Safety Web Cameras come online in NSW

by NSW Maritime on 22 Nov 2008 Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi has announced another five web cameras have come on line to help boaters crossing coastal bars at Moruya, Merimbula, Yamba, Brunswick Heads and Swansea.

'The web cameras overlook the bars, continuously panning river and estuary entrances,' Mr Tripodi said.

'Live footage from the web camera is backed up by boating safety and weather forecast information on the NSW Maritime website to assist boaters in making informed decisions when planning bar crossings.

'When considering crossing a bar, every skipper needs to remember they are responsible for the safety of their vessel and the people on board, and ‘if in doubt, don’t go out’.

'These new web cams are part of a number of measures being used by NSW Maritime to improve boating safety in this State.

'I encourage all skippers thinking of crossing this, and other such bars in NSW, to take advantage of this technology when planning ahead,' Mr Tripodi said.

The delivery of web-cam vision and weather information online by NSW Maritime was part of a three-year $170,000 investment to trial the cameras at coastal bar crossings in NSW.

Mr Tripodi also reminded boaters it was compulsory for everyone to wear an appropriate lifejacket when crossing a coastal bar.

NSW Maritime is now providing coastal web cam vision with forecast information at the Tweed, Brunswick, Yamba, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Port Stephens, Newcastle, Swansea, Moruya, Merimbula and Narooma.

Cameras are also being installed at South West Rocks, Ballina, Sussex Inlet and Bermagui.

To view the web cams go to http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/webcams/web-cam.html