Photo/video as a hobby onboard?

[SMENGINEER]

The last few years I've been getting into photography and even some video editing and have been using the boats I've been on as subjects. I've also recently got into filming with a drone. I'm just wondering what are the chances of continuing a hobby like this on board an RFA vessel?

Understandably there's probably some no go things on board but is it a common hobby on board or something that's frowned upon? What about putting videos on YouTube? Is permission needed to go around taking pictures and does the footage need checked at all?

 

[Megalopteron]

The parts of the ship where photos and videos should not be taken are usually fairly obvious - radio room, ops room - and if there are more general restrictions in place, such as during a particular operation, it will be fairly obvious and you'll be notified. If in doubt, ask the "owner" of the compartment if photo/video is OK.

One of the COs who is a particularly keen photographer regularly sells his photos to Jane's (http://www.janes.com/).

Drone use you will need to be more careful about. Mounts Bay had a model helicopter club for a while (operating both inside on the vehicle deck and from the flight deck). Ask the Officer of the Day or OOW before operating your own aircraft in the vicinity of the ship.

 

[bollotom]

You could do "Arty" type pics. Like bollards, boats and even anchor cable (chain) pictured from strange angles. Wildlife at sea, clouds, weather and sunrise/set but I don't know if using a drone will be allowed. I'm sure you'll find things to photograph, just takes a little imagination, and of course maximum use of manual control, auto is just too unfulfilling eventually.

 

[SMENGINEER]

The parts of the ship where photos and videos should not be taken are usually fairly obvious - radio room, ops room - and if there are more general restrictions in place, such as during a particular operation, it will be fairly obvious and you'll be notified. If in doubt, ask the "owner" of the compartment if photo/video is OK.

One of the COs who is a particularly keen photographer regularly sells his photos to Jane's (http://www.janes.com/).

Drone use you will need to be more careful about. Mounts Bay had a model helicopter club for a while (operating both inside on the vehicle deck and from the flight deck). Ask the Officer of the Day or OOW before operating your own aircraft in the vicinity of the ship.

Thanks for the reply. Thats a bit better than i expected actually but I'm sure no-one will be buying pictures of the shite i take lol I plan on asking permission anyway, no point in pissing people off on board but its good to know its at least allowed.

I have the mavic drone so its no bother to just take it along and if its not used then its not used. It would be cool to get some drone shots of the ship though.

 

[SMENGINEER]

You could do "Arty" type pics. Like bollards, boats and even anchor cable (chain) pictured from strange angles. Wildlife at sea, clouds, weather and sunrise/set but I don't know if using a drone will be allowed. I'm sure you'll find things to photograph, just takes a little imagination, and of course maximum use of manual control, auto is just too unfulfilling eventually.

Yeh its mostly just a hobby to keep me busy at sea and I'm sure ill get some of that arty shite going on, like you say theres lots of things on a boat to practice on. Like i said above, the drones just the portable mavic so its no bother to take along and just see. Might be able to take it ashore if theres an opportunity.

 

[bollotom]

Be careful in some foreign ports. The local bobbies can be utter twonks if they think there's a medal (or a few quid) in it for them.

 

[Bluebird79]

If in doubt with putting media online, contact the RFA guy at Navy Media comms and ask advice/get it cleared.

 

[Seadog]

If in doubt with putting media online, contact the RFA guy at Navy Media comms and ask advice/get it cleared.

Don't. Ask the XO who is also the USO. If she or he can't give you an answer he or she may refer the question ashore.
If the XO says 'no' the XO means 'no, end of'.

As for foreign ports or any other port, drones are becoming a survey tool for engineers. These drones are official and just like testing ships' lifeboats, the Harbour Master needs to give approval.

Flying a hobby drone with camera from a naval vessel into a foreign country or around another nation's naval vessel, may result in the lights burning late at the MOD and FCO and the old man shuttling between UK Consulate/Embassy/High Commission, Chief of Police, Host Navy CO etc.

The old man will be embarrassed, the Prime Minister will be embarrassed. Your arse will look like it's gone ten rounds with Gary the Gorilla.

Other jurisdictions may not give a fcuk and the reaction may be downgraded to
'knob'.

 

[Bluebird79]

Seadog - yes of course, apologies I've got my 'not on ship' head on. If on leave then permission would come from the RFA person at Navy Media ops.

 

[SMENGINEER]

Don't. Ask the XO who is also the USO. If she or he can't give you an answer he or she may refer the question ashore.
If the XO says 'no' the XO means 'no, end of'.

As for foreign ports or any other port, drones are becoming a survey tool for engineers. These drones are official and just like testing ships' lifeboats, the Harbour Master needs to give approval.

Flying a hobby drone with camera from a naval vessel into a foreign country or around another nation's naval vessel, may result in the lights burning late at the MOD and FCO and the old man shuttling between UK Consulate/Embassy/High Commission, Chief of Police, Host Navy CO etc.

The old man will be embarrassed, the Prime Minister will be embarrassed. Your arse will look like it's gone ten rounds with Gary the Gorilla.

Other jurisdictions may not give a fcuk and the reaction may be downgraded to
'knob'.

I guess I'll save it for runs ashore in countries where drones are allowed.