Assets

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are small remote-controlled aircraft. The drone is piloted from the ground by a person who has undergone training and proven a level of competence. Drones typically have other equipment on board, such as a device to captures images allowing it to take photographs and videos.

Sussex IFCA owns a DJI Matrice 300 RTK drone with a single Zenmuse H20T camera. The drone has a maximum flight time of 55 minutes, a maximum speed of 23 m/s and can fly in wind speeds of up to 33 mph. The Zenmuse H20T is a quad-sensor camera with a 20 MP zoom and 12 MP wide angle. The camera has 1200m laser range finder and thermal imaging capabilities, allowing it to capture images and video footage during the day and night.

The drones can legally be flown to a maximum height of 400ft (120m). This limit is set by the Civil Aviation Authority so drones do not interfere with aircraft which operate just above at 500ft.

The M300 drone is powered by rechargeable batteries and fully charged these can allow a maximum flight time of 55 minutes.

Sussex IFCA will be using the drone as an extra resource to supplement our compliance responsibilities. The enhanced capability it offers using the onboard camera to record evidence of possible offences from perspectives not previously possible, will act as a deterrent and improve the prevention and detection of offences.

Sussex IFCA will raise awareness of drone use mainly through its website and social media (twitter, Instagram and facebook). The use of a drone will be highlighted through Sussex IFCA’s communications both with the commercial and recreational fishing sectors and the wider community. Sussex IFCA shellfish permit holders may receive directed correspondence on drone use.

Absolutely not. We want the fishing community to be aware of drone use, furthermore, when in use the drone will be operated overtly in full view of the community by officers in Sussex IFCA uniform. When used in relation to the fishing industry, the drone will be used primarily as a evidence gathering tool in the detection of offences, however this will also serve to support legitimate fishers by demonstrating their compliance with regulations to the Authority and wider community, with first-hand evidence obtained through the drone deployment.

The drone will be flown by Sussex IFCA officers who will be assisted by other officers in the role of Observers. Only officers who are trained will be permitted to fly the Sussex IFCA drone. This will consist of completing a GVC VLOS course through an accredited Civil Aviation Authority trainer and operating under a Civil Aviation Authority Authorisation.

All officers who fly the Sussex IFCA drone will have completed and passed a rigorous training course (the same taken by UK Emergency Services), furthermore they will all have passed the relevant qualifications as set by the Civil Aviation Authority and be required to fulfil a minimum number of flying hours to maintain and build on existing skills.

The drones must follow all Civil Aviation Authority regulations and fly within 500m of the pilot. The drones cannot fly outside of the pilot’s line of sight unless a second pilot is used.

Yes, Sussex IFCA drone operations comply with all UK law as determined by the Civil Aviation Authority with regards to the use of drones. This includes registration of the drone with the Civil Aviation Authority, having in place a certified Operation Manual, only being flown by appropriately trained persons, and complying with various restrictions with regards to where and how the drone is flown.

Data (e.g., video and photographic images) will only be recorded where it is necessary, such as to record evidence of potentially offences. Data which is recorded for evidential purposes will be kept securely, as required under data protection laws, and only be maintained for the duration of the investigation.

Yes, we have completed the Surveillance Camera Commissioner (SCC) self-assessment tool to ensure that our use of drones complies with the Code of Practice. You can download a copy of our report to find out more. We have also completed a specific Privacy Notice for the drone.

Yes, where appropriate and possible Sussex IFCA intend to work with partner agencies under Section 174 of Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

Any views can be shared with Sussex IFCA via the Contact Us section on our website and webform available. Alternatively, Officers will be happy to speak with you if you have any queries when you see them on patrol.