Video Surveillance for Ferries and Ferry Terminals
When considering video surveillance for ferry systems, there’s a lot of ground, or shall we say water, to cover. Like many public transportation providers, ferries are considered targets for acts of terrorism, and must take special precautions to ensure safety for passengers, workers, and equipment. Video surveillance plays a key role in this effort, and functions for task beyond just security, for instance traffic control and coordination of service.
View blog posts relating to ferry and ferry terminal video surveillance.
Benefits of ferry system video surveillance
- Combat terrorism – Video surveillance systems are an integral part of a larger effort to prevent terrorist plots from being carried out on our around ferry boats and terminals. Such threats do exist, and security cameras help authorities to monitor for suspicious activity.
- Scalability – One of the many benefits of IP-based surveillance for ferry systems is scalability. New cameras can easily be added to such a system as needed, for instance if the terminal requires more comprehensive monitoring or if new boats are added.
- Prevent vandalism – Strategically placed security cameras deter acts of vandalism on ferry equipment or within terminals. If such acts are carried out, the cameras provide visual evidence for prosecution.
- Enhance safety at terminals – Ferry terminals can be dangerous places, especially late at night and after hours. Those who must wait in terminals for extended periods of time have an added sense of security knowing that the terminals are continuously monitored by security cameras.
- Spot potential rabble rousers – Many unwanted incidents stem from intoxicated and rowdy passengers. Surveillance cameras can help security personnel identify potential threats before situations get out of hand.
- Better coordinate arrivals and departures – With video surveillance installations monitoring ferry traffic, waiting areas, and cargo areas, workers can better access situations and determine appropriate the workflow to keep the ferry system running on schedule.
- Prevent crime – Security cameras placed at areas where money is exchanged, such as ticket windows, retail shops, and concession areas, can help to deter acts of theft and other criminal activity.
- Digital storage – IP surveillance systems store video footage digitally. This allows for greater storage capacity while also providing dramatically improved search features. Investigators can efficiently scour though digital footage for images of specific incidents that could prove useful in criminal investigations.
Ferry Surveillance Risks
- Vandalism – If video cameras are tampered with, a signal could be lost. Other security measures should be in place to maintain proper security in instances where cameras become inoperable.
Configuration of Video Surveillance Systems for Harbor Terminals and Ferries
Consider the following factors when determining the appropriate video surveillance installation for ferries and terminals:
- Does the ferry system have the necessary security staff to properly patrol its ferries and terminal?
- Do police offers provide security assistance?
- What types of security systems are currently in place for the ferries and terminals?
- Have there been reported cases of criminal activity on the ferries or in the terminals?
- Is there a history of vandalism to equipment and facilities?
- Does the system operate passenger ferries only?
- Do the ferries transport vehicles and significant amounts of cargo?
- Do certain ferry runs demand tighter security and stronger police presence than others?
- What systems are in place to control access to restricted areas?
- What is the flow of traffic like during ferry arrivals and departures?
- Are there long-term parking lots near the terminal which require close monitoring?
- How is employee identification handled?
- Are the terminals properly monitored at night and after hours?
Security Camera Setup Advice for Ferries and Ferry Terminals
- Position security cameras at all boarding and unloading areas to capture images of all ferry passengers.
- Monitor walk-on and vehicle waiting areas to gauge the flow of traffic and to watch for incidents and suspect vehicles.
- Provide continuous video surveillance of terminals in order to protect those waiting late at night.
- Install security cameras at cargo loading and unloading zones.
- Place surveillance cameras that watch over ticket windows and retail areas in order to prevent theft and criminal acts?
- Use security cameras to monitor parking lots for break-in attempts and vandalism.
- Provide exterior and interior views of the ferry to watch for unwanted incidents, rowdy passengers, and the general flow of activity.