CCTV will be installed at a vantage point above the bar, and the live images will be available to view by the public on a free standalone website.
It follows about three significant incidents earlier in the year where boats capsized at the bar and rescue operations were required.
A Givealittle page has now been launched by Dunedin Marine Search and Rescue with a plan to fund the high-powered camera through donations from the public and the recreational fishing community.
Otago Regional Council harbourmaster Steve Rushbrook, who is a member of the Taieri Mouth Bar Camera Project committee, said the camera would make a difference to navigational safely for people crossing the bar.
"I’m really happy to support this project. Anything that gets people home safely is worthwhile."
The camera would improve boaties’ ability to assess conditions before crossing the bar and, he hoped, reduce incidents and rescues as a result.
It would be installed at an easily accessible location this summer, and would then be moved to its permanent site once the mounting platform construction was completed, he said.
The bar crossing has been the site of many callouts for emergency services.
There have been at least three significant incidents this year.
"This is an opportunity for the public, and boaties in particular, to help establish a valuable tool to both prevent problems and assist rescues."
