Dangerous conditions for boaters on most of NSW coast

by Roads and Maritime Services on 2 Sep 2014 Roads and Maritime Services has issued an alert to boaters after a Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warning about dangerous conditions forecast from tonight for dangerous winds and surf.

Gale force winds and damaging surf are forecast for Sydney waters, the mid north coast, Hunter coast and Illawarra tonight.

Dangerous surf conditions are expected to further increase on Wednesday in the Hunter and southern parts of the mid north coast.

Skippers and owners of small craft should be on high alert and check the conditions before considering crossing a coastal bar or heading offshore.

Rock fishers should also check weather forecasts before heading out to decide whether it is safe to fish near dangerous surf.

Strong winds can also cause dangerous conditions for vessels on moorings which have been poorly maintained.

Every skipper is responsible for the safety of their vessel and all on board. Roads and Maritime advises skippers to:

• Check the official weather forecast before and during boating
• Ensure the boat and its equipment is suitable for the conditions
• Log on-off with a Marine Rescue NSW marine radio base for every trip offshore
• Wear a lifejacket.

For more information:

Offshore boating safety: www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/offshore.html
Lifejackets: www.lifejacketwearit.com.au
Live vision of bar crossings: www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/webcams/web-cam.html
Official forecast: www.bom.gov.au/nsw
BoM maritime-specific advice: www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/four-vital-checks.shtml