The camera is one of 15 that will be on trial for three years in NSW coastal locations.

Vision from Port Macquarie's web camera was delivered online over Easter.

Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi said coastal bars were dynamic environments which had claimed lives.

"There have been 276 vessel incidents and 16 fatalities during attempted bar crossings in NSW since 1992," he said.

"This live vision on the NSW Maritime website is accompanied by specific boating safety advice which will help skippers make the most informed and responsible decisions about boating off- shore."

Geoff Shelton from Port Macquarie Sea Rescue said the new cameras would be a valuable boating safety tool.

"The beauty of it is that you can see what the bar is doing from home," he said.

The web camera trial is the latest initiative in a raft of measures being implemented by NSW Maritime to improve safety at bar crossings.

"NSW Maritime has already introduced the compulsory wearing of life jackets when crossing bars, improved signage, revised safety publicat- ions, reinforced bar safety messages with- in the new compulsory Boating Safety Course and stepped up on-water patrols," Mr Tripodi said.

Port Macquarie MP Rob Oakeshott said the web camera technology was developed in consultation with Coastal- watch and tested in Narooma on the NSW south coast in late 2007.

"The first trial in Narooma received positive feedback from the boating community," he said.

"The web camera will be a useful safety resource for local harbour users."

Live on-line vision of Port Macquarie bar can be found at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

Bef ore the introduction of the new camera Hastings surfers relied on a similar set-up to check out the surf.

Mr Shelton said the new technology, however, was more fine-tuned to provide accurate information for boaters crossing the bar.

"We've had a surf camera up for a few years, but this is specifically for the bar itself," he said.

"It is just one more extra step people can take to make sure they are as safe as possible when out on the water."

The camera was switched on just in time for the Easter long weekend.

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