Danish Maritime Authority Opts for UAS-Based Lighthouse Inspections

The Danish Maritime Authority will soon be deploying an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to supplement inspections of the authority’s lighthouses.

The authority says it has procured a quadcopter, which will be operated by architect Jesper Kern Hansen, who has been certified as a drone pilot.

“We can use the drone to inspect the upper parts of the front, as well as the roof structure, better than previously when we had only our eyes and possibly binoculars,” explains Hansen.

Having completed a drone piloting course, Hansen is one of the first persons in Denmark to be certified for professional operations, according to the Danish Maritime Authority, which expects the UAS to contribute considerably to the assessment of the condition of roofs, gutters and upper parts of lighthouse facades.