Sky Watch NI

Public benefits

The benefits resulting from the work of Sky Watch NI are that,by the use of aerial observation and reporting of relevant information to the emergency services and other statutory bodies, people, property and the environment in Northern Ireland will be protected, where there is a risk to life or injury, due to fire, floods, hazardous material,

etc. People: lives can be saved during fires as the progression of an outbreak is continuously monitored in real time. A successful outcome in a search is the location of the missing person, alive and well. Sadly, this is not always the outcome but on a positive note, the recovery of the loved one’s body will hopefully bring the family closure and assist with their recovery and mental wellbeing. Property: the real time aerial monitoring offered by Sky Watch NI assists the statutory organisations to deploy their resources to the best locations to protect properties in instances of flood and fire. Environment: During the wildland fire season, which normally coincides with spring, Sky Watch NI has provided protection to areas of ASSIs (areas of scientific interest) such as the Mournes by providing aerial coverage to the NIFRS so they can extinguish or divert the fires away from these areas to protect forestry, vegetation and wildlife. The purposes should not result in any harm. All responders are required to show due competence before taking part in missions and receive regular updated training to carry out their roles. All volunteers will work under appropriate and up-to-date guidance to protect themselves, their colleagues, members of statutory organisations in attendance and the public. Appropriate PPE is provided for each mission. The charity’s beneficiaries are vulnerable people in their time of need, owners of at-risk property, the physical landscape and wildlife of Northern Ireland, and the general public, who may be affected where the environment is at risk. Responders/members of the charity benefit from professional standard training in many tasks; allowing them to broaden their skillsets and knowledge in a variety of different areas and opening new employment opportunities. Where this benefit occurs, it is incidental and necessary for the functioning of the charity.

What your organisation does

Sky Watch NI uses specialist aerial and under-water equipment to provide observational information to the emergency services and other agencies when attending incidents.