Boating & rock fishing safety alert issued

THE NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has issued an alert following a Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warning about dangerous surf conditions from Norah Head to Yamba tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday.

RMS 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.

Strong winds can also mean 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 RMS 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.

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

BoM maritime-specific advice at http://www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/four-vital-checks.shtml