Skippers urged to check their wake in new campaign

The need for skippers to limit the amount of wake created by their vessel is reinforced in a new education campaign targeting those who regularly navigate the lower reaches of the Swan River at East Fremantle.

The Department of Transport (DoT) campaign is being implemented in response to a formal review of the current eight knot speed limit in the area which included CCTV and radar speed monitoring and feedback from key stakeholders.
  
DoT Manager of Navigational Safety Mark Briant said the review found a reduction in the speed limit was not the only way to reduce wake from a vessel and its impact on the surrounding environment including penned vessels at yacht clubs, other aquatic users and the shoreline.

“The existing eight knot limit will remain after the review concluded that peaks in wake activity at the location were not solely linked to vessels travelling at excessive speed,” Mr Briant said.

“Other factors contributed to the observed wake peaks including vessel trim, which is best defined as how a vessel sits in the water while underway, and also the number of vessels moving through the water at the location at the same time.”

Mr Briant said the campaign would educate skippers about the importance of being aware and trimming their vessel to minimise wake.

“Skippers can influence trim by ensuring their load is evenly distributed, by adjusting the angle of their motor leg and also the speed of their vessel,” Mr Briant said. 
 
“No matter the size, a vessel’s wake can be controlled by the skipper and a well-trimmed vessel will create less wake.”

DoT officers will be out on the river this summer highlighting the campaign and providing advice to skippers about how to reduce wake from their vessel. For more information about wake and trim visit our Be wake aware. Show you care. page  

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