Let’s say there’s a ship docked at the port. Am I allowed to fly my drone there, or is it against the law?
Just something to think about… Check for any aircraft activity before you fly. I live near a port in Australia, and I’ve seen helicopters take off and land on cargo ships. Maybe it’s not common everywhere, but it’s worth checking.
@Baylen
I’ve never heard of civilian cargo ships using helicopters. Most of the space on cargo ships is for, well, cargo. Making room for a helipad would lose them money. Look at the picture you shared—there’s no room for a helicopter on that ship. It’s mostly oil tankers or container ships that might have extra equipment, not helipads.
It’s not illegal unless it’s a military ship like a U.S. Navy vessel.
Eli said:
It’s not illegal unless it’s a military ship like a U.S. Navy vessel.
I always double-check to make sure there aren’t any military ships nearby.
Eli said:
It’s not illegal unless it’s a military ship like a U.S. Navy vessel.
I always double-check to make sure there aren’t any military ships nearby.
How can you be absolutely sure about that?
@Rory
The Marine Traffic app is super helpful. It’s like Flight Radar but for boats. I usually check for helicopters on Flight Radar first, then use Marine Traffic to see where the ships are.
Eli said:
It’s not illegal unless it’s a military ship like a U.S. Navy vessel.
What if the dock is private? Do I need to ask for permission?
Eli said:
It’s not illegal unless it’s a military ship like a U.S. Navy vessel.
What if the dock is private? Do I need to ask for permission?
It depends on what you’re trying to capture. If it’s close-ups of the deck or equipment, you’d need permission from the shipowner since it’s private property—just like peeking into someone’s backyard. But if you’re flying high up for general views, it’s usually fine. Transport ships aren’t super interesting anyway unless they’re cruise ships.
@Eli
You don’t need permission to photograph private property as long as you’re on public land or legal airspace.
Nova said:
@Eli
You don’t need permission to photograph private property as long as you’re on public land or legal airspace.
This applies in the U.S.
Nova said:
@Eli
You don’t need permission to photograph private property as long as you’re on public land or legal airspace.
This applies in the U.S.
Yeah, OP is in the U.S. Anyway, if a country arrests you just for looking their way, would you even want to go there? I wouldn’t.
@Eli
I don’t fly low or near the docks. I stay far away and take photos like the one I shared. I also have a social media account where I post these pictures. I don’t want to get into any trouble.
Leith said:
@Eli
I don’t fly low or near the docks. I stay far away and take photos like the one I shared. I also have a social media account where I post these pictures. I don’t want to get into any trouble.
Then you should be fine. The shipowner doesn’t control the airspace. That’s the FAA’s domain. As long as you’re under 400 feet and keep the drone in sight, you’re good to go.
@Eli
Thanks for the advice!
Leith said:
@Eli
Thanks for the advice!
Just make sure you don’t launch from private docks. Use a public area instead.
Leith said:
@Eli
Thanks for the advice!
Just make sure you don’t launch from private docks. Use a public area instead.
I usually launch from a public parking area nearby. I make sure to only fly over the water and not over the businesses around there.
@Leith
Be careful. Public parking lots can still be private property, like at a Walmart. If they ask you to leave, you have to go. If it’s city or county-owned land, that’s different. Just something to keep in mind (not a lawyer, by the way).
Leith said:
@Eli
I don’t fly low or near the docks. I stay far away and take photos like the one I shared. I also have a social media account where I post these pictures. I don’t want to get into any trouble.
If your social media is making money, you might need a Part 107 license to stay legal. Just something to check.
I’m in Puerto Rico, so we follow U.S. laws here.