The State's leading marine safety authority has warned recreational skippers to be aware of their responsibilities when navigating a vessel at night.

Department of Transport General Manager Marine Safety David Harrod said there had been four serious recreational boating incidents at night in the Dampier Archipelago over the past two months.

Mr Harrod said the incidents, which resulted in serious injuries and substantial damage to vessels, have prompted real concerns about the awareness skippers have in regard to the operation of their vessel at night. 

"Navigating at night requires special care and attention. Skippers need to slow down because navigation aids are not always lit, and there are many other potential hazards," Mr Harrod said.

"Skippers can not rely entirely on electronic navigation systems and are required by law to keep a proper look out at all times."

Important information for skippers navigating at night:

• Electronic navigation aids do not necessarily take into account weather and other environmental factors. For example the sideways movement of a vessel caused by the wind affects navigation, the direction to where the current is flowing and/or the combination of sea and swell will all have an influence on keeping a true course.
  
  
• Errors can occur if a Global Position System (GPS) chart plotter is not set up correctly or is not calibrated to the chart software. It is also critical to use the correct reference point or datum specifically for the system.
  
  
• Unless it is a high resolution, large screen, colour GPS chart plotter, with the latest up to date electronic chart software loaded, such as Electronic Chart Display and Information System, the screen will only show a small amount of the information found on an official paper navigational chart. This can be dangerous as it may not show rapid changes in depth or other hazards in sufficient detail for safe navigation.

Mr Harrod said skippers need to plan each trip on an up to date, correct and current paper navigational chart.

"Most collisions are caused by people not looking where they are going. It is easy to steer by looking at your chart plotter but it is far safer to set the boat on course and keep a constant watch for hazards," Mr Harrod said.

"Skippers need to think carefully and plan their trip and only operate a vessel at night  if they are experienced and aware of their responsibilities."

MEDIA CONTACT: Bronwyn Hillman 0408 098 220

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