Community embraces skipper qualification

Targets for the introduction of the Recreational Skipper's Ticket have been exceeded with more than 200,000 signing up for the marine qualification since it was announced in 2006.

Department of Transport General Manager of Marine Safety Ray Buchholz said the State's boating community had embraced the safety initiative resulting in a ratio of approximately two RST holders for every registered recreational vessel in WA.

"The high number of RSTs issued has been boosted by a growing trend for a number of people within one boating family to gain the qualification which is encouraged due to the benefits in an emergency on the water," he said.

"Having more than one RST holder on board a vessel is an extremely positive outcome and reflects DoT's 'you're the skipper; you're responsible' message which aims to reduce the number of boating incidents in WA.

"Understanding of the State's boating rules and regulations and awareness of safety issues has never been higher and this has made sharing the waters safer for all aquatic users."

The RST is required by those in charge of a recreational vessel with a motor more than 6HP.

Skippers without an RST face a fine of $200.