Roads and Maritime Services has issued an alert to boaters after a Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warning about dangerous surf conditions until Friday along the entire NSW coast.
Skippers and owners of small craft should be on high alert and avoid crossing coastal bars or heading offshore.
Rock fishers should wear a lifejacket at all times and check weather forecasts before heading out to make informed decisions about fishing near the expected dangerous surf.
Boat owners should check moorings are appropriately secured if it is safe to do so.
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
· 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.
For more information:
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 Boating safety images: www.flickr.com/photos/nswmaritime/
