change of career

underthe thumb

As James says, not ideal time of year to be looking to get a start in the offshore ROV side of things, but always worth a try.

A combination of practical engineering experience with formal training and qualifications, plus proven remote handling equipment dexterity skills should both be a plus.

Additional multi-disciplined skills are useful to work towards if he can obtain these whilst waiting, such as some electrical/electronic knowledge if main core skills/quals are mechanical/hydraulic (and v.v.).

There is a company that uses remotely operated vehicles etc for onshore nuclear work, mainly plant decomissioning I think. They may be interested especially if he has e.g a RPS (Radiation Protection Supervisor) qualification and/or good knowledge of nuclear plant and operations, safety precautions etc – link below. It may even be a possible route into offshore ROV work at a later stage (as they also do offshore ROV work).

http://www.rumic.co.uk

There are also companies that do ‘FMD’ (Flooded member detection) using radioactive sources and detection equipment fitted to ROV’s – not actually maintaining or operating the ROV directly but again may be a possible route in for offshore experience, although they would probably be looking for some electronics and computing experience.

e.g. Prosub or Tracerco

If not able to get taken on as ROV trainee in near future, it may be easier at a later time if have already gained some offshore industry engineering experience elsewhere outwith the ROV side – there are various offshore oil & gas industry service companies that take on mechanical technicians. These would be mainly in Aberdeen for onshore-based with occasional offshore trips, but home location not important if working solely offshore.

ROV offshore work can be quite a bit different from other regular onshore jobs, such as having to start at the bottom as a trainee again, working away from home several weeks at a time for up to half of each year, sometimes not ideal living/working conditions or locations, fluctuating work especially if contracting. It can be fairly well paid once experienced, plus several months total a year at home rather than your average 30 days annual leave. These things can be difficult if not done that sort of thing before i.e just used to working 9-5 Mon-Fri in UK only.

You also need to be a bit of a ‘self-starter’ (to use that annoying employer-speak) as it can sometimes be hard to get motivated when working away from home on 12 hour shifts 7 days a week for 4-6 weeks.
Also need to be flexible/adaptable, able to use initiative, get on with people ok, be prepared to go away at short notice etc.

Good luck
temp

Underthethumb

Hey man, I’m really keen on this trainee position, whats the guy’s email address?

I have a masters in offshore & ocean technology and need a foot in the door!!

😉

Sparkydiver/ Underthethumb

Do you have any technical ability/knowledge, i.e. electrical, hydraulic or electronic? 😕

Without these you will struggle in day rate work as you may be paid as a trainee (the agent will have the rest 👿 ) but there’s no training as such, only what learn yourself so you have to be very self motivated.

As you’d be on a dayrate you would be expected to perform as pilot/co-pilot/winch operator and be able to maintain and repair the equipment. If you can’t then a team is a man down which makes more work for the experienced guys and increases any risk involved during your time on deck.

I’d recommend going the salaried route with a company who provides training. Once you’ve the experience and knowledge then go for the big $$.

If these companies aren’t entertaining you then you need to ask them why, this way you’ll have an idea of your weaker areas that you need to focus on.

Good luck.

Underthethumb, you can’t take your wife offshore 😆

😉

hi UTT
good move on your part to give your hubby a boost, i am 45 and been around ships submarines and dockyards all my working life but i have just come back from my first ROV job. All I can say is it was the best move I have ever made career wise. The work is not too taxing for anyone with a good kind of electrical or engineering experience.Flying first time and trying to get some hours up on the stick is a bit of a struggle when the jobs are delicate and the supervisors are needed.The guys were great and helped answer my questions, did not mind me following them around like a lost sheep and looking over their shoulder to learn the tasks needed.
Working with nukes your hubby can bring experience and tips with safety to the job. A new pair of eyes.

My mrs was very happy to see the pay check and most of all she has been wonderful and supportive of what I kind of felt was maybe a mid life crisis point career change. She has , and my girls also have said how much more relaxed and happy i am since leaving my ship yard supervisor job , lots of pressure etc to go back and be the apprentice.
my biggest worry was how i can keep my family happy and fed, bills paid and that held me back for about four years while I worked myself into the corner, seems i should have worried less and made the move a long time ago. Tell your hubby, relax , take a chance, dont be worried about the inevitable knock backs from busy ops managers,one will listen and say to themselves “this could be someone – lets see how it goes”
Go full on . If it does not work out there are other jobs and with a good supportive family behind you he will be fine. Good luck .