The use of remote controlled or fully autonomous UAS flights departing from or landing on a moving vessel in a dynamic offshore environment offers a wide range of possibilities for maritime traffic. Besides the technical aspects, there is also a lack of procedures and protocols for both drone pilots and deck officers and a need for a common language between both groups. There is thus a stringent need to overcome these bottlenecks, advance our knowledge, and develop robust, reliable, and cost-effective procedures for safe operations at sea.

This thesis falls within the scope of the DROPON project.