Gard has warned shipowners about the use of drones after a vessel entered into the club was detained in the Suez Canal for using such a device.
The club says that shortly after the drone had been launched from the vessel, the master was requested by the Suez Canal Authorities (SCA) to drop anchor.
During the SCA's subsequent inspection, they are said to have confiscated the drone and its memory card and the vessel was detained in anticipation of further investigations by the Egyptian authorities.
Gard says that while there are currently no common or international rules governing the use of drones, basic national safety rules would likely apply.
However, in this instance it would appear that Egyptian authorities are concerned about drone use from a security perspective.
"While the initial purpose of the latest drone technology is to do good, they have also been used for illegal purposes and many countries fear that drones can be used by terrorists," says Gard.
"Hence, although the intention when launching the drone was simply to document the vessel proceeding through the Suez Canal, this 'innocent act' may have been considered a threat to national security by the Egyptian Military Forces."
Gard says drones are increasingly being used for a variety of tasks in the maritime industry, primarily to save time and money but also as a means to enhance safety.
Abu Dhabi Ports have added drone cameras to its port security surveillance equipment whilst Maersk Tankers has completed their first drone delivery to a ship.
DNV GL has performed the first production surveys using drones and is looking into utilising drones for inspection of MOUs, both for topside and external structure and for internal tank inspections.
The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) is considering use of drones to monitor refugee boats and is also planning to use drones to undertake pollution and emissions monitoring for the shipping industry.
Gard says the use of drones is likely to continue to increase, also in the maritime industry, but users must adhere to local regulations and restrictions on their use at all times.
"Our recent case experience demonstrates that to launch a drone from a vessel to take photographs, may have serious consequences for the vessel and the shipowner," it says.
"Members and clients are therefore advised to raise awareness of the use of drones among their Masters and crew, especially when a vessel is in port or is sailing within a country's territorial waters.
"Regulations concerning the use of drones differ from one country to another and failure to comply with any given legislation may lead to a criminal prosecution."
