Whether you are going out for your morning catch or looking to cruise along the Swan River, safety on boats isn’t just a recommendation; it is the law. Starting in 2023, Western Australia underwent a significant maritime safety reform, and as of January 2026, many of the transition periods and requirements are now in effect.
At iiCAPTAIN, we want all students and skippers to spend more time in the water and less time worrying about compliance, which is why we have compiled the list below.
New Lifejacket Safety Standards
Lifejackets are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on a boat. Should your boat have issues, and you are required to jump into the water, having a lifejacket will keep you afloat, even when unconscious. Their bright orange appearance and reflective strips will make it easier for rescue vessels and helicopters to spot you when out at sea, and should you find yourself in the Indian Ocean, your life vest can help to prevent hypothermia.
Legal Lifejacket Requirements in WA
- Vessels under 4.8m: In unprotected waters (more than 400m from shore), everyone aboard your vessel is required to wear a Level 100 or higher lifejacket.
- Vessels 4.8m to 12m: You must carry a Level 100 life jacket for every person on the vessel.
- Personal Water Craft (Such as JetSkis): It is mandatory that you wear a Level 50S or higher lifejacket at all times.
Need a licence? It is a legal requirement to hold a Recreational Skipper’s Ticket for all powered vessels over 6hp in WA.
Distress Beacons with GPS are Now Legally Required in WA
It is a very time-consuming and difficult exercise for the safety crew and police to locate distressed vessels. Under the WA Maritime Act, there is now a legal requirement that all distress beacons in unprotected waters (such as the ocean) have a GPS function enabled.
The Importance of a GPS-enabled Beacon.
- Precision Accuracy: A non-GPS beacon uses satellites to triangulate a location within a 5km radius, while a GPS-enabled beacon can provide coordinates within 100 metres.
- Rapid Alerts: GPS beacons are able to transmit locations immediately, allowing a rescue operation to be initiated much faster.
- Personal Locator Beacons: Under new rules, you are now able to use GPS-enabled Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), which are great for smaller vessels and solo fishers, as your beacon can be attached to your lifejacket.
Legal Requirements for Beacons in WA
- GPS-Enabled Only: All EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) and PLBs carried in WA waters are now required to be GPS-enabled. You have until September 2028 to upgrade to a GPS-enabled EPIRB.
- Register Your Beacon: All beacons should be registered with AMSA.
During our WA Skippers Ticket Course, you will be shown the importance of – and how to deploy these beacons.
Flares and Electronic Visual Distress Signals
One of the most important safety devices that you should have on your vessel at all times is a flare or, alternatively, an EVDS.
Flare Requirements for Vessels in WA
- Standard Flare Requirements: When operating in open waters (more than 400 metres from shore in waters that aren’t protected), you must carry at least 2 handheld red flares and 2 handheld orange flares.
- Parachute Flares Phasing-Out: Previously, you were allowed to use parachute flares as an alternative to handheld flares. This will no longer be legal after September 1, 2026.
- EVDS Alternative: Alternatively, you are now allowed to carry an EVDS instead of flares, as long as you are also carrying a GPS-enabled PLB or EPIRB.
Marine Radios – Required in WA
If you are operating in a vessel that is sailing more than 4 nautical miles from shore, you are required to have a marine radio onboard your vessel.
Marine Radio Law in WA
- VHF Radios: 27MHz radios are being phased out throughout WA by September 1, 2028. VHF radios are now the recommended marine radio standard in WA.
- VHF Radio Licence: You are required in WA to hold a VHF radio licence if your vessel has a VHF radio onboard. At iiCAPTAIN, we offer a VHF radio licence course, which will allow you to obtain a VHF radio licence in little to no time.
- MF/HF Radios: HF Radios can operate at longer distances and can replace a VHF radio on your vessel. At iiCAPTAIN, we also offer courses for MF/HF radio licences.
Brush Up on Your Vessel Handling
Having the legally required safety gear on your vessel is one thing. But knowing how to actually handle your vessel in the event of an emergency is another. Whether you have just purchased a new boat or are looking to brush up on your boating skills, hands-on training is the best way to ensure your and your passengers’ safety.
Our boat handling courses are a great way to brush up on your skills with coaching sessions tailored to meet your needs and boating experience.
Double Check Your Safety Gear – The Consequences
Not only does not carrying mandated equipment risk your safety, but it also risks you receiving a fine, and can also void your maritime insurance. Before heading out on the water, you should always check to ensure you have all the required gear, that it is in working order, and that nothing has expired.
Are you new to boating and looking to get your skippers ticket or coxswain ticket? Book with iiCAPTAIN today!
