Drone Rules for Port of Santos
The airspace over the entire Porto Organizado de Santos (Santos, SP) is classified as a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) and a Critical Infrastructure Area. Recreational and hobbyist drone flights are completely banned. Commercial, institutional, or journalistic operations are strictly controlled.
The Porto de Santos is the largest port complex in Latin America, acting as the economic heart for Brazil's international trade. Because it handles immense volumes of container traffic, solid bulks (like grain and sugar), and highly volatile materials, port authorities treat its airspace with zero-tolerance security.
Under the specific Port Authority Norm (NAP.SUPGP.OPR.008), all areas within the port's polygonal boundary are designated as an active Flight Restriction Zone. The rules outline strict security parameters:
Recreational Flights: Completely prohibited. No hobby flying is allowed under any circumstances.
Absolute No-Fly Zones: Areas like Alemoa and Ilha Barnabé—which house major liquid bulk, chemical, and fuel terminals—are under permanent, non-negotiable drone bans due to catastrophic fire and explosion risks.
Commercial/Inspection Flights: Allowed only for certified operators doing industrial inspections, logistics, or authorized journalism. These require an explicit digital request submitted to the Port Guard Superintendency at least 7 business days in advance, a comprehensive risk analysis, ANAC SISANT registration, mandatory RETA insurance, and final clearance via DECEA's SARPAS NG.
Operating an unauthorized drone here will trigger an immediate response by the Port Guard (Guarda Portuária). Unauthorized aircraft face electronic jamming or immediate seizure, and operators will face severe administrative fines alongside federal criminal charges for endangering maritime and national logistical infrastructure.