Roads and Maritime Services (RMS)  issued an alert today following a Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warning.

Skippers and owners of small craft should be on high alert and to check the conditions before considering crossing a coastal bar or heading offshore.

Dangerous surf conditions can easily translate into dangerous conditions for rock fishing and for vessels crossing coastal bars.

Strong winds can also mean dangerous conditions for vessels on moorings which have been poorly maintained.

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; and 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

* Boating safety images - www.flickr.com/photos/nswmaritime/