Safety on the water is a message that can't be overdone or over-stressed. When a contact of our Jade team posted a photo of a domestic fridge floating in the idyllic waters of Pittwater over Easter, in the wake of the recent floods, it further highlighted the importance of safety and caution on our waterways. Authorities are warning of continued flooding especially in inland rivers in NSW as the rain event moves downstream and the debris floating both inshore and offshore pose risks to boaters. Boat owners need to stay alert and be across the necessary information resources to assist them to plan an enjoyable and safe boating experience.
There is a vast selection of technology available to boat owners to assist them with navigation as well as preventative aspects of boating. We advise our Jade Boat Loans customers to consider what tech, equipment and devices they want at the time they purchase their boat so the cost can be incorporated into their loan.
But not all warnings and advisements need to be accessed via special devices. Some services are readily available on your smartphone, when you have connectivity and coverage. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has extensive marine weather resources which you can access via their app.
These resources include information on weather, wind conditions, tides, current and waves. Information that can be accessed both in real time and for forecasts.
New BOM Wave Buoys
Wave movement is obviously a very important consideration for all types of boating activities. But it can be deceptive. On a clear, sunny day with little breeze, dangerous waves can still be prevalent. BOM warns that big waves can be a serious, potential danger to anyone on the water. To assist boaters and surfers, the BOM has a number of wave buoys located in strategic positions to deliver information back to their team and into their system for access by users.
BOM recently announced that they have deployed a new wave buoy off the east coast of Tasmania. This buoy is located between Schouten and Maria Islands and provides near to real-time details about wave direction and height in the area. Another buoy has also been deployed off the Tiwi Islands in the NT. Additional wave buoys are already located near SA’s Kangaroo Island at Cape dur Couedic and on Tasmania’s west coast at Cape Sorell.
The BOM said that the buoys improve forecasting and warning services as well as assisting with longer term climate forecasts and monitoring. These wav buoys are different from tsunami warning devices which are moored in the deep ocean.
To access BOM information to assist with your boating download the department’s app which has a new marine section.
What does the end of La Nina indicate?
Since September 2020 Australia has been experiencing the impacts of the climate driver known as La Nina. The reason for the above average rainfall through spring and summer in much of Australia. Conditions that may have impacted your boating pleasure this season. The good effects being one of the best bush fire seasons for many years.
At the end of March 2021, La Nina was officially categorised as inactive and climate conditions rated as neutral. A senior climatologist at BOM said that secondary weather drivers like the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) would start to influence rainfall. As MJO moved through the tropical regions of Australia it was expected to bring increased rainfall in far north Australia and an increased possibility of cyclone activity or tropical low. This is forecast through early April.
For those wanting to plan their autumn-winter boating, we’ve checked in with the BOM for the forecast:-
- Likely above average rainfall for far northern Australia.
- April to June expected to be drier than the average for eastern Australia mainland.
- A pattern of broader and drier conditions is forecast for May for much of the mainland with the exception of the southeast regions.
- In the April through June period, we can expect warmer than average temperatures across most of the country, except for the top end.
Warmer temperatures both day and night could be a great signal for enjoyable autumn boating conditions in many areas. Check with BOM and your local marine authorities before heading out on the waterways and especially through April, watch out for riverine flooding in inland areas and debris from the March event appearing in coastal areas.
When buying a boat, ensure you include the equipment and devices that will assist you in staying across changing weather and to find where the fish are biting. Include these in your boat purchase with your dealer so your Jade consultant can include them in your boat loan.
To enjoy the autumn winter boating season, why not upgrade to a new boat. Call us on 1300 000 003 today.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND ARE PRESENTED PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BOAT BUYERS AND LOAN BORROWERS. FOR THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEY REQUIRE SPECIFIC ADVICE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED IN REGARD TO ERRORS AND MISPRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.
