An ROV Pilot Technician operates and maintains remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to complete underwater tasks, from laying cables to inspecting shipwrecks
An ROV is a remotely operated vehicle. The people who operate them are referred to as pilots and they direct ROVs to carry out tasks in underwater environments that are often too deep or too dangerous for human divers.
The tasks ROVs are used for vary. They can be used in subsea oil and gas development projects, for inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM), to lay cable and pipe, for surveys and in construction, or to examine salvage, for example a shipwrecked boat. They are also used for scientific research. You could be the technician who knows how to direct an ROV with precision, supporting complex projects that might not otherwise happen.
You will carry out a growing range of tasks as your level of seniority increases, starting out as an ROV pilot technician and potentially achieving the position of ROV superintendent.
Once you’re a superintendent, you move from being a hands-on ROV pilot to a more supervisory and project planning role, leading teams and projects.
ROV pilot technicians can also change direction to become ROV tooling technicians. This role focuses on the operation and maintenance of remote intervention tooling (RIT) systems attached to and used by ROVs.
There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.
But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:
Options available after GCSEs:
More options available after that:
Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.
You will generally work on offshore vessels, platforms, rigs and marine laboratories, with some of your work taking place in coastal facilities. This will involve periods of time away from home, usually a few weeks to a month at sea, working long shifts, followed by a number of days off work. You will likely work alongside people of various nationalities and spend substantial time outside, operating ROVs from the deck of a vessel or platform.
