Boating safety reinforced at Wagin Woolorama

The importance of safety on the water will be highlighted next week at one of the biggest events on WA's agricultural calendar, the Wagin Woolorama.

The Department of Transport's (DoT) Marine Safety Education Trailer will be at the event and Albany based officers will join visiting marine education officers to provide the latest advice to skippers and also information about driver and vehicle licensing.

DoT Manager Safety Education Laurie Adams said the officers would provide up to date information on the suitability and water depths of local lakes for water skiing and personal water craft use and safety requirements such as the Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST).

"With the high number of people attending the event, it is a perfect time to inform and educate the boating community and we urge skippers to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about boating safety," Mr Adams said.

"The Department and its officers are committed to reaching all parts of the State's boating community as it works to educate and inform people about safety on the water."

Mr Adams said people visiting the trailer will also get information about the 'BEST' Check system based on a set of checklists to be completed before each voyage and annually and also get the latest on the correct disposal of EPIRBs and flares.

Copies of the free RST workbook, which contains all the information needed to gain an RST and a list of authorised providers, will be available from officers at the trailer.

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

People wanting further information about safe boating can visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine

The Wagin Woolorama begins on Friday March 10 and concludes on Saturday March 11, 2017.

Media Contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au