Media Release - 31 January 2012

Maritime Alert – Dangerous Surf Conditions

Roads and Maritime Services has issued an alert following Bureau of Meteorology advice that dangerous surf conditions are forecast to develop from Port Macquarie to the Victorian border from early tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.

These conditions are expected to have greater impact on south-facing beaches.

Roads and Maritime Services 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 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/