SLSNSW currently provide two separate UAV programs across NSW. The first UAV program is funded through the $16 million NSW Government Shark Management Strategy that has now been delivered for the past two seasons. This program along with providing greater patrol surveillance at the 18 identified locations also assists with shark species identification and research into the behaviour of marine life.
The second UAV program is funded through the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Drone Program and is Australia’s first comprehensive national approach to surf rescue using innovative drone technology, giving surf lifesavers more eyes in the sky at patrolled beaches around the country.
Becoming a UAV Pilot
Qualifications and Training
Anyone who wishes to fly a drone for SLSNSW will be required to do a two-day course. Content covered in this course includes a full day of practical flight training with an instructor and operationally specific information which includes identification of marine life and other hazards such as rip currents. If you have a current Remote Pilots Licence (RePL) or other aviation qualifications, then you may be granted recognition of prior learning (RPL) and only be required for the operationally specific aspect of the course.
All SLSNSW UAV Pilots are required to have an Aviation Reference Number (ARN). If you do not currently have an ARN, please follow the process here: Guide to ARN and Sub2kg Commercial Excluded Notification.
Please click here to find out about upcoming training and proficiencies for the 2019-20 season.
How to Get Involved
Surf Life Saving NSW are seeking expressions of interest from current SLSNSW members and members of the wider community to operate UAVs across 18 locations each weekend between September and April.
If you are interested in becoming a UAV Pilot, please apply below. For more information, please see our FAQs (bottom of this page) and the UAV Information Pack , after which you can click below to complete an Expression of Interest.
Although the current COVID-19 health emergency has put a hold on upcoming UAV Pilot courses, we are still accepting expressions of interest. Once our courses are back up and running, a member of our UAV team will contact you to discuss your application further.
SLSNSW Standard Operating Procedures (UAV)
Information and Instruction Documents
Training Documents
Please find below all documents relating to the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Operator’s Induction Program run by SLSNSW endorsed UAV Instructors.
All documents should be completed and signed by the relevant parties and then submitted to uav@surflifesaving.com.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this can be very beneficial, a great way to meet new people and gain more experience.
The season dates vary between locations, however, generally from September through to April.
Surveillance must be undertaken across a 7-hour patrolling period (9am – 4pm) with two to three 15-minute flights each hour dependent upon conditions.
The minimum age requirement to be a UAV Pilot is 16 years of age.
Yes, volunteer UAV Pilot hours will count towards your patrolling hours. Please join your local club as any category of member and include this information in your Expression of Interest.
At this point in time Surf Life Saving NSW are only utilising UAVs to service those contracts we have with government and our commercial partner, Westpac. If your club is interested in being involved in the future, then please contact uav@surflifesaving.com.au
Yes! Surf Life Saving welcomes all interested members of the community to join and be a part of this great organisation.
Having your RePL is a fantastic start to your UAV operational experience, although you will still be required to complete at least one (1) day of wildlife surveillance, shark identification, induction into the SLSNSW Standard Operating Procedures, and induction into the local operating procedures.
Yes, we need to get an official application via the links above in order to engage you in proficiency programs prior to the 2019-20 season.
Please see the UAV Program Fact Sheet for more information.
