ROV TRAINING AT THE UNDERWATER CENTRE

Are you interested in a career that's challenging, financially rewarding, can take you all over the world and is at the forefront of technology? If the answer is yes, then a career as a Remote Operated Vehicle pilot could be for you.

Most people associate ROVs with the oil and gas industry, and many ROV pilots do work in this sector. However, ROVs are increasingly being used in civil engineering work, the defence and security industry, environmental sciences and marine archaeology. And currently there are skills shortages in the industry, so it could be the ideal time to make a change and become an ROV pilot.

It's often said that an ROV is only as good as its pilot, so it's vital that you get the best training you possibly can. The Underwater Centre is the perfect location to learn the principles of flying ROVs. You'll be trained in the unpredictable waters of Loch Linnhe, where visibility can be poor and flying skills need to be learned quickly. You'll learn from a highly experienced instructor and our excellent facilities will help to ensure you get the most from your training.

Our purpose-built facilities include:

We offer training in all the technical skills needed to operate and maintain an ROV, and you'll have many hours of flying practice around a variety of real work and wreck sites.

The Premium ROV course lasts a total of 7 weeks and is designed to give newcomers to ROV piloting all of the skills necessary for a successful career as a pilot.

This course gives students from various backgrounds the possibility to train in all aspects of ROV handling, repair and piloting. All ROV practicals are conducted on one or more of our operational ROV systems. On successful completion of the course you will obtain a number of SVQs and a certificate confirming that your training has conformed to IMCA guidelines.

ROV Electronics

Starting with electrical fundamentals, we soon move on to the more advanced industrial electronics and by week 4 students will be competent in the diagnosis of faults on simple electronic circuits. Practical electronics are taught using individual project kits with individual test instruments issued to students in a well- equipped workshop environment. SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualifications) modules form the basis of the course.

ROV Pilot Technician

During week 5, you'll be introduced to the ROV itself and learn to handle electrical installations in adverse and hazardous conditions, with special attention paid to the health and safety aspects of high voltage electricity. Later weeks will give a closer look at engineering skills and hydraulics.

Highly experienced electronic engineers may be able to join the course at the start of week 5 and complete an ROV Pilot Technician course.

Students completing the course are likely to be employed as a base technician with an ROV. They then progress to an offshore role on a smaller ROV or become a junior member of an 8-man team working with a larger ROV. Our former students are employed by a wide range of companies, from West Africa to China, South America to Norway and of course for oil companies in the North Sea.

The salary rates vary based on demand, from £150 per man day to £450 per man day. Experience and supervision qualities also affect that day rate. Some large ROV companies employ staff on a full-time basis, while others employ purely on a day-rate basis, for "job done". Annual salaries can be up to £60,000, dependent upon competence, experience, supervisory level and number of offshore days worked. Career prospects range from junior ROV technicians to offshore party chief. Progress to that latter position can take from three to five years.

Find out more about training for a career in the ROV industry.