Maritime Alert

Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) issued an alert following a Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warning about dangerous weather conditions in coastal areas of NSW yesterday. While the slow-moving low pressure system will head east today, treacherous conditions on open and flooded closed waterways remain.

Heavy rain and damaging winds occurred overnight as a result of Ex Tropical Cyclone Oswald. Extensive damage of the foreshore, severe flooding of coastal rivers and damaged, submerged and shifting navigation markers have occurred. There is also abundant debris in the water.

Skippers and owners of small craft should be on high alert and check the conditions before considering any boating activity, particularly crossing a coastal bar or heading offshore. In fact, we strongly advice against any bar crossings at this stage.

Strong winds can also mean dangerous conditions for vessels on moorings that have been poorly maintained.  Vessels should be prepared in advance for adverse weather, attempting to secure vessels in strong wind can be extremely dangerous.

Vessels on moorings should be checked for ingress of water and the condition of mooring lines. Vessels should be prepared in advance for adverse weather, attempting to secure vessels in strong wind can be extremely dangerous.

Every skipper is responsible for the safety of their vessel and all on board. 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.

For more information:

 Offshore boating safety: www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/offshore.html

 Lifejackets: www.lifejacketwearit.com.au

Live vision of bar crossings: www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/webcams/web-cam.html

Official forecast: www.bom.gov.au/nsw

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