Drone Flight Or ROV Operation

DRONE FLIGHT OR ROV OPERATION

PORT OF SINES JURISDICTION AREA

REV: 02-03-2026

RESTRICTIONS

  • Drone flights or ROV submersions within the jurisdictional area of the Port of Sines are not allowed without prior authorization from both the Maritime Authority and the Port Authority (Include authorization from the nearby heliport).
  • Overflight of vessels, storage tanks, product pipelines, and port equipment is prohibited, except in duly authorized exceptional situations.
  • Simultaneous operation of drones/ROVs within the same area of influence is not permitted, except in duly authorized exceptional situations.
  • Drone flights or ROV submersions are not permitted between sunset +25 minutes and sunrise −25 minutes, except in duly authorized exceptional situations.
  • Drone flights or ROV submersions are not permitted under adverse or unfavourable weather conditions.

 

REQUIREMENTS

  • Timely submission of the application to capitania.sines@amn.pt and seguranca@apsinesalgarve.pt.
  • Layout plan showing flight/submersion path and pilot location for each indicated activity.
  • Copy of the Third‑party liability insurance.
  • Copy of the drone certificate issued by EASA, in case of drone/RPAS operations.
  • Document indicating equipment builder/model and technical specifications.
  • If image capture is planned and the activity involves drone/RPAS operation, approval from the National Aeronautical Authority (AAN) must be requested at imagens.aereas@aan.pt.
  • If the drone/RPAS exceeds 25 kg, authorization from the Portuguese Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) must be attached.
  • Notification the start and end of flight/submersion, as well as any incident occurring during the operation/activity, shall be communicated to the Port of Sines Alarm Center: +351 968 925 913.

 

BASIC SAFETY RULES

  • Drone: Ensure compliance with legal requirements (more information at ANAC).
  • Drone: During the entire flight, the drone must keep its identification lights on.
  • Drone: The pilot must maintain direct visual contact with the drone throughout the entire flight, except in duly authorized exceptional situations.
  • Drone: During the entire flight, the pilot must maintain a safe distance from people and property.
  • Drone/ROV: The pilot must be permanently assisted by an observer.
  • ROV: During the entire submersion, the pilot must maintain a safe distance from infrastructure and vessels.

 

SANCTIONS

Sanctions will be imposed in cases of unauthorized flights/submersions or failure to comply with safety, security, or environmental rules (see Notice of the National Maritime Authority nr. 245/2016), as well as the Port of Sines Operational, Environmental and Safety Regulations and the Safety, Security and Environmental Standard.

 

ACCESS TO RESTRICTED AREAS

  • It may be necessary to formally request access to restricted areas via CUP.
  • Fees may apply for access to the International Zone, due to border control authority (GNR-UCCF).

 

Click here to download the word request for Drone flight and/or ROV Operation.