Welcome to the fifth edition of the Official Western Australian Boating Guide. This booklet has been produced by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure to assist boat owners and users with making boating not only a pleasant family pastime but also a safe one. Safety is paramount when it comes to enjoying the boating lifestyle on our many waterways. Whether you’re into fishing, sailing, diving, cruising or just having fun, this guide will help you understand boating in general, boating procedures and boating safety. It is essential that boat owners and users make an effort to be safe irrespective of the boat’s size, their experience or their intended activity afloat. Everyone has some responsibility for themselves and those around them. The safety and seaworthiness of a vessel is your responsibility. Laws relating to the operation of recreational vessels change from time to time and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the most recent edition of this booklet and information. If you are in any doubt, check with any of the Department’s offices listed on the back of this book. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this guide is accurate, the Department does not accept liability for any errors or omissions.