The Beagle
May 31, 2017
Roads and Maritime Services has issued an alert to boaters after a Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warning about dangerous surf conditions from tomorrow from along the NSW East Coast that may come south into Eurobodalla waters.
Skippers and owners of small craft should be on high alert and check the conditions before considering crossing a coastal bar or heading offshore.
Rock fishers should also check weather forecasts before heading out to make informed decisions about fishing near the expected dangerous surf.
Strong winds can also cause damage to vessels on moorings which have been poorly maintained.
Every skipper is responsible for the safety of their vessel and all on board. Roads and Maritime advises skippers to:
· Check the official weather forecast before and during boating and ‘if in doubt, don’t go out’
· 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
· Wear a lifejacket
Photo - Maritime Services
Useful links:
Offshore boating safety: www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/offshore.html
Lifejackets: www.lifejacketwearit.com.au
Live vision of bar crossings: www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/webcams/web-cam.html
Official forecast: www.bom.gov.au/nsw
BoM maritime-specific advice: www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/four-vital-checks.shtml