Skippers, fishermen and even surfers wanting current information about ocean conditions can now access the latest sea and swell data using their mobile phone.

As part of a new service to enhance marine safety, the Department of Transport is providing, via SMS, near real time wave data for the WA coast between Exmouth and Esperance.

Department Oceanographic Coordinator Tony Lamberto said the information, which was collected by a network of wave buoys located off the coast, gave instant access to up to date and accurate information about sea and swell.

"Conditions at sea can change rapidly and the new service gives skippers and others the information they need to make decisions including the suitability of a vessel for current conditions and the safety of those on board," Mr Lamberto said.

"It takes the guess work out of judging the prevailing conditions and provides peace of mind for those who are on the water from commercial fishermen and charter boat operators to recreational boat owners and even surfers and board riders."

Mr Lamberto said seven wave buoys located at Exmouth Jurien, Cottesloe, Rottnest, Cape Naturaliste, Albany and Esperance sent information about current conditions to the Department's Coastal Data Centre website which was one of the most frequently accessed online services provided by Government in WA.

"Making this important information available via SMS further improves the access to the wave information available from the Department," Mr Lamberto said.

The Department's official wave and tide information for the WA coastline is used by the Bureau of Meteorology as part of weather forecasting and assists in the daily activities off our coast including shipping movements, commercial and recreational maritime operations and emergency responses.

The data collected can also be applied to benefit coastal planning, design and development and scientific research projects such as climate change studies.

People wanting to access near real time sea and swell information on their mobile phone can do so by texting 'W' for west coast information or 'S' for south coast information to 199 SWELL (199 79355) at a cost of $1 and the information will be sent to their phone.

Media contact: 08 9216 8736

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