Kimberley skippers get the message on flares

After issuing a warning last year, the Department of Transport (DoT) has seen an improvement in the number of skippers in the Kimberley carrying in-date flares on their vessel.

Congratulating local skippers on the positive result today, DoT Broome Operations Manager Daren Hutchins said the number of vessels not carrying serviceable flares (in-date or not on board) had fallen from 16 per cent in 2017 to 14 per cent in 2018.

“While the improvement is encouraging, there is no room for complacency and DoT will continue to highlight the need for skippers to be responsible and carry the required safety equipment for the area they are boating in,” Mr Hutchins said.

“At Broome, skippers heading to protected waters at Dampier Creek for a day’s boating are reminded they need to carry a bailer, fire extinguisher (if required), anchor and line, lifejackets for everyone on board and in-date flares, if they are launching at one of the three ramps directly in to open water. DoT officers have recently infringed a number of skippers found to be in breach.”

Mr Hutchins said there was also concern about the seven per cent of skippers failing to have appropriate lifejackets on board which is four per cent above the State average.

“To assist local skippers there’s an upcoming opportunity to participate in the successful Old4New lifejacket upgrade program at Entrance Point Boat Ramp between 9am and 10am on Saturday April 20, 2019,” Mr Hutchins said.

Delivered in conjunction with the Royal Life Saving Society of Western Australia, Old4New sees old, damaged, obsolete or foam filled lifejackets exchanged for a voucher for use at a local retail outlet when purchasing a new lifejacket.

Voucher limits and restrictions are in place so people who want to participate should check the guidelines.

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