These newsletters aim to share updates, learnings, and guidance about our current (and future!) service deliveries. If you wish to subscribe, please email uav@surflifesaving.com.au
OIP Training in Japan
In early July, Paul Hardy and Emily Francis travelled to Japan to provide UAV OIP Training to a group of volunteers from the Japan Lifesaving Association. This marked the first time in over 30 years that the association had international trainers.
The focus of the training was using drones on the beach to enhance lifesaving efforts, including identification of rip currents and locating missing people. Day one consisted of an in-depth lecture, while day two involved practical flying exercises on Kamakura beach. Our training was delivered via our training resources and interpreters who thankfully translated each learning point. Quizzes were also translated and so were questions.
Awesomely we also were able to share our story on Japanese TV Channel 1, including the story of one member (now proud UAV Operator) who is now able to become involved in lifesaving as a ‘dry lifesaver’.
Throughout the duration of the course, the warmth and hospitality extended by the Japan Lifesaving Association left a lasting impression on Paul & Emily, and we’re very excited to be supporting Japan into the future of UAV use. We also have so much to learn from JLA in regard to AI use from fixed cameras on beaches, for people counting (risk assessment) and danger area notification.
ANZ Disaster & Emergency Management Conference
Oliver Heys had the opportunity to represent AUAVS Members at the ANZ Disaster & Emergency Management Conference on the Gold Coast over the 11-12th of July. On the 12th of July, Oliver delivered a presentation on AUAVS, giving a snapshot of our history, current operations, and future through the lens of Disaster and Emergency Management. Some of the key highlights included meeting and networking with attendees from all parts of the industry, hearing how AI is being used in Emergency response such as screening 000 calls and prioritising them, and also how important community-based Disaster Response action plans are and the need for Emergency Responders to follow these to ensure a resilient community. Oliver looks forward to attending next year’s conference again.
DJI Dock Trials
The AUAVS recently ran an initial trial of the new DJI Dock platform on the Far North Coast over the Winter operating period. This Dock is a semi-autonomous drone in a box product that has the ability to greatly increase our response times in time critical search and rescues or other coastal incidents. It can also conduct repetitive operations from a fixed location, allowing pilots to undertake more complex flight operations and increasing flexibility in operating location. We’d like to thank the NSW DPI and D1 store for the partnership in running the trial, and the support from Evans Head-Casino SLSC and Richmond Valley Council. We look forward to sharing more information about the trial in future AUAVS updates!
