MARITIME ALERT

[mrsswordfisherman]

Maritime Alert –Dangerous Surf Conditions

Roads and Maritime Services has issued an alert following a Bureau of Meteorology warning about dangerous surf conditions for the entire NSW coast today and tomorrow (Good Friday).

Maritime advises 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.

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

Every skipper is responsible forthe safety of their vessel and all on board, and 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 NSW marine radio base for every trip offshore; and

· Wear a lifejacket.

Offshore boating safety at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/offshore.html

Lifejacket information at www.lifejacketwearit.com.au

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

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

BOM maritime-specific advice at http://www.bom.gov.a...al-checks.shtml