Drone Operator
Our Patrols use DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Drones for aerial surveillance of marine hazards.
Our Pilots have CASA credentials and a SLSWA Drone Pilot Award. Our operations are approved by local council and flights are CASA-compliant. Regulations include 30m separation from the public, a maximum altitude of 120m, daylight only, and manned aircraft priority. Pilots fly under the supervision of the Patrol Captain, sign in with Surfcom and record their flight data.
Pilot credentials are either “Accreditation” or a “Remote Pilots License”. Accreditation is easily gained by completing a short quiz. If you’re interested in flying drones on Patrol follow this link to the CASA website for information, gain your accreditation and send us your certificate.
The SLSWA Drone award includes a fun hands-on practical session flying drones at the beach with our trainers and an online theory component.
The Drone program is a specialised role within the patrol and applications for training are required.
Prerequisites:
Minimum 16 years of age (on the day of final assessment)
Financial member of the Surf Life Saving Club
Proficient in a recognised award such as Bronze Medallion, Surf Rescue Certificate, Radio Operations, First Aid or ART
Be prepared to obtain a CASA Aviation Reference Number (ARN)
Be prepared to complete the RPA Operator Accreditation
Be prepared to do at least 2 Patrols as a Drone Operator, and at least 2 Patrols as a Drone Spotter (assisting a Drone Operator) during the coming season.
Free for NCSLSC members
Course Dates:
To be confirmed 2025-26 season
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Drone program training has multiple session formats:
Training on Patrols - typically during Saturday morning patrol times slots depending on facilitator capacity
Group sessions - TBC