Going Offshore

Before you put to sea, plan your route and provisions.

Planning includes thinking about wind, waves, tides and of course, safe havens. Mark all the safe havens along the route where you can shelter should the weather turn nasty.

Leave a copy of your route plan with a reliable person who can sound the alarm to the relevant authorities if you're overdue or missing.

In your plan include a description of your vessel, planned stops, names of passengers and when you expect to return.

Use the marine radio network on VHF, HF or 27 Mhz to log on and provide trip details. And always remember to log off upon arrival at your destination to avoid needless searches.

Marine weather forecasts are available from many different sources.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology broadcasts marine weather information on the existing radio working frequencies. These broadcasts are made on a 24 hour, 7 day a week basis with the schedules available via the Bureau's website.

It's good seamanship to use all available means to check the weather. That can range from marine radio broadcasts, to media, newspapers, AM and FM radio, the television and of course the internet.

But never underestimate the value of your own judgement, especially once you've taken the time to understand weather patterns. And ultimately if in doubt, just don't go out.