NSW Maritime warns of dangerous conditions

NSW Roads and Maritime Services has issued an alert following a Bureau of Meteorology warning about dangerous surf conditions for the entire NSW coast on Sunday and Monday.

NSW Maritime said it was advising 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, said NSW Maritime.

Strong winds can also translate into dangerous conditions for vessels on moorings which have been poorly maintained.

NSW Maritime reminds boaters that skippers are responsible for the safety of their vessel and all onboard; it 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.

More information can be found at the following sites:

· Offshore boating safety: www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/offshore.html
· Lifejacket information: www.lifejacketwearit.com.au
· Live webcam of bar crossings: www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/webcams/web-cam.html
· Official forecast: www.bom.gov.au/nsw
· BOM maritime-specific advice: http://www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/four-vital-checks.shtml