I have no doubt it is inevitable that NSW waterways will be using drones in the future but! Are they using them now ?
Had one fly over me yesterday there I was laying back reading a book when it abruptly stopped , hovered over me for about a minute then took off,
Could also be Police as there is an incredible Police presence in this area.
Get a big water pistol and shoot the tucker out of the sky,
I was fishing at a FAD 15km off shore and had a drone buzz me, not sure if they liked the foot-age I showed them 
Select to expand quoteZzzzzz said..
I have no doubt it is inevitable that NSW waterways will be using drones in the future but! Are they using them now ?
Had one fly over me yesterday there I was laying back reading a book when it abruptly stopped , hovered over me for about a minute then took off,
Could also be Police as there is an incredible Police presence in this area.
Defiantly possible. It might of been just a local though. Trying to get some quality footage of you!
Select to expand quoteCraig66 said..
Get a big water pistol and shoot the tucker out of the sky,
I was fishing at a FAD 15km off shore and had a drone buzz me, not sure if they liked the foot-age I showed them
15km offshore Jesus Christ. They might of been thinking of coming out but wanted to see if anyone was on their spot. 15kms is good range. Maybe someone who was around you if anyone?
Pretty unlikely in Sydney Harbour - almost all of it is a no fly zone for drones due to the aircraft/helicopter flightpaths. There are a couple of very small spots, like around Birkenhead Point that you can fly under 400ft, but that's it.
Nothing to stop any Tom, Dick or Harry flying their drone illegally of course, and they can get fined if they are caught.
I know the tactical response coppers use them, but I am not aware of any other police branches having them.
I am sorry for This thread drift but if you don't mind. If you flew your drone over Sydney harbour. How would the coppers know it's your drone?
Select to expand quoteShanty said..
I am sorry for This thread drift but if you don't mind. If you flew your drone over Sydney harbour. How would the coppers know it's your drone?
Extremely difficult.
CASA's new rule changes requires yearly registration now for drones over 2kg and they now have the tech to track and trace drones. How are they gonna police it??? I don't know. Have they (CASA) done enough?
NO........
A water pistol wouldn't have the distance, but i bet there is or will soon be a market for anti drone devices.
Maybe an anti drone drone which can shoot a sticky mesh.
What happens if you shoot down a police drone?
Nasty.
Gary
2 weeks ago I crashed a DJI Spark into a freshwater river. I reckon it was completely submerged for a good 5 mins before I decided the cost of the drone was worth the freezing water to retrieve. Dried it out, replaced the battery (and the damaged blades) and without further ado, it was good to go.
I doubt a water pistol will do much.
Marine parks and wildlife have them on the barrier reef, busting people fishing in green zones
Alot of drones fly with the Dji app connected to a mobile device or internet . Who knows who has access to gps and telemetry logged by that drone app.
Select to expand quotesunycoastguy said..
Marine parks and wildlife have them on the barrier reef, busting people fishing in green zones
Was pinged out of Cape Bowling Green by a helicopter... Wasn't even fishing but had had the rods the rod holders. They even knew the colour of the fishing line. Drones aren't that good yet (unless they are close enough to touch).
a good shot with the shangeye will bring them down or strike fear of the loss of ones drone in the operator!
There are more sophisticated options: www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/anti-drone-technologies/
These drones could become a major privacy issue. You can have footage from above without anyone knowing where you are. (That is if the Dji App doesn't send data somewhere as stated above) you could potentially look into apartment buildings, houses, SECERT MILITARY BASES, schools and all sorts. You are basically invisible.
Possibly what was happening with the drone Zzzz. Is that someone was looking for gear to knock off someone's boat. Maybe I'm taking it to far, but this could all be done with no one knowing.
Regards,
Mick
We dropped anchor out from the flinders pier and a drone came out and hovered above. I gave it the finger and it came closer so i grabbed my fishing rod to cast a line and it took off. It was definitely an invasion of privacy. Ive been buzzed twice at Blairgowrie as well. I hate them......
There are laws against the actions mentioned in both the last two posts... It's the policing of it that is the issue..
Select to expand quoteToph said..
There are laws against the actions mentioned in both the last two posts... It's the policing of it that is the issue..
Laws aren't much use if they aren't policed.
Really... Did you actually comprehend my post?
Ps... Zzzz, If you google NSW Waterways and Drones.. Guess what page comes up top of the google search 
With new Tech and the evolving political climate, civil liberties especially with regard to privacy have been steadily eroded, and there is a push from Govt for things to continue in the same direction. I have a radio on Ch 16 in my boat even when at anchor enjoying recreational activity. If Parks or any other organisation needs to fly their drone directly above and within shouting distance of my boat, a notice broadcast on Ch 16 should be a policy mandate............ Considerations of this type are a low priority.
NSW 
www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-policies/drones-in-parks
Vic 
https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/about-us/news/leave-your-drone-at-home-this-summer
Select to expand quotesunycoastguy said..
Marine parks and wildlife have them on the barrier reef, busting people fishing in green zones
Lots of people have been caught, fines are well over $1000
Select to expand quoteToph said..sunycoastguy said..
Marine parks and wildlife have them on the barrier reef, busting people fishing in green zones
Was pinged out of Cape Bowling Green by a helicopter... Wasn't even fishing but had had the rods the rod holders. They even knew the colour of the fishing line. Drones aren't that good yet (unless they are close enough to touch).
I bet the fine is in the mail Toph you will get it some time after the event.
About a year ago I saw a cohort of fisheries and BSOs launching and landing one from a river side park, they could have been just playing with someone's new toy of course
