Norwegian protection and indemnity association, Gard, has warned that the use of drones at port could expose seafarers to legal risk, following a recent incident in the Scandinavian country.
According to a report released by Gard, a ship’s officer on board one of its member vessels was recently arrested and fined after flying his personal drone over a commercial port in Norway, where the ship was docked.
The officer, a European national, now faces possible deportation following his actions at the Port of Hammerfest.
The incident is not an isolated case.
Several Russian citizens have been detained in the country for operating drones near sensitive sites, including oil platforms and airports.
In a particularly high-profile case, an individual with dual Russian and British citizenship was jailed for flying a drone in the Svalbard archipelago, underscoring the serious consequences of such activities.
Gard’s report serves as a stark reminder to seafarers of the strict regulations governing drone use in various countries and the importance of adhering to local laws, particularly when in port.
Gard advises that operators must familiarise themselves with relevant rules to avoid legal complications, even in nations generally considered liberal.
Authorities in Norway and other countries continue to closely monitor drone activity, particularly in sensitive areas, and non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including arrest, fines, and deportation.
