UAVs or drones are a new technology that provides greater coverage and surveillance of potential risks along our coastline. When used as part of a patrol, UAVs provide valuable intelligence, enabling patrol teams to efficiently deploy people and other assets to carry out preventive actions and rescues.
SLSNSW operates a Membership UAV Program where UAV services are delivered across fixed and mobile locations across NSW. SLSNSW uses drone services for:
- The surveillance of sharks and other marine life
- The identification of rip currents and other hazards
- The surveillance of swimmers and other beach users away from the patrolled location.
The SLSNSW Standard Operating Procedures Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV SOPs) provide instructions for the operation and management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and all persons involved in the operation of UAVs that are operating under SLSNSW as sub-2kg excluded commercial operators. They are regularly updated as new legislation become available.
Members wishing to become a volunteer SLSNSW UAV Operator must complete a 2-day course and have an Aviation Reference Number (ARN). If they have a current Remote Pilots Licence (RePL) or other aviation qualification, they may be granted recognition of prior learning (RPL) and only be required for SLS operation-specific aspects of the 2-day course to obtain the SLSNSW UAV Pilot qualification. Refer to the SLSNSW UAVs in Surf Life Saving webpage for more information and UAV resources related to the SLSNSW Membership UAV Program.
The Australian UAV Service (AUAVS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Surf Life Saving NSW, operates as the commercial arm of the organisation’s UAV program, offering advanced UAV solutions as a service for NSW government, local government, private corporations, emergency services and sporting organisations. While the Membership UAV Program focuses on volunteer-operated patrol support and public safety along the NSW coastline, AUAVS delivers professional services with a focus on customised operations tailored to client needs.
These services include:
- Search and rescue (SAR)
- Wildlife (flora and fauna) data capture and surveillance
- Incident response and support
- Design and delivery of industry leading training packages
- Managed UAV services, covering regulations, people, training, assets, and maintenance
- High-quality (engineering use) spatial data capture
- Event safety and risk mitigation
- Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) operations
Through AUAVS, SLSNSW leverages its expertise and infrastructure in UAV operations to meet the complex demands of commercial drone services. The operations of the AUAVS support and contribute to the activities of SLSNSW.
If your SLSC is interested in being involved in the future, then please contact the SLSNSW UAV Team.