Department of Transport Peel Region senior marine officer Adam Rando said skippers should ensure they had the required safety gear on board, including navigation lights if they planned to be on the water after dark or before sunrise.
‘Crab Fest is a wonderful event and boating enthusiasts who properly prepare their vessel and plan their trip significantly reduce the risk of being involved in an incident on the water,’ Mr Rando said.
The temporary on-water closures and special arrangements in place for Crab Fest 2013 start on Thursday and finish on Sunday.
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READ NOW– Waters downstream of the Old Mandurah Traffic Bridge to a location drawn from Carter Street, northeast to Dorsodura Way and the entry/exit of the Port Mandurah Canals will close 15 minutes before the wakeboarding event and fireworks display.
– A vessel holding area will be available downstream from the location drawn from Carter Street northeast to Dorsodura Way to view the fireworks.
– Vessels may not anchor within a 100m radius of the fireworks launching area and there is strictly no entry to the closed waters.
– For the wakeboard event, slider ramp systems will be installed on Thursday and will remain until March 18.
They will be lit to beyond international requirements to ensure visibility.
Those navigating the area are to proceed with extreme caution, at a safe speed not exceeding eight knots. Navigation warnings will also be broadcast to alert skippers of the presence of the sliders.
DoT Marine Officers and Peel Water Police Officers will be patrolling during the event to monitor safety compliance and help members of the boating community.
More information on 1300 863 308.