Maritime Alert - Wild Weather

7:48 AM Sat 1 Oct 2011 GMT

NSW Government

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

Dangerous surf conditions are forecast from Wollongong, Illawarra to Port Macquarie, Macquarie Coast from Sunday extending to Coffs Harbour, Coffs Coast later from Monday.

The forecast includes a strong wind warning for NSW waters between Point Danger and Gabo Island. Winds: Southeasterly, tending southwesterly in the north later. Winds increasing to up to 30 knots north of Seal Rocks and south of Montague Island during this evening. Winds increasing to up to 30 knots on the remainder of the coast early Sunday before easing in the south later on Sunday. Combined sea and swell: Increasing up to 3 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 at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/offshore.html

Rock fishing safety at www.safewaters.nsw.gov.au/assets/pdf/rockfishing.pdf

Live webcam of bar crossings at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/webcams/web-cam.html

Official forecast at www.bom.gov.au/nsw

Maritime NSW website

by Neil Patchett