Safety equipment review - information events

Future safety equipment requirements for recreational boating, including possible mandatory wearing of lifejackets, will be canvassed at two community events later this month.

The Department of Transport (DoT) is hosting the events as part of the first stage of consultation in the most comprehensive review of boat safety equipment in 25 years.

DoT Marine Safety General Manager Ray Buchholz said officers would be on hand to explain safety equipment on display and record comments to be considered as part of the consultation process.

"Safety equipment is required for the 100,000 recreational vessels registered in WA and also the growing number of different types of personal water craft (PWC), sailboards, paddleboats and sail boats in specified areas of operation," Mr Buchholz said.

"While boat owners and users are the target for the event, it's hoped those who have a PWC or regularly paddle, windsurf or enjoy kite surfing will also attend to participate in the review process or take the online survey (www.transport.wa.gov.au/safetyequipmentreview).

"Every effort is being made to ensure the comments of the broader boating community are heard and the outcome of the review reflects the views of the hundreds of thousands of people involved in these activities."

Information displays including different types of safety equipment, some used in other jurisdictions, will be at each event:

• Tuesday 13 June 2017
  3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club
  115 Breakwater Parade, Mandurah
• Thursday 22 June 2017
  3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  Whitfords Volunteer Sea Rescue Group
  1 Boat Harbour Quays, Ocean Reef

People can register to attend by contacting DoT by email at safetyequipreview@transport.wa.gov.au or by phone on (08) 9435 7547.

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