NSW Maritime Alert – Sydney Closed Waters - Strong Wind Warning

by NSW Maritime on 11 Jan 2012 NSW Maritime has issued an alert following a Bureau of Meteorology warning about strong winds on Sydney closed waters. The forecast is for southwesterly winds increasing up to 30 knots this evening.

NSW Maritime advises skippers and owners of small craft to be on high alert and to check the conditions before heading out on the water.

Strong winds can also translate into 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, 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 NSW 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