Shark patrol saves lives, enhances careers
For the third year running, UniSA's Aviation Academy will play a central
role in the State Government‘s initiative to keep metropolitan beaches
safe for swimmers.
From December 3 until March 28 next year, UniSA aviation students and graduates will fly a weekday patrol between 11am and 7.45pm, on the lookout for sharks between North Haven and Normanville.
The three person crew, comprising the pilot, a trained SES shark spotter and a communications officer, can alert the swimming public of any shark sightings by way of an onboard siren. They also relay details of the sightings to police and beach patrols who can take other appropriate measures to ensure public safety.
Unisia's Head of Aviation, Stephen Phillips said the shark watch patrol was not only a vital community service but an invaluable opportunity for graduate pilots to gain experience in a real-life setting.
“Similar to fish spotting, the aerial shark patrol is an example of the diverse career opportunities for pilots beyond the better known avenues of military and commercial passenger aviation,” Phillips said.
“Right now pilots are in demand in all sorts of fields, ranging from ‘fly-in, fly-out’ for the mining industry, charter and air ambulance services, as instructors and with regional, national or international airlines. For our graduates flying the shark patrols provides a valuable first look into a wide range of career prospects.”