NSW Police and NSW Maritime authorities are expanding their network of CCTV cameras at boating and Jet Ski trouble spots across the state, so they can better target bad behaviour on the water.
While the cameras cannot be used to issue fines – for now – they enable NSW Police and NSW Maritime to assign resources to busy areas in real time.
There are now at least 36 cameras monitoring NSW waterways from Tweed Heads in the state’s north to Bateman’s Bay in the state’s south – and key locations in between.
While the image at the top of this story is a computer illustration, this image above is a photo of the real State Marine Incident Control Centre (SMICC). NSW Police and NSW Maritime officers can also access the cameras via a smartphone or tablet while on patrol on the water.
Three of the newest CCTV cameras targeting boating and Jet Ski safety were installed at known trouble spots at Brighton Le Sands in Sydney’s south, Revesby Beach in Sydney’s west, and Port Stephens on the mid-north coast.
Watercraft Zone was given an exclusive insight into the technology – and the reach of the cameras – during a recent ride-along with a senior NSW Maritime official.
The cameras are part of the State Marine Incident Control Centre (SMICC) at Rozelle, where 36 camera angles across the state can be viewed on one large cinema-sized screen.
The images are clear enough – and can zoom in far enough – to be able to read vessel registration numbers and identify the colour and type of clothing worn by Jet Ski riders.
The same cameras beam images to NSW Police Marine Area Command offices across the state and all NSW Maritime offices.
In addition, the cameras can be viewed via a smartphone or tablet by NSW Police officers or NSW Maritime boating safety officers while they are on the water.
It means if the area they are patrolling is quiet, they can check their devices to see if there is trouble brewing at other locations.
Above and below: The NSW Police and NSW Maritime office in San Souci can better respond to nearby trouble spots thanks to the installation of new CCTV cameras.
The CCTV network is just one of a raft of new technology being rolled out in response to the record increase in boating and Jet Ski activity across NSW.
While NSW Police and NSW Maritime are yet to disclose how many additional CCTV cameras are planned at trouble spots and boat ramps across Australia, it’s a safe bet authorities will continue to expand their use of the technology so they can best utilise their on-water resources.
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