Western Australia's Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation is set to enhance its management of the Dampire Archipelago islands with a custom-built 5.8 metre rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB), capable of carrying six people.

Due to be delivered in mid-2025, the initiative is supported by a contribution from the State Government through Lotterywest, with $204,232 covering boat, trailer and equipment expenses.

Woodside Energy also supported the initiative with a $390,626 contribution for the boat, additional camera equipment and two years of operating costs.

In addition, the Pilbara Ranger Network, which includes Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC), has been awarded $4.12 million over three years from Lotterywest.

MAC chairperson Peter Hicks expressed his gratitude, saying the funding enables MAC to fulfil the longstanding aspirations of Elders to care for both the sea country and islands, as well as the Burrup Peninsula.

"MAC has done a lot of work on the islands, including heritage and environmental research and management; taking Elders and visitors out and in recent years, conducting rock art and air quality monitoring," Mr Hicks said.

"However, since our former vessel, the Topaz, was retired in 2022, we have relied on chartering vessels or partnering with other organisations to get out to the islands.

"With a formal joint management arrangement for the islands coming soon, it is important that MAC has the skills and ability in-house to get to the islands whenever we need to."

Mr Hicks said the selected vessel was chosen as it suits inshore waters, has good bow access for disembarking and unloading while meeting Rangers' needs as they develop their boating skills.

"Five of the Rangers have completed coxswain training and are currently gaining sea hours to secure coxswain certificates," Mr Hicks said.

"In addition, through MAC's partnership with Flinders University, six Rangers are working on gaining a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certificate to enable them to do underwater archaeology."