Media Release - 11 January 2012

NSW Maritime Alert – Sydney Closed Waters

NSW Maritime has issued an alert following a Bureau of Meteorology warning about strong winds on Sydney closed waters.

The forecast is for southwesterly winds increasing up to 30 knots this evening.

NSW Maritime advises skippers and owners of small craft to be on high alert and to check the conditions before heading out on the water.

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

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

Maritime media contact: Penny Robins 02 9364 2422

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