The Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard Unmanned Systems Unit (USU) recently completed a three-day unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operational training course, instructed by US-based experts from Drone Nerds.
The course brought together 15 personnel from the Royal Bermuda Regiment, including members of the Coast Guard and the wider battalion, along with two officers from the Bermuda Police Service and two officers from the Cayman Islands Coast Guard.
Training last week combined classroom sessions, practical flight instruction and live deployment exercises to strengthen the integration of UAVs in search-and-rescue operations, maritime security, law enforcement and environmental monitoring.
The instructors were able to demonstrate the UAV capability to UK Minister of State for Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty MP during his visit, as well as His Excellency the Governor, Andrew Murdoch.
The RBR Coast Guard USU operates five Parrot Anafi USA drones, all funded through the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), underlining the UK’s commitment to Bermuda’s maritime resilience and innovation.
His Excellency the Governor said: “It’s important that the RBR and BPS continue to innovate and use technology to the greatest possible extent to carry out their missions more efficiently and effectively.
“These UAVs, funded by the UK, deliver incredible capability and will make a difference in delivering a safer and more secure Bermuda.”
Major Jeffrey Patterson, Officer Commanding the RBR Coast Guard, said that the training was undertaken to ensure the unit’s UAV operators are not only technically proficient but also tactically confident in real-world missions.
“By training with BPS and CICG, we have strengthened both our interoperability and our ability to safeguard Bermuda’s waters and marine environment,” he added.
The training covered manual flight fundamentals, tactical operations, automated mission planning and integration of thermal and zoom sensors.
Participants advanced to full-scale deployment exercises, including shoreline searches, vessel-based launches and co-ordinated UAV operations.
Students were left prepared to sit the FAA Part 107 Small UAS [unmanned aircraft system] Certification Test providing internationally recognised credentials for UAV operation.
For the Coast Guard’s USU, the training represents a significant step forward in operational readiness.
The use of UAVs will enable faster search-and-rescue response, including for the location of distressed vessels or missing persons at sea.
It will enhance coastal surveillance and law enforcement, supporting BPS and regional partners, and allow for expanded environmental monitoring capacity.
“This training gives Bermuda a modern, flexible capability,” said Maj Patterson. “Drones allow us to cover more ground, respond faster and protect both lives and our marine environment more effectively.”
The RBR Coast Guard extended its thanks to Drone Nerds for the expert instruction.
Giovanni Ruiz, technical director at Drone Nerds, said: “We were honoured to partner with the Royal Bermuda Regiment to deliver a specialised Parrot Anafi USA training programme led by our advanced UAS trainer, Stuart de la Rosa.
“Over three days, the course combined classroom instruction, hands-on flight practice and scenario-based missions to prepare participants for the unique challenges of maritime search-and-rescue and public safety.
“At Drone Nerds, we believe training goes beyond technical skills, building the confidence and decision-making ability needed to succeed in complex missions while ensuring teams are mission-ready from day one and able to adapt to evolving demands.
“The Regiment’s students were highly engaged and it was inspiring to see their capabilities grow with each session. We are proud to support their operational readiness and to have partnered with such a professional and dedicated team.”
Lance Corporal Micah Simons, a boatswain’s mate and full-time member of RBR Coast Guard staff, said he learned a great deal from the training.
The 27-year-old, who has been in the Regiment since 2021, highlighted how the UAVs could assist with maritime law enforcement operations such as investigations into reports of unauthorised fishing.
He added: “It was my first time flying a drone, so definitely a new experience. It will be a very good asset to have in the Coast Guard and in the Royal Bermuda Regiment as a whole.”
