March is for Drone Pilot & Safety Certification

We’re getting ready for busy production season! As of this spring, our DP Daniel Cojanu is an FAA-certified drone pilot with boat safety training credentials.

Aerial imagery improves production values exponentially, but it’s essential to operate a drone camera safely and legally. This month, Daniel passed the FAA‘s remote pilot certification (UAS Part 107) with flying colors. (His background in skydiving came in handy!) Rest assured that UCP flight plans will abide by all rules for operating within the National Air Space, making sure that we get the best possible imagery while protecting everyone involved.

Often times our work brings us out on the water. Whether that’s on a coastal day boat, icebreaker, sailboat, powerboat, trawler, or an open ocean research vessel, it’s wise to have a safety plan in case of an emergency. It can make the difference between being a survivor— or not.

As luck would have it, our friends Shannon and Russell (from The Weir) are trainers for Fishing Partnership, an organization that supports fishermen and their families. This training is designed for all fishermen, including crewmen, to learn or hone fundamental safety and survival skills.

At a hands-on training in New Bedford, Daniel joined commercial fishing captains and researchers from the Coonamessett Farm Foundation to learn about EPIRBs, Signal Flares, MAYDAY Calls, Man Overboard Recovery, Firefighting, Flooding & Damage Control, Opioid Overdose Prevention, Dewatering Pumps, Immersion Suits, PFDs, and Life Rafts.

Let’s hope Daniel never has to use this training, but when it comes to safety at sea, you can never be too prepared!