Media Release - 11 January 2012

NSW Maritime Alert – Dangerous Surf Conditions

NSW Maritime has issued an alert following Bureau of Meteorology advice that dangerous surf conditions are forecast to develop from Nowra, Illawarra Coast, to Point Danger, Byron Coast from tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon.

These conditions are expected to continue from north of Newcastle on Friday.

NSW 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.

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 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

Boating safety images can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nswmaritime/