Photo supplied by Fremantle Ports

An important message from Fremantle Ports!

With the first day of summer (and Noongar season Birak) today, more recreational boats will be taking to the water.

Recreational boat skippers are required to exercise caution and must stay well clear of all commercial vessels. Recreational vessels are prohibited from impeding the safe passage of large vessels navigating within the Port of Fremantle waters.

Harbour Master Captain Savio Fernandes said summer was a great time for recreational boat owners, but with the sheer number of boats passing through the Fremantle Inner Harbour and port waters it could also become a potentially dangerous time.

'Ships visiting Fremantle often exceed 336m in length,' he said. 'They cannot stop or change course quickly, often traveling faster than you think and will cover a considerably long distance before they can stop.

He also warned about the danger of moving in front of large vessels: 'Crossing in front of an approaching container ship, or any ship, is a very bad idea. You might have an engine failure or if you are on a sailing craft, the wind could suddenly drop and you could be in danger.'