Maritime Drone Operations Course Outline

Course Title: Maritime Drone Operations with Integrated GVC and A2 CofC Training
Provider: Stela Security Solutions Limited
Duration: 5 days (40 hours)
Target Audience: Maritime security staff, vessel operators, and personnel requiring CAA-compliant drone qualifications for maritime environments.
Objective: Equip participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, and certifications to operate drones safely and legally in maritime environments, including achieving the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) and the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC).

Course Modules and Schedule

Day 1: Foundations and Regulatory Framework

• Introduction to Maritime Drone Operations
  • Overview of Stela Security Solutions Limited’s blended training approach.
  • Course structure: GVC, A2 CofC, and maritime-specific applications.
• Regulatory Framework
  • UK and international drone regulations (CAA, ICAO).
  • Drone categorisation, legal requirements for GVC and A2 CofC, and maritime legal considerations.
• Drone Technology Basics
  • Types of drones and their applications in maritime settings.
  • Sensors, payloads, and system maintenance for maritime use.

Day 2: GVC and A2 CofC Theory

• Core Modules
  • Air law, aviation safety, and remote pilot responsibilities.
  • Meteorology and flight performance: Key concepts for maritime operations.
• Maritime Adaptations
  • Integrating GVC and A2 CofC principles for vessel-based operations.
  • Planning flights in dynamic maritime environments (e.g., wind, sea states, vessel movement).

Day 3: Practical Training and Risk Management

• GVC and A2 CofC Practical Skills
  • Simulator-based training for manual and automated flight techniques.
  • Close-proximity flying and basic take-off/landing on vessel decks.
• Maritime Risk Management
  • Conducting risk assessments for drone operations in maritime settings.
  • Emergency procedures for equipment malfunctions or adverse conditions.

Day 4: Advanced Maritime Operations

• Maritime-Specific Scenarios
  • Perimeter surveillance, search and rescue, and infrastructure inspections.
• Vessel Integration
  • Establishing secure launch/recovery zones and coordinating with crew.
  • Synchronising drone operations with existing maritime protocols.

Day 5: Assessment and Certification

• GVC and A2 CofC Assessments
  • Written exam on regulatory and operational principles.
  • Practical assessments: Controlled take-offs, flights, and landings in simulated maritime environments.
• Maritime Operational Assessment
  • Final practical missions in maritime scenarios, evaluating operational effectiveness and safety adherence.
• Certification Issuance
  • GVC Certificate (CAA recognised).
  • A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC).
  • Maritime Drone Operations Certificate from Stela Security Solutions Limited.

Additional Information

• Equipment: Drones, simulators, safety gear, and maritime-specific aids provided.
• Prerequisites: Basic maritime knowledge; no prior drone experience needed.
• Learning Approach:
  • Theory: Interactive sessions, pre-reads (via TalentLMS), and case studies.
  • Practical: Hands-on flying in controlled and maritime-simulated environments.