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Powerboats
Find out about rules, regulations and safety equipment requirements for operating a powerboat in WA.
Powerboats must be registered to use it in Western Australian waters.
You must hold a Recreational Skippers Ticket (RST) to operate a powerboat with a motor greater than 6hp (4.5 kilowatts).
You must be at least 14 years old to hold an RST.
You must carry your RST card when operating a powerboat.
Rules of use
As the skipper of a powerboat you must comply with:
- collision rules
- speed limits
- safety equipment requirements
- pollution and sewage regulations
- navigation light requirements.
You must obey all marine safety signs, including those that indicate mooring areas, water ski areas, and prohibited or restricted areas.
Find out more about boating rules in WA.
Safety equipment requirements
When operating a powerboat you must comply with the following safety equipment requirements.
Powerboats smaller than 4.8 metres
In protected waters
When operating in rivers, lakes, estuaries, harbours and waters within 400 metres from the shore you must carry a lifejacket (Level 100 or higher) for each person on board.
In unprotected waters
When operating more than 400 metres from shore in unprotected waters every person on board must wear a lifejacket (Level 100 or higher).
You must also carry:
- a GPS-enabled Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or wear a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
- at least 2 handheld red flares and 2 handheld orange flares or an Electronic Visual Distress Signals (EVDS)
- a marine radio when operating beyond 4 nautical miles from shore.
Powerboats 4.8 metres or larger
In protected waters
When operating in rivers, lakes, estuaries, harbours and waters within 400 metres from the shore you must carry a lifejacket (Level 100 or higher) for every person on board.
In unprotected waters
When operating more than 400 metres from shore in unprotected waters, you must carry:
- a lifejacket (Level 100 or higher) for every person on board. Children aged 1 to 12 years on board must wear a lifejacket (Level 100 or higher).
- a GPS-enabled EPIRB or wear a PLB
- at least 2 handheld red flares and 2 handheld orange flares, or an EVDS
- a marine radio when operating beyond 4 nautical miles from shore.
Find out more about what safety equipment you need.
Before you go
Before you leave home to go boating:
- check the latest weather update and tide information and plan your trip accordingly
- check all your safety equipment is in date and in working order
- check your boat is in a safe and working condition
- check any equipment is correctly stored to assist stability
- consider what to do in an emergency
- tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return.
Download the Deckee app for safety, weather and location-based information to help you stay safe on the water.