Dangerous conditions for boaters from Hunter to Batemans Bay Coast

by Transport Roads and Maritime Services on 16 Jul 2015 Roads and Maritime Services has issued an alert to boaters after a Bureau of Meteorolgoy (BoM) warning about dangerous surf conditions forecast to impact the Hunter coast through to the Batemans Bay coast tomorrow.

There is a gale warning tomorrow for Sydney enclosed waters, the Byron coast, Coffs Coast, Macquarie Coast, Hunter Coast, Sydney Coast, Illawarra Coast, Batemans Coast and Eden Coast. Strong winds are already being experienced in the Hunter, Batemans Bay and Eden areas.

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 on offshore boating safety click here.