Play it safe on the water at Easter

This includes Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), which are compulsory for those navigating more than 3.7km off the WA coast or more than 400m from an island 3.7km from the mainland.

‘Recreational vessels must comply with the requirement to carry an EPIRB with an in-date battery and also registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority,’ Department of Transport safety education co-ordinator Laurie Adams said.

‘Before leaving home, skippers should test their EPIRB and check other safety equipment is in-date and in good working order.’ He said GPS-enabled distress beacons were also recommended.

Department of Transport officers will be patrolling waterways and monitoring safety compliance in regional and metropolitan areas during the Easter break.