Guidelines for drone usage in class surveys

When flying a drone in places such as the cargo hold or ballast tank of a ship, it is important to take into consideration the possibility that the drone may not function properly due to being in a closed space surrounded by magnetic material which may interfere with some of the sensors of the drone (GPS and magnetic compass) which are closely related to flight stability.

In January 2017, the Society began a full-scale study of the use of drones in class surveys, and has conducted various types of verification by carrying out basic performance experiments and experiments to test flight inside ship tanks and cargo holds.

Combining the technological knowledge in connection with drones accumulated by these efforts and the know-how in class surveys amassed by ClassNK over its long history to date, the applicable range and procedures for applying drones to class surveys along with the technical considerations for safe operation and the requirements for drone service suppliers were arranged in these Guidelines.

The guidelines are available to download free of charge via ClassNK’s website www.classnk.com for those who have registered for the ClassNK “My Page” service.

By Jake Frith