Electronics Cert. or Electrician Apprentice..for ROV future?

[danwed]

Hello Everyone,

I am one of those newbies everyone is so "happy" to give advice to…but, I do hope to get some value-able feedback. I am researching a side possibility of enrolling in an Electronics or an Industrial Electrician apprenticeship….however, I am wandering what the better route would be in regards to future prospects of finding work…Is there a larger demand for Electronic Engineers or Industrial Electricians for future crossover work in the ROV industry? Is there a larger demand for one over the other in regards to the ROV industry etc. Many thanks to all who can reply!

Best Regards.

[James McLauchlan]

Hi there

In short, Electronics Engineer would be a better bet than Industrial Electrician.

best regards
James mc

[Scott Beveridge]

James is right but it helps if you also have a High Voltage cert.

[Stephen Black]

A good back ground as a industrial electrician is far better. But you would have to take the electronic/instrument options. As an industrial electrician you need to get involed in programing PLCs, AC/DC drives (These are often linked using fibres and various data coms systems) You will need to prove to the hydraulic techs that it is a hydraulic problem (means you get to know a bit about hydraulics) You will get to work on lots of motor control systems.

ROV systems are slow to take up new technology, the new stuff is found in factories

Fisrt SCADA system I came across was about 1988 on an ROV 2003
First Fibre system I saw was in 1988 on an ROV 1991
First PLC system I saw was about 1986 on an ROV 2001

Control systems in factories are full of PID loops

A good place to work is a large factory eg cable manufacturing, steel mill

[subseascott]

Hey Danwed,

speaking from my experience I felt that going down the apprentiship (Electrical) route was a good way as I was earning money while gaining a qualification & work experience… plus learning from some of the guys who were mentoring me which is often invaluable!! I also did an HNC / HND (Electronics) in my own time at night classes at the same time which was a big help work wise. I also found that once you’re in the frame of mind & body for learning, it’s a lot easier to keep going than starting & stopping with years apart between units / modules!!

If you get the opportunity then I would definitely recommend it!!

Best of luck

[Kiwitech]

Well I am an Electronics Tech, Did an electronics apprenticeship 20 something years ago in Radio ,TV and Electrical.
Has stood me in good stead so far. Although I am NOT currently working offshore but have been onshore last 9 years employed as a Marine Electronics Technician. So I still get to play on boats 😀 which is where I am happiest. I would suggest if you can get a start as a Trainee Marine Electronics Tech would be a good place to start as you will learn a lot about other things / systems as well since most things are integrated to most things on a modern vessel.

However as I said I am NOT currently offshore and have NOT been for some years so maybe my advice is out of date. Others here still in the industry can better advise. As far as ROV goes I loved it but flying the vehicle is not really my forte, I suck, I would much rather fix it when it breaks been the same in any job I’ve had rather make it go when it doesn’t than operate it.

[danwed]

A BIG thank you to everyone one for their response and input…I do appreciate every feed and opinion!!!

It seems to me although the Electronics Technician has more to do with the circuitry of the ROV…in regards to fiber optics and control panels (and I am sure numerous other technical points), it is obvious that an Industrial Electrician has another role…such as maintaining and installing main power cables, breakers etc… I guess where I was going with the question was more in the direction of this: If I was to train as an Industrial Electrician would I still be able to do some cross over work with the ROV. I am sure it is possible, but, how likely. The logic behind my thought was to do with being able to work on the rigs, but also to be able to specialize in ROV’s at the same time. I love being on the water and at sea so my quest is to find a balance of trade, land and sea….

Also, I am curious about the thread from Kiwitech containing the idea about becoming a Trainee Marine Electronics Tech…

Is there a practical hand on approach to get into this or an education you could suggest?

Once again, Thank you to everyone and I appreciate all of you comments!

Best Regards,

danwed

[Stephen Black]

I am a trained Industrial Electician and have done the electronic add on courses. I find that electronic only people dont have the all round skills that well trained Industrial Electrician has. A lot of industrial electricians fault finding to componant level. Industrial Electrican is not only breakers and cables its mainly about control systems and making the process work

Last time I did a stint in a factory I spent most of my time pluged into a PLC or VSD with a laptop.

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