I'm one of the volunteer activists onboard the Esperanza and I have been given the job of wearing a helmet-mounted video camera during actions.

I used a helmet cam last year, which was a cobbled together arrangement to try the idea out. People seemed pleased with the results so our resident videographer Gavin made a more robust waterproof version. It has been in regular use over the last few weeks.

At first it was strange to wear - my head felt lopsided and I had a belt mounted recorder sticking into the small of my back. But it wasn't long before I got used to it and I hardly notice it now.

On its first trip out everybody was aware that they were being filmed and some played up to the camera, others stayed away. Now everybody seems to have forgotten about it and has started acting naturally. It's become part of the kit that I wear in the inflatable boats, along with my dry suit and life jacket.

It is interesting watching the video after the action. You notice all sorts of things that you weren't aware of at the time and it adds a new dimension to the documentation. I think most people regard it as a useful new piece of equipment.

Huw, Volunteer