Weather Forecasts for Small Boats

The Bureau of Meteorology has some potentially life-saving advice for the thousands of boating enthusiasts who venture into South Australian coastal waters - keep an eye on the weather and ear to the forecast and if in doubt, don't go out !

Even with the most up to date equipment and a skilled, experienced operator, it is still the weather that will determine if a day's outing is to be safe and enjoyable or unpleasantly dangerous. The importance of being informed about likely conditions cannot be over-stressed.

To minimise risks posed by the weather, the Bureau issues a special recorded forecast for pleasure boating. In Adelaide, the telephone number to call for metropolitan waters and Gulf waters forecasts is 08 8366 2700. A more detailed forecast which includes other coastal waters around the state is available by phoning 1900 969 975 (calls cost 77 centslrninute). These recorded services are updated at least 3 times daily and more frequently if necessary.

Forecasts are also available on the lnternet at the following site: http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/sa/

In addition, regular boating forecasts are broadcast by metropolitan and regional radio stations and as most people have access to a portable transistor radio, this is a useful means of not only obtaining an initial forecast but also being kept informed of any changes whilst on the water.

For people with access to a facsimile machine, a wide range of Bureau services is available to help with marine safety. Call 1902 935 280 (calls cost 60 centslrninute) for Coastal Waters forecasts, warnings and latest weather reports. A complete directory for SA is available on facsimile by calling 1800 061 435.

The Bureau's boating forecasts are given for a particular area of the State's waters (Gulf Waters, South Central Coast etc.) and include the expected mean wind direction and speed, and the state of the sea. Small craft warnings of strong winds are issued whenever mean winds exceeding 25 knots are expected, and gale or storm warnings are issued for winds over 33 knots.

Such conditions are obviously hazardous to small boats, but it is also worth noting that the estimated wind speed given in a forecast is for the average wind speed over a 10 minute period, and wind gusts can be at least 50% stronger than the average speed. For example, when the forecast wind speed is given as 15 knots, gusts can reach 25 knots or more and these conditions can also be hazardous to small boats.

So before setting out, make sure you know the forecast and how to interpret it, then keep an eye on conditions and listen to the radio for advance warning of any changes. If the weather starts to look bad or doubtful, head for shore.

Safety Hints

• Know the local factors that influence sea conditions and know where to reach shelter quickly.
• Learn how to read the weather map (pamphlet available)
• Be aware that the weather maps in the morning newspaper are prepared on the day before. The forecast map(s) may not be completely accurate.
• Always check the latest forecast and warnings before going to sea and know what conditions exceed your safety limits.
• Be aware of rapidly darkening and lowering cloud - squails may be imminent.
• When at sea, listen to the weather reports on public or Telstra Marine Radio.
• Be flexible - change your plans if necessary.