Web cams increase safety

Roads and Maritime Services Maritime Director Angus Mitchell said Roads and Maritime Services had installed and switched on new live streaming camera equipment at Evans Head and Batemans Bay, as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to improve boating safety.

"Roads and Maritime already provides live vision from 16 web cameras at Ballina, Brunswick Heads, Coffs Harbour, Iluka/Yamba, Port Macquarie, South West Rocks, Tweed Heads, Shoal Bay at Port Stephens, Swansea, Nobbys Beach at Newcastle, Bermagui, Merimbula, Moruya, Narooma and Sussex Inlet," he said.

"There is also a  camera to monitor conditions at Lake Eucumbene.

"The conditions at these locations can change rapidly and live streaming video of the area can help people better plan and prepare for their trip on the water.

"Most of the web camera locations are at coastal bars where rivers meet the sea and there is an ever-changing combination of winds, waves, tides and sandbanks.

“Being able to view the conditions live helps skippers to determine whether their boat and experience are sufficient to make a safe bar crossing.

"When considering crossing a bar, the best catch phrase for skippers, who are ultimately responsible for the safety of all on board, is: 'If in doubt, don't go out'.

"And of course, lifejackets are compulsory to wear for all bar crossings.

"Roads and Maritime selected Batemans Bay for live monitoring of what are often challenging conditions on the coastal bar and Evans Head due to the number of incidents which have occurred at the bar," Mr Mitchell said.

To view vision of coastal conditions at any of the monitored locations, visit: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/using-waterways/web-cameras/index.html

Main photo: Ian Armstrong on Flickr