Weather and Tides
Boaters have a special need to know about the weather. High winds, lightning, rough seas and poor visibility can potentially turn an outing into a disaster.
Avoiding weather problems
- Know when to go. When in doubt don't go!
- Recognise that weather is constantly changing, and that forcasts may not always be accurate.
- Watch, listen and read weather reports before departing.
If bad weather approachs
- if in port, wait for it to pass.
- if close to shore, return immediately.
- if on the water, give your vessel plenty of room, head out to sea away from shorelines and harbour entrances, batten-down, secure hatches, stow, reef sails, don PFD's and stay in touch with coastal radio stations.
Even if you are just on a little day trip, studying the weather forecast should precede your boating adventure. To assist you, we've collected a few weather links.
Where to find weather information online
http://wavewindtide.sydneyports.com.au/wave/weather_original.asp
Sydney Port's Real Time Oceanic Data Information System provides real time oceanographic and meteorological information on wave, wind and tides.
http://www.bom.gov.au/marine
Marine weather services from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.
http://www.wunderground.com/MAR
From heavy weather to sunshine.
http://www.buoyweather.com/index2.jsp
Global forecasts and ocean charts.
http://www.seabreeze.com.au
Seven day Australian weather forecasts and live wind reports.
http://www.marineweather.net.au/marine
Marine weather by Weather Zone
http://www.solar.ifa.hawaii.edu/Tropical
Storm warnings worldwide.
http://www.australiasevereweather.com
Australian severe weather.