating-related deaths each year.“

The Minister said more than 48,000 tickets had been issued since the initiative was launched in February last year.

“The majority of the 45,000 experienced recreational skippers who were offered a special exemption from the practical assessment for the RST took up the offer before it expires tomorrow,” she said.

“Another 15,000 people have been issued with an RST in recognition of their BoatSmart, TL3 or TL5 certificates.

“Those who did not take advantage of these offers will now face additional assessment to be issued with an RST.”

From tomorrow, it will be against the law for a person under 25 to be in charge of a recreational vessel more than 4.5 kilowatts (6HP). A first offence attracts a fine of $200 and repeat offenders face a court prosecution where a magistrate could impose a penalty of $500 or more.

People wanting more information about the RST can contact 9216 8966 or log on the Department for Planning and Infrastructure website: http://www.dpi.wa/gov/imarine