Cable to O&G?

An ROV is an ROV. Trenchers are far more labour intensive so as mentioned, you should be up to speed on the technical aspects. If not then stay put as the work environment is different. There’s no stopping for smoko, lunch or gin club when the sub is in bits on deck, you’ve usually got the client on your back and downtime ringing in your ears until the sub is back in the water.

Ex trenchers can make good pilots and bad as can O&G pilots on trenchers. That’s just something picked up over time. Unfortunately it may take some time as it’s rare guys will let an inexperienced pilot in the chair when the client is in the van and you’re doing high profile work.

If you think you have the edge then as James says, send out your CV and make some calls. Whatever you do, don’t B.S. on your CV, there’s nothing worse than someone arriving onboard who can’t cut the mustard. Even worse when other techs are on the same rate but have to carry this individual through his trip.

I flit between O&G and cable and it’s refreshing to work in different environments and on different bits of kit. It also helps keep you on your toes rather than becomming Mr Old Salt who’s been on drill support for the last 15 years 😆

Stay Safe & Good Luck

😉

If I were you just stick with cable at present as there is a huge amount of cable work / windfarms going on for many years to come

Have to agree with James and cable man on this one.

Sit tight for a couple of months. As well as it appearing to be very quiet at the moment, several ROV companies have been playing funny buggers with their staff over the winter, so if it does pick up at all, there’ll be a sudden glut of experienced O & G people looking for work as well.

As to coming in at supervsior level, I’d give it more than a couple of trips as a pilot/tech. Construction, inspection and even survey require a supervsior to have a lot of specific operational experience within O & G. Drill support isn’t quite so demanding, so if you are intent at coming across as a supervisor, aim for a position on one of those contracts.

Personally have never worked cable…

I learn every day in this business, I would never claim to be a natural pilot but I make up for that on the technical side.

To me the hardest aspect of the job is 3D awareness or telepresence it really helps if you have, say, draughting or gaming experiences in a 3D situation e.g. the Descent game, though basic, was always a good headspace to get into.

Everyone should be able to use manips whether 5F or 7F, although you shouldn’t be expected to free fly the sub and operate a 7F simultaneously.

In reality it is all the same game once you know the capabilities of your equipment, the environment and your own limitations (too many heroes).