Department of Transport marine director Chris Mather warns boat skippers of jail time this Australia Day

Boat skippers have been told to behave this Australia Day or they could face time behind bars.

Police and marine officers are on high alert for any boaties suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Skippers now face the same drug and alcohol penalties as drivers after new testing procedures were introduced in December.

And Department of Transport marine director Chris Mather warned anybody putting lives at risk will face serious consequences — including jail time.

“Think long and hard,” Mr Mather said. “Think of the consequences.

“If you do happen to actually have an incident and take someone’s life then you, as the skipper responsible, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not only face significant penalties, including possible imprisonment, you have to deal with that for the rest of your life.”

Skippers who are found to be drunk and in charge of a vessel face a fine of up to $3750 for a first offence, and up to $7500 and 18 months imprisonment for a third or subsequent offence.

Anyone navigating a vessel while under the influence and causing death faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Mr Mather said Australia Day was a particularly busy time on the water across WA, with big crowds of revellers expected.

“We are coming into Australia Day, which is notoriously our busiest weekend. It’s important skippers take responsibility for themselves, their passengers and other waterway users,” he said.

“We want people out. . . enjoying themselves, but more importantly, coming home safely.

“It’s important skippers understand the same penalties apply now on the water as they do on the road.”

Since the introduction of the new drug and alcohol testing powers for water police and marine enforcement officers, several people have been caught on the water blowing twice the legal alcohol limit.

But it is not just excessive alcohol consumption that is a problem. From December 21, the department has issued 465 cautions and infringements to skippers “for a range of matters including excessive speed, dangerous navigation and operating an unregistered vessel”.

Mr Mather said 61 people had died in waters over the past eight years.

“We have already had a number of fatalities on our waterways, and even over the last two years, those incidents have increased. . . and many of them have actually involved drugs and or alcohol,” he said.

“We need all skippers to be responsible to make sure they’re out there enjoying our waterways and coming home safely to their family and friends.”

There will be a speed limit in the Swan River of 10 knots on Sunday night.