14.3 RPAS Operations (Drones)
Purpose
To outline organisation-wide requirements for the use, approval, and coordination of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operations for lifesaving purposes.
Overview
The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Service is a state-level asset authorised to operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for lifesaving purposes.
RPAS operations are centrally managed to ensure safety, compliance, coordination, privacy, and operational consistency across SLSSA lifesaving operations.
RPAS Operators must operate in accordance with the SLSSA RPAS Operations Manual, aviation requirements, approved procedures, and tasking arrangements.
Under no circumstances is an individual, SLSC, or any other SLS service permitted to operate a Remotely Piloted Aircraft for lifesaving purposes outside the official SLSSA RPAS Service or approved SLSSA RPAS arrangements.
This requirement ensures that aerial operations are conducted under approved protocols, aviation requirements, operational oversight, and appropriate tasking arrangements.
Definitions
RPAS – Remotely Piloted Aircraft System.
RPA – Remotely Piloted Aircraft.
Drone – Common term for a remotely piloted aircraft.
UAV – Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle. This term may appear in some systems but RPAS is the preferred SLSSA terminology.
Procedure
Authorised Use
RPAS operations for lifesaving purposes must only be conducted through the SLSSA RPAS Service or approved SLSSA RPAS arrangements.
SLSCs, members, lifeguard services, or other SLS services must not independently operate drones for lifesaving purposes.
This includes use for:
- Patrol surveillance,
- Search and rescue support,
- Incident monitoring,
- Hazard identification,
- Shark surveillance,
- Beach attendance monitoring,
- Training activities,
- Competition water safety,
- Emergency response, or
- Any other operational lifesaving activity.
RPAS Operations Manual
Detailed RPAS operational procedures are contained within the SLSSA RPAS Operations Manual.
The RPAS Operations Manual provides the operational requirements for RPAS Operators, including approved operating procedures, pilot requirements, pre-flight checks, flight conduct, emergency procedures, operational limitations, aviation compliance, and records.
This SOP does not replace the RPAS Operations Manual.
Tasking and Coordination
Requests for RPAS support must be coordinated through the State Operations Centre (SOC), Lifesaving Department, or approved RPAS Service tasking arrangements.
RPAS may be tasked to support:
- Patrol operations,
- Search and rescue,
- Incident assessment,
- Hazard identification,
- Shark sightings and incidents,
- Coastal safety monitoring,
- Emergency service support,
- Major events,
- Training or exercises, and
- Other approved lifesaving operations.
The SOC may assist with operational coordination, communications, incident logging, and situational awareness during RPAS tasking.
Compliance and Governance
RPAS operations must comply with:
- Applicable aviation requirements,
- SLSSA RPAS Operations Manual requirements,
- Approved SLSSA procedures,
- Operational tasking arrangements,
- Privacy and information management requirements, and
- Any directions issued by authorised SLS personnel or relevant authorities.
RPAS operations must not interfere with emergency service aircraft, helicopter operations, or other aviation activity.
RPAS imagery and information must only be captured, used, stored, or shared for approved operational purposes.
Personnel must not use privately owned drones, personal devices, or unauthorised systems to capture imagery for lifesaving operational purposes.
Requests for RPAS imagery, footage, or operational information must be managed in accordance with SLSSA information management requirements.
Incident and Operational Reporting
Where RPAS is used to support an incident, relevant operational information should be provided to the SOC for inclusion in the incident log.
RPAS operational records must be maintained in accordance with the SLSSA RPAS Operations Manual and approved reporting requirements.
Interaction with Other Aircraft
RPAS operations must be suspended, relocated, or otherwise managed where required to avoid conflict with crewed aircraft.
Where helicopter or emergency service aircraft are operating in the area, RPAS personnel must follow aviation safety procedures, the RPAS Operations Manual, and directions from the appropriate authority, SOC, or aircraft crew.
References