Suitable weather
Weather Resources
Bureau Of Meteorology – www.bom.gov.au/marine
This resource lists the latest weather charts, radar & satellite images, marine warnings, tidal information, sunset & sunrise times & full schedules for all radio and phone services. It’s essentially the ‘one-stop shop’ for weather info. You should use this in conjunction with the other resources.
MetEye – www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye
From the BOM website, you can visit MetEye. This tool shows the official forecasts produced by the Bureau of Meteorology in an interactive map of 6×6 km grids. Forecasts are available for wind, waves, weather and much more in three hourly increments for up to seven days ahead.
We recommend you bookmark these sites on your computer/phone for quick & easy access.
Some important notes on wind & wind speed –
- Gusts are increases in wind speed lasting for just a few seconds. They typically range 30–40 per cent greater than the average wind speed.
- Maximum wave heights can be twice the average predicted height especially with wind against tide and current.
- Winds can be 40 per cent stronger than forecast
Tide Charts
Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun and the rotation of the earth. Tidal predictions are calculated by the tidal unit. The Bureau Of Meteorology form daily tide recordings which are available here. Times are in Australian local standards time or daylight-saving time when in effect and all tide heights are quoted in metres.
You can look up tide tables using a tide chart, the weather resources listed above or you can download various tide apps which are available on most smartphones.
The master of a vessel needs to be aware of the tides to ensure a safe boating trip as failing to understand the tides for your trip can put you in trouble.
Waves
Wave heights mentioned in forecasts refer to significant wave height – being the average of the highest one third of waves. Larger waves do occur, especially in regions where tides and currents oppose wind-driven wave direction. Be aware of offshore winds and changes in wave height as you get further offshore.
Radio Weather Services
Marine weather is broadcast free of charge and we can update our weather information and knowledge using these services. Marine radios such as 27MHz & VHF are perfect to receive upon.