Another Govt media release

Skippers need safety ticket from today
From today, the Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST) is required for those operating recreational vessels in Western Australia.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said today's RST deadline marked an important milestone in the introduction of one of the most significant marine safety initiatives in WA.

“After a two-year roll-out of the regulations,from today, people in charge of a recreational vessel with a motor of more than 4.5 kilowatts (6HP) require an RST,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“The Skipper’s Ticket requires people in charge of recreational vessels to have a minimum level of skill and knowledge needed to protect themselves, their passengers and to share the water safely with others.

“Skippers must have their RST to operate a vessel, or face an on the spot fine of $200.”

The Minister said strong support for the initiative from the boating community throughout WA had resulted in more than 84,500 tickets being issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, with another 3,000 applications currently being processed.

“There are about 87,000 registered recreational vessels in WA, so the basic ratio of tickets to vessels is pleasing at this stage of the introduction of the RST,” she said.

“Authorised providers of RST training and assessment report a continued high level of inquires and bookings, which will further boost the number of qualified skippers in WA.

“DPI Marine and Regional Transport Officers, Department of Fisheries Marine Officers and Water Police will be enforcing the new requirement on all WA waterways.”

For more information about the RST or for the contacts details of one of department’s large network of authorised training and assessment providers, log on to http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine

Alternatively, call the department’s RST hotline 9216 8966 for a copy of the free workbook or to obtain further information