Cattewater Harbour in Plymouth has upgraded its surveillance capabilities with 360 Vision Technology’s Invictus cameras, chosen after on-site testing for their performance in demanding coastal conditions.
The harbour spans a large and varied area, supporting everything from paddleboarders and fishing boats to cargo vessels, naval traffic and underwater research operations. The Harbour Master and Commissioners oversee safe navigation, dredging, pilotage and traffic regulation around the clock, with vessels over 50 metres requiring pilot guidance.
“We are responsible for the safety of vessels, people and operations,” says Capt. Richard Allan, CEO & Harbour Master, PFSO. “We need to know what’s happening in the port at all times.”
Strategic coverage
Outersight (UK), a long-term partner of both the harbour authority and 360 Vision Technology, designed and delivered the new system.
“We have worked with 360 Vision on many projects and have relied on the manufacturer’s surveillance camera experience and technological expertise before,” says Peter Barlow, Managing Director of Outersight (UK). “It was no different with this project. Right from the start, the team at 360 Vision helped us to demonstrate the advantages of using a network of their Invictus cameras at the port – primarily with an on-site demonstration to the port management team – so they could get real ‘eyes-on’ experience of the Invictus camera within the environment in which it would be used.”
Invictus cameras have been installed across marker light poles, navigation towers and the Harbour Master’s building to monitor berths, slipways, marina areas, landing stages and the wider shoreline. The Kings Harbour Master also has access to oversee MoD dockyard operations and Plymouth Sound.
“The camera locations were selected based on the most economical way to cover the area required,” adds Peter. “The flexibility of mounting options and visual performance of the Invictus cameras really paid dividends, allowing us to provide the port with the coverage they required, allied to the most economical cost.
“The fact that we have access to the navigation light towers which by default have a great view of the water, allied with the brilliant zoom function of the Invictus cameras means we do not need many cameras to cover a really large area. By specifying really great cameras and optimising each camera position, we have managed to cover an extensive area with only a small amount of equipment – giving us great return on investment and the lowest possible running costs.”
Built for marine environments
The Invictus specification includes a 32x zoom and a five-year guaranteed marine-grade finish, with PoE models used to simplify installation in remote areas.
“The 32x zoom capability and stable image quality of the Invictus camera provides wide area coverage and excellent zoomed-in image results,” explains Peter. “This is especially advantageous to identify small vessels at distance – an essential requirement at the port.”
“The Invictus camera has everything we need and at a very competitive price,” adds Richard. “It’s especially reliable in the harsh coastal environment, where we deal with a combination of sea salt, saline air and hot summer sun.”
Low-light capability, a viewing window wiper and seamless integration with the Blue Iris VMS support 24/7 monitoring and rapid response. Authorised personnel can access footage from the control room or via mobile devices.
The system’s low power draw – billed at just 30W per camera under the Elexon UMS charge code – delivers up to 70% energy savings compared to typical PTZ devices.
“Making things safe and secure for everyone using the port is greatly aided by the surveillance camera system,” says Richard. “The port keeps watch on a wide variety of vessels, including those carrying oil, gas, cattle feed and aggregate, to military warships, cross-channel ferries and underwater research vessels. We also see paddle boarders and jet ski enthusiasts out on the waters too. Evidential footage from the system provides us with the power to convict irresponsible users, such as jet ski riders speeding, or illegal bass fishing brought in on small boats at night.
“Since the inception of the new CCTV system, we have been able to solve a vast variety of incidents from the control room – keeping the public safe, ensuring shipping adheres to the rules of the port and preventing crime.”
With the Invictus platform in place, Cattewater Harbour now has a resilient, economical and future-ready surveillance solution that supports its operational and safety commitments.