Weather conditions

 

When it comes to weather, you need to make considered judgements about your trip in light of the winds, waves and warnings forecasted.

Poor weather is associated with up to 1 in 3 fatal incidents.

On the water, weather conditions can change very quickly, so it's important to be prepared and keep a close eye on the forecast before and during your trip, so you can get home safely.

Boating in poor weather conditions commonly results in safety incidents such as capsizes, swamping and people falling overboard. These incidents are often preventable, especially if plan your trip safely. Remember, when it comes to the weather forecast, if in doubt, don't go out.

When it comes to weather, you need to make considered judgments about your trip in light of the winds, waves and warnings forecasted.

 

 

Checking the weather and conditions

Before heading out on the water always check the weather and consider how the forecasted wind and wave conditions and any weather warnings may impact your trip. To find out more on how wind and wave conditions can impact your vessel, and how to set up alerts for weather warnings when boating, watch the following videos made in collaboration with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

 

Weather forecasts and warnings

Each time you head out boating, make sure you check; tide times, wind and swell conditions, time of sunrise and sunset, and take note of any weather warnings in your boating area. Find out how to set up warning notifications for multiple locations and how weather warnings are managed by the Bureau of Meteorology.

 

Wind forecasts and conditions

Find out how wind speeds are measured and how they may impact your vessel when boating.

 

Wave forecasts and conditions

Find out how wave conditions are forecasted and how tidal changes can affect wave height and speed, and what this means for you and your vessel.

 

You can find out more information about the varying impacts of wave size on different boat sizes at Transport for NSW Wave size and boat size.

 

Tips to stay safe:

  • Always wear a lifejacket, don’t risk your life.
  • Always log on/off with Marine Rescue via app, VHF Radio (Channel 16) or phone.
  • Regularly check Bureau of Meteorology forecasts (or via app), including the winds, waves and warnings forecasted.
  • MetEye provides detailed forecasts for winds and waves at all locations.

More information on boating rules can be found in the Boating Handbook.