Use a safety checklist before launching

WA boaters are being urged to complete a 'BEST' checklist — that's short for boat, equipment, safety and trailer — each time they go boating to improve safety and avoid breaking down on the state's vast waterways.

Boat breakdowns accounted for 639 rescues on WA waterways in 2015-16 and there are about 100,000 registered recreational boats in the state, with high participation rates among those who own boats.

Of course, most state maritime authorities have boating safety checklists on their websites. It is also advisable to make your own itinerary for your boating trips and to simply stick a sheet to the fridge door at home. This can aid rescue should you not arrive home on time.

In WA, Transport Minister Dean Nalder recently reminding skippers of the importance of regular boat maintenance and the need to check safety equipment as the summer boating season approaches.

The state's new BEST check safety campaign is designed to raise awareness of this very thing and boost boating safety prior to peak boating use over the summer months.

Mr Nalder said the majority of the 639 boat breakdowns in WA requiring assistance from volunteer marine rescue groups in 2015-16 could have been avoided if skippers had been better prepared.

"Skippers need to be responsible, taking time to complete the recommended voyage preparation guidelines every time they head out onto the water," Mr Nalder said.

"Unfortunately, skippers who fail to do this put their safety and those on board at risk, and also waste the precious resources of our volunteer rescue groups."

BEST provides skippers with a free step-by-step guide through an annual 45-point safety check which identifies items under the headings boat, equipment, safety and trailer to be maintained before each trip.

"Spring is the best time to undertake the annual check as it allows time for repairs before the boating season," the Minister said.

Mr Nalder said this included carrying in-date flares, emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRBs) where required, and for the need for your boat to be registered with the department.

For more information on the BEST campaign, visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/maintaining-your-boat.