Just 32 boat skippers breath tested under new laws in a year as questions arise over $550,000 cost

Just 32 on-water breath tests have been conducted since WA’s marine officers were given the power to breathalyse skippers, sparking questions about the value of the WA Government’s $550,000 program. Officers began using the power in late 2024. The program’s policy does not extend to random on-water drug and alcohol testing. As of December 15, only three on-water breath tests have been done since the Government last updated the figures in August, when 29 tests had been conducted. Overall, the Budget outlay equates to more than $17,000 per test done since last year. By December, only 11 skippers have been caught blowing over the alcohol limit over the course of the program - and none since August. Skippers navigating a vessel are subject to the same drug and 0.05 alcohol limits and penalties as those placed on drivers on WA roads. Those found to be over the limit, face a $1000 infringements, or a fine of up to $1250 for a first offence in excess of o 0.05 blood alcohol reading. A fine of $750 to $2250 and six months’ disqualifications may be applied to those who blow over 0.08. A Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure officials told Budget estimates in June, that it was expecting to have spent nearly $550,000 on the program across the 2024-25 and 2025-26 financial years. The expenditure largely went to training marine officers on their new powers and on how to use specialist equipment. A Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure spokesperson said the low figure occurred because marine officers did not usually test a skipper without cause. “It is not policy to conduct random on-water drug and alcohol testing,” they said. “Testing is generally undertaken post-incident, or when marine officers have reasonable cause to believe that a skipper of a vessel may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. “The majority of skippers do the right thing when operating a vessel and stay within the drug and alcohol limits, and the current testing data reflects this.” Shadow transport minister Steve Martin said testing rates were too low given the cost to get the program underway. “Three tests in the past three months is a very low number considering the resources put into this program,” he said. “Nearly $550,000 has been spent to prep and train Department of Transport officers to do this and they’ve conducted 32 tests — that’s $17,000 per test.” Mr Martin said, in 2023, the then minister said drugs and alcohol were a contributing factor towards WA marine-related deaths and serious injuries and that the changes would send a strong message that being under the influence would not be tolerated. “The trigger for on-water testing seems to be only when something has gone wrong already,” Mr Martin said. “Is the Minister satisfied the program is delivering on safety outcomes?” Department of Transport marine officers were given the power to conduct on-water breath tests in December 2023, but did not start using them until 12 months later to allow for training. The first person to be stung by the tests was a 22-year-old Bicton man, who blew 0.098 on Boxing Day, after being pulled aside for free styling and wave jumping in a charter vessel’s wake. Australia Day was also a busy time for marine officers, who handed out infringements on the day. The DTMI spokesperson said water users should expect marine officers to have a similar presence over the festive season. “Boat owners can expect to see DTMI education and marine officers on the water and at boat ramps across the State over the busy summer months as part of our ongoing work to reinforce responsible use of our waterways,” they said. “If you’re a skipper and are stopped for a test please remember that our hard-working officers are on the water every day saving lives and they deserve your respect. “If you’re heading out on the water this summer take the time to check you have the correct safety equipment for your area of operation and always check the weather before you go.”