need advice please

[Gunnar A Birgisson]

hi i have been wondering if my experience is enough to pass the requirements needed to become a good rov pilot/tech

here is a list of the skills that i have that i think could contribute to my goal

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) worked repairing computers for about two years

worked for a company for some time as a cable guy installing satellites antennas signal boosters and tv related stuff

experienced non commercial diver (padi rescue) with about 1600 dives under my belt 90% of them in Iceland (dry suit cold water diving)

former president of the national Icelandic dive club

many years as a commercial fisherman on various types of boats and ships with crew from 2-25 longest time offshore about 65 days in the Barents sea

Icelandic coast guard offshore about 70 days last year

considered one of the most experienced wreck hunters in Iceland and trough that hobby i have gained some experience with AUV and ROV i have about 15 hours of flying time with ROV in rough conditions i was the only one that didnt get seasick as the boat was only a 7 tons and the sea was a bit rough and there was a pretty heavy undertow so the rov was flying back and forward and when the salesman from sperre that was there to get us familliar with the rov gave up i was the only one that had the stomach for it and from there i have been hooked.

i was the main distributor of humminbird fish finders that have side scan technology, and i have also used several types of side scan sonars when wreck hunting

i have some experience with multibeam technology from coastguard and my wreck hunting experience

i have considerable RIB experience having owned both valiant 570 RIB and Zodiac pro 12 and i am one of few that have traveled on a rib (my Zodiac) from Iceland to Faeroe islands in one go the total of 490 nautical miles.

from my work experience i have pretty good skills in mechanics electronics and hydraulics or at least enough understanding to do most repairs and maintenance.

i have been looking for a way to get into the ROV pilot industry and i have been looking into going to Scotland for the 7 weeks study at fort William (just need the money) i don’t know what chances i have with getting a trainee position as there is only one company in Iceland that are in the oil and gas business

but given the opportunity i would accept a trainee position anywhere if i would find one.

if i would do the fort William course would i be accepted into the industry based on my background and experience offshore?

im pretty sure that there are plenty of guys that have walked the path that im beginning on and i really would like some opinions and advice on what to do and what my options are.

thanks Gunnar

[Ray Shields]

Although you do have a number of points which would be advantageous, and a few which are not as important (in my opinion only for both!), I would say that you are lacking any formal technical training and qualifications.

Doing a course by any of the Training Schools is possibly another small advantage, however the size of the advantage does not cover the cost to get it (again, in my opinion only).

The other problem is, there are many MANY others out there with much better qualifications and experience – and even they are struggling to find a job in ROVs.

In a nutshell, I would try and increase your technical skills and qualifications, and I would not put yourself in debt doing additional training in the hope that it will get you in as it is not worth the risk.

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