Reminder to skippers as boating safety reinforced at Crab Fest

Boat owners are being urged to plan their visit to Crab Fest for both day and night activities.

Hundreds of vessels are expected to access to Manjar Bay over the weekend and authorities want skippers to take extra care.

Department of Transport (DoT) Senior Marine Officer Adam Rando said Crab Fest was a busy time with a high number of vessels anchored and traffic moving through the town area, including the large Mandurah ferries, hire and drive vessels, small sailing boats, hired paddle craft as well as recreational vessels.

“Skippers need to reduce wash and keep the waves friendly for the safety of paddle craft and for people transferring from boat to boat or to jetties,” Mr Rando said.

“Those planning to view the Crab Fest fireworks from the water should check their navigation lights and other safety equipment before the event to ensure their night out is incident free.

“Prior to the fireworks DoT patrols will be directing vessels to safe anchorage areas and security vessels we be in place displaying yellow or blue flashing lights when no vessel movement is allowed.

“Throughout the weekend skippers should also take care not to impede or anchor in the navigation channels.”

Boating safety will be highlighted at Crab Fest with access to the latest promotions and information. Each day of Crab Fest (March 14 and 15, 2020) local boat owners will also be able to take advantage of the successful Old4New lifejacket upgrade, which allows skippers to replace their old, damaged, obsolete or foam filled lifejacket with a new modern more comfortable one for $65.

The Old4New initiative, delivered in conjunction with the Royal Life Saving Society of Western Australia, spearheads a State-wide education campaign promoting the benefits of wearing lifejackets at all times while boating.

Old4New is available from 10am to 3pm each day at DoT’s Marine Safety Education Trailer located on the Mandurah Terrace foreshore (north of the children’s playground).

To avoid disappointment, it’s important that people wanting to participate in the program read the Old4New guidelines to check if their jackets qualify for an upgrade and to find out more information.

All vessels on the water between sunset and sunrise are required to display the appropriate navigation lights.

Temporary on water closures and special arrangements are in place for Crab Fest including:
• A vessel holding area will be established downstream from the location drawn from Carter Street north east to Dorsodura Way for the fireworks display.
• Vessels will not be permitted to anchor within a 250-metre radius of the fireworks launching area and there will be no entry permitted to the closed waters.

For more information about the on-water arrangements for the event boat owners can contact 1300 863 308 or visit DoT's website.

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