Ships, and government advice on UAS counter measures

Flying near commercial vessels may become more nerve-wracking if shipowners take this seriously :slight_smile:

If you were to take a look at my Instagram account, I fly extremely close to and over many types of commercial vessels but always maintain a safe distance from any of the vessels onboard radar or external comms systems. It’s all about common sense and the boundaries you apply yourself.

This guidance is more geared towards threats of a far greater nature to vessels than Joe Bloggs flying his sub 249g drone off the coasts of our country.

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My comment was tongue-in-cheek but a relatively cheap second-hand Inspire 1 or an S900 on a one-way trip could carry a small explosive charge with ease …

Side note but operating my various drones from the boat i work on i find the radar being operational causes most of the issues although it depends what specific mode its operating in at the time.

Whenever I Fly over a vessel I get a couple of seconds of drop in signal over the bridge area. Apart from that it’s fine. But then again I’m at least 150 feet over them.

Its typically TOAL/low stuff but a lot does depend on the radar mode (frequency/scan/beam/tilt/power).
I can go from no effect at all to no control at all depending on the above, sometimes you slip into a node etc.
Never really had an issue about 150ft or so though even very very close (im allowed to…its my place of work,permissions etc).

And yes, it is possible to see the drone on there in very specific circumstances, when you know its there and when you’re looking for it and its very close.

Reading that was a wild ride. Anyone got any information on a compatable hydrogen fuel cel for my Air 3 because Id like to do some longer hyperlapses :rofl:

Also categorising drones into EASA C labels that the UK didnt adopt…

Im hoping plenty of separation and staying away from the equipment above the bridge keeps me out of trouble. Give the bright red vessels a wider berth than normal. No overflying stuff thats carrying gas and chemicals etc…

I find that when the crew has been at sea for days a drone nearby is a bit of a novelty and 9 times out of 10 you will get a wave, they dont ever seem concerned. I hope that document doesnt start a load of fearmongering over completely innocent flights.

Total common sense and I also avoid such vessels.

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For us yes, But I see too much online that makes me cringe.

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Getting too close to a Grey Funnel Lines ship may also be injurious to your drones health if the crew is itching to try out some new countermeasures :slight_smile: :warning: