Boating tip: Five vital weather checks
The Bureau of Meteorology has put out a handy reminder to check the weather before boatingIf you're preparing to head out on the water this summer, check the Bureau's round-the-clock forecast service for all Australian coastal waters.
There are five things to take note of when planning your boating trip:
1.Warnings current for your boating area
2.Weather conditions affecting safe navigation and comfort
3.Wind conditions
4.Wave conditions
5.Tide times
1. Warnings current for your boating area
Warnings are the highest priority forecasts. They warn of potentially dangerous wind conditions expected during the next 24 hours. Winds of 26 knots or more indicate rough conditions for small boats.
Six things you need to know about wind warnings:
Type of warning
Average wind speeds indicated
Strong wind 26 to 33 knots
Gale 34 to 47 knots
Storm force 48 to 63 knots
Hurricane 64 knots or more
Take note of forecasts indicating reduced visibility from fog or rain, or risks to safety and comfort from thunderstorms, lightning or squall conditions.
Some forecasts will also include information on UV levels and the times of day to use sun protection.
Swell waves don't enter enclosed waterways, but do have a dramatic effect on entrances to these areas.
Enclosed waterways are affected by sea waves — waves produced by the wind blowing across the region. A sea height of half a metre may create enough chop to swamp a small boat. For coastal waters, you need to consider swell and sea waves. Swell waves can be of considerable danger near reefs and breakwaters.
The combination of sea and swell heights indicates the wave conditions you may experience. But you can't just add one to the other. For instance, a 2.5 metre swell and 2 metre seas results in wave conditions over 3.2 metres. See how to calculate combined sea and swell height.
The changing tide over the day can cover rock platforms or reefs at high tide, whilst exposing them and creating a hazard at low tide.
Fishing on rock platforms may become dangerous at high tide as waves start to wash over or break onto the rock platform.
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