New real-time safety alerts for skippers on the water

In an Australian first WA Skippers entering waters where there is safety hazard will be alerted immediately if they have the free Deckee boating app.

The initiative will further boost safety for skippers using the app and results from the Department of Transport’s (DoT) partnership with Deckee that is delivering improved WA data and functionality on the popular boating app. 

DoT Director of Waterways Safety Management Chris Mather said the new feature would see skippers who have the app receive Temporary Notices to Mariners when they enter affected waters.

He said the alerts were sent in real-time and based on the GPS location of the skipper’s device.

“The app is not a replacement for safety equipment but if put to good use, the information it contains, could be a lifesaver,” Mr Mather said.

The alerts include updates such as information considered important to safe navigation, warnings about marine hazards, and notices about approved aquatic events. This further complements the huge amount of WA specific safety information already available on the app.

The upgraded functionality of the app delivers safety information to the fingertips of skippers throughout WA with the clear objective to save lives on the water. In 2021 there were ten recreational boating fatalities in WA, compared with seven in 2020 and 10 in 2019.

“This is an Australian first and another reason why anyone who is regularly out on the water in WA, whether for work or pleasure, should download the free Deckee boating app,” Mr Mather said.

Deckee is available now for free download from the App Store and Google Play Store. Visit  www.transport.wa.gov.au/Deckee to find out more. 

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