Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV’s) are becoming increasingly important in the offshore oil and gas industries. As exploration continues into deeper and more marginal areas, the demand for ROV’s and their pilots has increased.

ROV pilots are well paid professionals who, with appropriate approved training, are able to gain employment in the offshore oil and gas industry. ROV usage is also increasing in the onshore sector, especially in the scientific arena.

ROVs are expensive and complex machines that are usually operated in remote locations. It is important that all pilot technicians are able to “fly” the machines in a competent and safe manner. Downtime caused by operator error is to be avoided at all cost – knowledge of safe systems of operation and the dangers associated with such operations is a fundamental requirement for pilots.

Pilots must also be able to carry out simple diagnostics and repairs:
Such skills are considered to be essential.

There are good employment opportunities for newly qualified pilots however you should have a recognised trade skill in one of the following areas:

Academic Qualifications/Industrial Experience

i) A nationally-recognised technical or trade qualification (military service qualification and/or an appropriate level national vocational qualification is acceptable) completed in one or more of the following subjects:

a) electrical
b) electronic
c) hydraulics
d) mechanics

In addition to the above mentioned trade qualification, a minimum of three years, technically
relevant, industrial experience (including any accepted training period) in an appropriate discipline, which should have been obtained within the previous four years.

OR

ii) A nationally-recognised, higher (tertiary) academic qualification (not otherwise covered above) in a relevant technical subject; plus a minimum of one year of technically relevant industrial experience, which can be secured as a feature of the entry into the ROV industry, i.e. a university graduate may go direct to a suitable establishment to secure the minimum of one year of relevant industrial experience, which may be with the employer.

OR

iii) In certain circumstances, candidates who do not meet the above but have extensive industrial experience, supported by evidence and references, may be acceptable.

Your Career path.

As with all new entrants into an industry, gaining initial employment is the biggest hurdle. Once you have achieved this first goal and have demonstrated the necessary skills and reliability, your on going employment prospects will be assured.

Generally you will start off as a junior member of an ROV team. Initially you will work with relatively simple tasks and lightweight machines before progressing to more complex tasks and work class machines. After a period of time, usually 3-5 years, you may move up to senior positions of responsibility – ROV supervisor.