Port: slow down, you're being filmed!

A ship speed control system has been installed at the entrance to Gustavia harbor. The new system takes the form of a "radar" with multiple functions. In particular, it can be used to identify boats, from the smallest to the largest, which are in breach of channel traffic regulations. This is because, from the landing buoys, the speed limit is 5 knots.
The port management has turned to a company specializing in surveillance equipment, which has developed the system used in Gustavia. The cost of the system is around 30,000 euros. "Until the end of November, we'll be focusing on prevention and reminders," explains Port Director Ernest Brin. Then come the sanctions. In the event of infringement, these will range from a warning to a fine, right up to the withdrawal of mooring rights.
From jet-skis to the biggest boats, the radar measures the speed of anything moving on the water. It provides time data (hour, day), day and night operation, the length of the offending craft and takes a photograph of the offender. All this in just a few minutes. What's more, the system provides the type of boat involved. In short, a complete information sheet. Since its introduction, the system has caught over a thousand boats entering and leaving the port.
In the coming weeks, Ernest Brin adds that a screen will be installed at the entrance to the port to indicate the speed of their boat to users. This will enable them to adjust their speed if they find it is too high.