Skippers warned: on-water drug and alcohol testing in place this Australia Day

With record numbers of recreational craft expected on WA waterways this Australia Day, skippers are being warned they’ll be tested on the water if they’re suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Department of Transport (DoT) Maritime Executive Director Chris Mather said traditionally Australia Day was the busiest time of year on the water and new stronger on-water drug and alcohol laws, aligned to rules on the road in WA, would be enforced. 

“This is the first Australia Day that DoT marine inspectors and WA Police have significantly strengthened laws to keep waterways safe and skippers throughout WA are being put on notice,” Mr Mather said.

Laws implemented last year set limits for blood alcohol content (BAC) and illicit drug presence for skippers and there is also compulsory testing for those involved in a serious incident.  

Under the new prescribed BAC limits, penalties for first offences include either a $1,000 infringement notice or a fine of up to $1,250 for excess 0.05 while a fine between $750 and $2,250- and six-months disqualification applies for excess 0.08. Repeat offenders face increased fines and periods of disqualification.

Skippers found to have traces of an illicit drug in their system face a fine of $1,250 for a first offence, and between $1,250 and $2,000- and six-months disqualification for a second or subsequent offence. Skippers who consume both alcohol and drugs and exceed the limits face even higher penalties.

Mr Mather said a state-wide education campaign ‘Stay afloat, don’t drink and boat’ was launched late last year to raise awareness of the new laws on the water.

“While the majority of skippers are responsible and act in the best interests of the people on board their vessel, the new laws give our inspectors and WA Police the power to act and remove any threat to safety,” Mr Mather said.

“We’re also urging skippers to check the safety equipment requirements for their vessel and water zone following major reform of the laws in recent years making it compulsory for children and adults to wear a lifejacket in certain circumstances and ensuring the best available technology is on board to assist rescue operations and improve outcomes.” 

On-water incidents in WA claimed 61 lives in the past eight years – three more than the previous 13 years. Over the past ten years the average number of deaths per year increased to 7.1, significantly up on the previous ten-year average of 4.7. There have been four deaths and five serious injuries in the past two years where alcohol or drugs were recorded, or suspected, as a causal factor.

For more information about the new laws and education campaign visit our website. 

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