The Department for Planning and Infrastructure's dedication and commitment to improved education for boat owners has been rewarded.

The Department's new Marine Safety Education Trailer was awarded an Australian Marine Industries Federation prize for Best Small Display at this year's Perth Boat Dive and Fishing Show.

Department Director General Greg Martin said the award recognised the importance of effective marine safety education and that safety had to be reinforced as a priority for all boat owners.

Mr Martin said the introduction of the Marine Safety Education Trailer was a simple initiative that would play an important role in fostering a renewed focus on safe and responsible boating in WA.

“It will boost awareness of safe boating practices and provide increased opportunities for boat owners to expand their marine knowledge,” Mr Martin said.

“Boating is a favourite past-time of more than 72,000 registered recreational vessel owners in WA – a number that is growing steadily at an average of four per cent a year.

“In addition, it's estimated that more than 300,000 people are involved in some boating activity each year in WA, which further reinforces the need for improved boating safety.

“The Department is committed to improving safety on the water through a number of initiatives, including improved marine safety information for the wider boating community and better communication with boaters.

“Implementing a number of initiatives at different levels will further highlight boating safety as a priority across the community and ultimately save lives on the water.”

The trailer, designed and constructed in WA, displays material which provides people interested in boating with a range of marine safety information from equipment requirements on vessels to knowing the purpose of markers, beacons and buoys for safe navigation.

To be used at boat shows and other community events throughout the State, the trailer will be staffed by Department Marine Safety Education Officers who can answer questions and provide practical advice on safe boating issues.

Mr Martin said the trailer was an excellent resource that would also support the work of the Boating Community Groups being established throughout the State.

“The eleven Boating Community Groups being established currently provide Government with a direct link to the recreational boating community,” Mr Martin said.

“Apart from providing important feedback to Government on its marine safety education strategies the groups will also initiate projects to raise awareness of local boating safety issues.”

Boating Community Groups will include representation from local sea search and rescue groups, recreational boating clubs and associations and fisheries and marine safety volunteer groups. Three groups will be established in the metropolitan area representing the South Metropolitan, East Metropolitan (including the Swan and Canning Rivers) and North Metropolitan areas. Regional groups will include Goldfields/Esperance, Great Southern, South West, Peel, Mid West, Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley.

See iMarine for further news

Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 0408 098 220