SEPTEMBER marks the end of a three-year phase out of parachute flares as recognised safety equipment on the water in WA, according to the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure.
Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) safety education manager Laurie Adams is urging skippers to act now to ensure they comply in advance of the deadline.
“Major changes to safety equipment requirements were announced in 2023 with the aim of simplifying the laws and making better use of the available technology,” he said.
The changes gave skippers the option of carrying an electronic visual distress signal (EVDS) rather than flares, when using a GPS-enabled emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or personal locator beacon (PLB) in unprotected waters more than 400m from shore.
To simplify requirements skippers were also put on notice that from September 1, 2026 only red and orange handheld flares would be accepted and the use of parachute flares was being phased out.
Mr Adams said there had been a strong uptake of EVDS in lieu of carrying flares because of the associated benefits including no expiry date, longer seven-hour operation time, ability to float and general ease of use over flares.
“We’re hopeful that the change will translate to improved safety compliance rates on the water with DTMI checks showing flares or EVDS compliance steady at 87 per cent between 2024-25 and 2025-26.
“More pleasing was that EPIRB or PLB compliance rose from 95 per cent in 2024-25 to 96 per cent in 2025-26, while overall safety equipment compliance remained unchanged at 96 per cent in both years.
“Skippers are also being reminded of the need to dispose of old, non-compliant flares responsibly.
“Out-of-date or unserviceable flares should not be put in general rubbish because they can be dangerous and pose a fire risk.”
Tamala Park Waste Management Facility, Marmion Ave, Tamala Park is an approved DTMI disposal centre but more are listed on the department’s website
Skippers should also be mindful of further upcoming deadlines for upgrades to safety gear including having a GPS-enabled EPIRB or PLB and a VHF radio by September 1 next year.
More information here
