ROV pilot technician
Career outlook for ROV pilot technician
Average UK salary
£30,680
Currently employed in Scotland
9,100
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would operate, maintain and repair submersible machines. You’d use the submersibles to safely explore the seabed and to construct, repair or inspect underwater structures and equipment from the surface.
ROVs - remotely operated vehicles - can dive to far greater depths than a person.
You would control the ROV using equipment, often a ship, for tasks such as:
- Inspecting underwater equipment, like oil rigs or pipelines
- Digging trenches for pipes and cables
- Doing simple tasks like picking up things or moving valves
- Recording information on video
You would:
- Maintain and repair the ROV equipment
- Test the ROV to ensure it works correctly
- ‘Fly’ the ROV through the water to the right location
- Operate the machine to complete its task
The ROV has cameras that video its journey and which enable you to see what you are doing as you manoeuvre it.
Once the operation is over you’d analyse the data and videos to ensure you’ve completed the task effectively.
You’d need to adhere closely to health and safety standards.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
29%
Part-time
3%
Self employed
68%
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- Taking initiative
- Developing a plan
- Attention to detail
- Reading
- Working with technology
- Observation
- Problem solving
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Qualifications
You will need a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degree (SCFQ level 9/10) in an engineering or technical discipline such as mechanical, electrical or electronic engineering.
You can also apply with a nationally-recognised technical or trade qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification.
You can enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter an engineering or technical degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers; some courses will ask for much more and may require you gain the qualification in one sitting.
Useful subjects
Most courses and employers require:
- English
- Maths
- Science subjects, in particular physics or chemistry
- Technologies subject such as engineering science
You will also need
To work offshore you must:
- Pass regular medical examinations and basic offshore induction and emergency training (BOSIET)
- Be at least 18 years old
Helpful to have
Qualifications that show skills like teamworking and problem-solving, as well as an understanding of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCFQ level 4).