NSW Maritime Wild Weather Alert – Dangerous Sea Conditions 20th July 2011

NSW Maritime today issued an alert following the official forecast for adverse weather along much of the coast. 

Winds are expected to reach 40knots with seas to 4m in places between Port Macquarie and Moruya Heads in next 24 hours. 

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

1) Check the official weather before and during boating

2) Ensure the boat and its equipment is suitable for the conditions

3) Log on/ off with a Marine Rescue marine radio base for every trip offshore

4) 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