The Norwegian protection and indemnity association, Gard, has issued a caution to seafarers on the legal risks associated with drone use in ports, following a recent incident in Norway.
A ship officer on a Gard member vessel was arrested and fined after using a personal drone to capture footage over the commercial Port of Hammerfest, where his ship was docked.
The officer, a European national, now faces potential deportation due to the violation.
This incident highlights broader concerns, as multiple Russian nationals have been detained in Norway for flying drones near restricted areas, such as oil platforms and airports.
In a notable case, a person with dual Russian-British citizenship received a jail sentence for flying a drone in the Svalbard archipelago, emphasizing the severe consequences.
Gard’s report urges seafarers to understand and comply with local drone regulations, as non-adherence can result in significant legal repercussions, including fines, arrest, or deportation.
Many countries, including Norway, are intensifying surveillance of drone activity in sensitive zones to mitigate security risks.
