NSW Maritime Alert - Dangerous surf conditions

by NSW Maritime on 23 Dec 2011 NSW Maritime has issued an alert following Bureau of Meteorology advice that dangerous surf conditions are forecast to develop on the Northern Rivers coast Saturday evening extending to northern parts of Mid-North Coast (north of about Smoky Cape) early Sunday. Conditions possibly extending to the Hunter, Metropolitan and Illawarra coast during Monday.

NSW Maritime advises skippers and owners of small craft to be on high alert and to check the conditions before considering crossing a coastal bar or heading offshore.

Dangerous surf conditions can easily translate into dangerous conditions for rock fishing and for vessels crossing coastal bars.

Every skipper is responsible for the safety of their vessel and all on board, and NSW Maritime advises skippers to:
- Check the official weather before and during boating; Ensure the boat and its equipment is suitable for the conditions;
- Log on/ off with a Marine Rescue marine radio base for every trip offshore;
- and Wear a lifejacket.

Offshore boating safety at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/offshore.html
Lifejacket information at www.lifejacketwearit.com.au
Live webcam of bar crossings at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/webcams/web-cam.html
Official forecast at www.bom.gov.au/nsw