A ship officer faces fines and the possibility of deportation after flying a drone over a commercial port in Norway, according to insurance provider Gard. The European national was reportedly using a personal drone, though it is unclear if the drone flight was work-related. This incident is the latest in a series of detentions in Norway connected to drone use amid heightened geopolitical tensions with Russia.
Heightened Security Measures and Drone Restrictions in Norway
In recent months, Norway has intensified scrutiny on drone activities near sensitive locations, including oil platforms and airports. Several Russian nationals have already been detained for flying drones in restricted areas. For instance, British-Russian businessman Andrey Yakunin was held for 51 days after operating a drone during a sailing trip in Svalbard in 2022. Norwegian law prohibits Russians from flying drones within the country, a regulation enforced rigorously in light of geopolitical concerns.
Broader Implications of Drone Usage in Maritime Settings
The incident involving the European officer is not an isolated case. Gard highlighted other situations, such as the detention of a vessel in 2016 after a drone was used to photograph its passage through the Suez Canal. The ship was ordered to anchor, and authorities confiscated the drone and its memory card.
Further complications arose in 2022 when Gard reported an uptick in seafarers being detained in Egypt for carrying drones in their luggage while disembarking ships. Although drones are becoming more prevalent in the maritime industry for inspections, search and rescue operations, and deliveries, their use remains heavily regulated in many regions.
Norwegian Regulations on Drone Operations
In Norway, drone operators must register their devices and pass an online certification course. There are additional restrictions on drone flight altitudes and the operator’s proximity to the drone. Certain sites are entirely off-limits due to security concerns. Gard emphasized the serious consequences for crew members, vessels, and shipowners if local drone regulations are violated, noting that foreign nationals have already been deported for non-compliance.
The Importance of Adhering to Local Drone Laws
As drone technology continues to be integrated into maritime operations, understanding and adhering to local regulations is crucial. Non-compliance, as demonstrated by recent cases, can lead to criminal charges, fines, and even deportation for seafarers.
Did you Subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: TradeWinds
