Maritime Alert - Wild Weather

8:10 AM Sat 24 Sep 2011 GMT

NSW Government

NSW Maritime has issued an alert to boat skippers following a forecast for dangerous conditions.

The forecast is for dangerous surf conditions from about Newcastle to Byron Bay from Sunday.

There is a gale warning for NSW waters between Crowdy Head and Port Hacking; with winds easterly then tending east to northeasterly and increasing up to 30 knots Sunday morning then northeast to southeasterly and increasing up to 35 to 40 knots Sunday afternoon. The combined sea and swell conditions are forecast to increase up to four metres.

NSW Maritime advises skippers and owners of small craft to be on high alert and to check the conditions before considering heading onto exposed waters or offshore.

Dangerous surf conditions can easily translate into dangerous conditions for rock fishing and for vessels crossing coastal bars.

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 marine radio base for every trip offshore; and
? Wear a lifejacket.

Offshore boating safety
Rock fishing safety
Live webcam of bar crossings
Official forecast

Maritime NSW website

by Neil Patchett