Ground Controlled Area Over Water Bodies

In plain language

If you need to secure a ground controlled area over water (like beaches, rivers, or ports) to keep uninvolved people out during your flight, you must get prior permission from the local Maritime Authority (Capitania do Porto).

Requirement as structured

UAS operators must obtain prior authorization from the competent Local Maritime Authority (Capitania do Porto) to establish a Ground Controlled Area (GCA) over coastal areas, beaches, harbour entrances, harbour shelter areas, or inland waterways.

Original regulatory text

To establish a Ground Controlled Area (GCA) over territorial or internal waters, such as rivers, the operational risk assessment shall include the implementation of appropriate mitigations. In particular, the operator shall obtain prior authorization from the competent Local Maritime Authority (Capitania do Porto) whenever the operation is conducted in coastal areas, beaches, harbour entrances, harbour shelter areas, or inland waterways and GCA is required.