Maritime alert issued due to dangerous weather along NSW coast

by RMS on 28 Jan 2013 Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has issued an alert following a Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warning about dangerous weather conditions in coastal areas of NSW expected later today.

Heavy rain and damaging winds are expected to occur as a result of Ex Tropical Cyclone Oswald currently over southern Queensland.

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

Strong winds can also mean dangerous conditions for vessels on moorings which have been poorly maintained. Vessels should be prepared in advance for adverse weather, attempting to secure vessels in strong wind can be extremely dangerous.

Every skipper is responsible for the safety of their vessel and all on board. RMS 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.

Maritime NSW