Industry body Oil & Gas UK has created a fresh publication to give the industry guidance on the growing use of umanned aerial systems (UAS) offshore.
The guidelines were developed by a work group set up by the trade body and involved industry and aviation safety experts as well as UAS operators.
Mick Borwell, health, safety and environment director with Oil & Gas UK, explained: “A small but increasing number of oil and gas operators are using UAS for inspections predominantly, but also for aerial photography, surveying and security.
“The technology is particularly attractive for its use in improving safety. For example, sending unmanned aircraft instead of people into confined spaces to conduct inspections reduces risk, and is also effective and efficient. We expect their usage to grow.”
The new guidelines aim to achieve consistency with the high safety and operating standards already adopted on the UKCS for offshore oil and gas production and helicopter flight operations.
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