Coleraine Harbour Commissioners
CCTV and Video Analytics – Public Notice
Summary of our CCTV and Video Analytics Policy (CHC-DP-CCTV-001). Last updated: 07/04/2026
Who we are
Coleraine Harbour Commissioners are the navigation authority for the River Bann from the Barmouth to Coleraine. We are the controller for our CCTV system and decide how and why it is used.
Our CCTV installer, monitoring and maintenance provider
Advanced Overwatch Limited is the specialist CCTV installer, monitoring and maintenance provider for our system. Advanced Overwatch installed and commissioned the cameras, wireless network, recorders and analytics platform, monitors the system’s health and performance, and maintains and supports it on our behalf.
Advanced Overwatch acts only on our instructions under a written data processing agreement. It does not use our footage or data for any other purpose.
Advanced Overwatch Limited, 1st Floor, Beresford House, 2 Beresford Road, Coleraine, BT52 1GE. https://advancedoverwatch.com
Please send requests about footage to the Harbour, not to Advanced Overwatch.
Why we use CCTV
To keep the river safe for navigation, including at blind bends and the bar. To help detect people in the water and support emergency response. To protect Harbour property and prevent and detect crime. To investigate incidents and accidents, including reports to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. To plan Harbour operations using anonymous traffic statistics.
Where our cameras are
Cameras are located at Bann Bridge Jetty, the Railway Bridge, the Harbour Yard, the Council Office Jetty, Seaton’s private harbour and Barrmouth Road, with recording at the Harbour Office. Signs are displayed at each location. Cameras are positioned to view the river and Harbour property, and privacy masking blocks views into homes and gardens. We do not record sound.
Computer analysis (AI)
Our cameras are analysed by computer, on our own equipment at the Harbour Office, to spot vessels, people in the water and floating objects, count river traffic, and warn of vessels approaching each other at blind bends. The system does not recognise faces, identify people or read boat names. Every alert is checked by a person before any action is taken.
In an emergency
Our cameras are not watched at all times. If you see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, or use VHF Channel 16.
Live stream
We publish a live wide-angle view of river and bar conditions on YouTube for mariners and the public. It is framed so that people and boat registrations cannot be identified. It is not recorded or archived, and it switches off automatically if a safety alert is raised.
Captain Portal
Approved skippers, berth holders and pilots can use our secure Captain Portal for live navigational safety information. It shows vessel positions on a map, but no video and no vessel names. Accounts require approval and two-factor sign-in.
How long we keep footage
Recorded footage: 31 days, then automatically overwritten. Footage needed for an incident or claim: until the matter is concluded. Vessel movement records (anonymous IDs): 12 months, then converted to statistics. Captain Portal accounts: deleted 12 months after closure or inactivity. Live stream: not recorded.
Who we share footage with
We share footage only where necessary and lawful – for example with the PSNI, HM Coastguard and emergency services, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, the Coroner, or insurers and solicitors dealing with a claim. We never release footage to the media or for social media.
Our legal basis
We use CCTV to carry out our statutory functions as navigation authority (UK GDPR Article 6(1)(e)), to meet legal obligations such as accident reporting (Article 6(1)(c)), and to protect life in an emergency (Article 6(1)(d)). Where footage shows health information or possible offences, we rely on the conditions in the Data Protection Act 2018, Schedule 1, and our Appropriate Policy Document.
Your rights
You can ask for a copy of footage of yourself, object to our use of it, or ask us to erase or restrict it. Please include the date, time, location and a description to help us find you. Because footage is overwritten after 31 days, please contact us promptly. We will usually respond within one month.
Complaints and contact
Contact us at Coleraine Harbour Commissioners, Harbour Office, 4 Riversdale Road, Coleraine, BT52 1XA. Telephone 028 7034 2012. Email: chair@coleraineharbour.com
We acknowledge data protection complaints within 30 days.
If you are not satisfied, you can complain to the Information Commission (ICO): ico.org.uk, telephone 0303 123 1113. The full CCTV and Video Analytics Policy is available on request.