Drone Filming Over Open Water What Are The Risks?
Filming with drones over open water is inherently risky with challenges that drone operators need to be aware of to ensure safe and successful operations.
We have outlined some of the risks and how to minimise them.
Being based in The Lake District we have a lot of experience of operating drones to get those shots.
We have broken down those risk to those we feel present a real risk and challenge, especially if you have not operated over water before.
Wind and Weather Conditions: Open water areas are often prone to strong winds and rapidly changing weather conditions. High winds can make it difficult to control the drone and maintain stable flight, potentially leading to crashes or loss of control.
Water Landing: Accidentally crashing into the water can lead to significant damage to the drone and potential loss of the equipment. Water damage is often irreparable and can result in the loss of valuable footage.
GPS Signal Interference: Open water environments can sometimes have limited GPS signal coverage due to the absence of surrounding structures. This can affect the drone’s ability to maintain accurate positioning and stable flight, potentially leading to unexpected behaviour.
Battery Life and Range: Flying over open water might require longer distances to cover, which can impact battery life and available flight time. Ensuring that you have sufficient battery reserves for safe return and landing is crucial.
Visibility: Distinguishing the drone from the water surface can become challenging, especially during low light conditions or when the drone is flying at a distance. This can make it difficult to maintain visual contact with the drone.
Emergency Landings: In case of a critical battery situation or other emergencies, finding a suitable landing spot over water can be challenging. Drone operators need to plan for such scenarios to avoid damaging the drone or causing harm to people or wildlife.
Water Hazards: Open water areas may contain various hazards such as boats, buoys, floating debris, and wildlife. Collisions with any of these objects can lead to damage to the drone, potential injury to people, and harm to the environment.
Regulatory Considerations: Different regions and countries have specific regulations and restrictions concerning drone operations, especially over open water. It’s important to be aware of and adhere to these regulations to avoid legal issues.
To mitigate these risks, consider the following precautions
- Check Weather Conditions: Always check the weather forecast before flying and avoid flying in adverse weather conditions, such as high winds or rain.
- Maintain Line of Sight: always keep the drone within your line of sight to ensure you can monitor its position and react to any potential issues.
- Calibrate Compass and GPS: Properly calibrate your drone’s compass and GPS before every flight to ensure accurate positioning.
- Use Return-to-Home (RTH) Feature: Familiarise yourself with your drone’s Return-to-Home feature and set it up correctly. This can help the drone return safely in case of signal loss or low battery. Remember if your operating off a boat its best to set drone to hover as if set at RTH your boat may have moved off a long way from its original position.
- Carry Safety Gear: Consider carrying a flotation device or waterproof bag in case the drone crashes into the water.
- Practice Flying Skills: If you’re not experienced with flying drones, practice in controlled environments before attempting flights over open water.
- Respect Regulations: Understand and follow the regulations and guidelines set by aviation authorities and local governing bodies for drone operations.
By being well-prepared, knowledgeable about your equipment, and vigilant during flight, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with drone filming over open water.
Above all enjoy operating a drone over water as some of the footage that can be captured will really craft your skills.
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