Now available - New tide tables to facilitate safe boating activities

by Medianet Operations on 5 Jun 2013 Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) helps boaters plan the safest trip on the State’s waterways by releasing its annual compilation of tidal predictions for the next 12 months.

'The Tide Tables 2013-2014 are published in an A5 booklet which is available free to RMS customers at motor registries, maritime service centres or boat shows,' RMS Acting Director Maritime Michael Wright said.

'Tidal predictions are calculated by the National Tidal Centre of Australia from daily tide recordings made at Fort Denison in Sydney Harbour.

'RMS has for many years provided the NTC’s predictions as a specific publication for the NSW public, accompanied by a table of approximate time variations from the Fort Denison predictions for the tides at other locations along the NSW coastline and in coastal rivers.

'The NSW Tide Tables are provided free to the boating public as an important aid to safe navigation. The booklet is a handy format to keep onboard.

'Preparation and planning are essential elements of safe boating, especially when planning to cross a coastal bar. The tide tables can also help with planning for any change of conditions by anticipating wind, waves, tides and safe havens.

'Tide heights refer to zero on the Fort Denison tide, being approximately the level of the Lowest Astronomical Tide. All times stated are Eastern Standard Time. When Daylight Saving Time is in force, one hour should be added to predicted tide times.

'Tide heights are quoted in metres. As predictions are for average meteorological conditions, the actual tides may differ from those predicted. Tide heights of 1.7 metres or more, and 0.3 metres or less, are highlighted for trip planning and risk awareness.

'Users of these tables should be aware the heights shown in this publication are predictions only and the actual water height may vary due to meteorological conditions including barometric pressure, wind effect, storm surges and seasonal variations,' Mr Wright said.

The new tide tables cover the period of first July 2013 to 30th June 2014 and are available from motor registries and maritime service centres as well as online here.