24/08/2026
All vessels operating outside protected waters and more than 400m from shore must carry flares or electronic visual distress signals (EVDS). This applies to registrable and non-registrable vessels.
From 1 September 2026, parachute flares will no longer be accepted as part of the required safety equipment for recreational vessels, only red and orange flares will be.
If you carry a GPS enabled EPIRB, or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) transition to an electronic visual distress signal (EVDS).
More at; https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/marine/recreational-boating/rules-safety-guides/safety-equipment/flares-evds