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11:59 PM Mon 16 Feb 2009 GMT
 | | 'East Coast low'
Bureau of Meteorology
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Weather - one subject everyone talks about
From Victoria's tragic bushfires to the floods of North Queensland to big seas and torrential rain along the eastern seaboard, this has been a week of weather Australia could have done without.
Beaches have been closed at popular surfing spots, bars have become treacherous, rivers are swollen and despite what may look like boating conditions to those ashore, good advice would be to stay ashore.
While the Victorian tragedy remains paramount, the residents of far North Queensland and across through the Gulf country and now Northern NSW, have also been seriously hampered by the conditions, in their case the opposite of fires, heavy rainfall.
Some areas across the gulf have been cut off by road for more than six weeks, with little sign of any improvement.
NSW Maritime, well aware of the dangers associated with fast-flowing river systems, will field the maximum number of boating safety officers over the weekend of February 21-22 targeting general boating safety and bar crossing techniques.
There will be particular emphasis on the NSW north coast region, where regional manager James Green said boats of all sizes would be subject to checks.
"We're expecting to see a lot of vessels in the area with warm currents attracting pelagics such as marlin and sailfish further south and close to the coast," he explained.
"Boating safety officers will be checking to make sure vessels attempting bar crossings are equipped with the correct safety equipment, including flares and life jackets.
"Remember, if crossing bar, skipper and all passengers must be wearing a life jacket.
"Failure to do so will attract a $200 fine," he added.
At time of writing (Tuesday), gale force winds and seas up to 3.0-metres had been forecast for much of the north coast.
Particular 'danger spots' are those areas where a major river runs into the sea.
Debris, even large logs, are being washed down river and are there to hamper an unwary skipper.
Skippers are also advised to be aware that conditions currently being experienced can move navigational markers.
Neil Patchett, NSW Maritime's experienced media officer, recalled a navigational buoy from the Clarence River once being recovered in the Whitsunday area, thousands of kilometres from its original location.
In the far north, as rivers broke their banks there have been reports of crocodiles and venomous snakes spotted in townships, local fauna that no one wants to share their morning coffee with!
It's not only Australia on the end of less than favourable weather; across the Tasman offshore racing officials were forced to cancel last weekend's round of the Rayglass NZ Offshore championships and similar races were called off in the UK, this time because of snow and ice!
In the United States a number of lives have been sadly lost when the ever-present tornados raced across the mid-west.
Let's face it, we're all in trouble when Mother Nature flexes her muscles. The East Coast low which moved south, has been centred just east of Coffs Harbour for five days now, delivering rainfall well in excess of 400mm into may of the river systems.
So, to all those Queenslanders, Victorians and New South Welshmen who enjoy their boating, go for it, but take extra care while the current conditions exist.
As NSW Maritime rightly points out, "You're the skipper, you're responsible."
by Bob Wonders
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Mount Wellington, TAS
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