To ROV or to not ROV??

[Tim Nottage]

Hello all,
I am looking for some advice regarding ROV pilot/technician work. I am chief engineer of a large motor yacht. I am fortunate to have a rotation which sees me have 6 months leave spread across the year.

The yacht I work on has a Sea Eye Falcon ROV – as a toy really. I had a go with it recently and really enjoyed setting it up and flying it. I am a keen technical scuba diver so anything underwater I am fascinated with.

I am considering whether or not I could use my time off to work towards gaining experience in the ROV industry.

I don’t know if short contractual work exists out there, or whether the positions are generally full time?

I think with my engineering experience and my passion for all things underwater, I could really enjoy getting into something like this.

I’m also considering doing a pilot technician course to help me get some experience.

To be quite honest, I’d even initially work for free if it meant I got some experience.

Could anybody give any advice as to whether it’s worth pursuing this idea or am I just dreaming up something in my head?

Positive and negative (as long as they’re polite!) comments are welcome!

Thanks!

[Sit Rep]

1. Yes, it’s worth doing but probably not as lucrative as being Chief Engineer on a private yacht!

2. It’s not worth wasting money on a course particularly if you already have a trade (in your case marine engineering) background

3. Most ROV work in my experience is short-term contract, there are salaried positions in the GOM and North Sea but I believe that most people globally work on a per diem or "day-rate" basis

4. I would strongly discourage anyone from "working for free" not only does it undermine our industry (very bad) but if you’re not a "paid" employee are you covered if you are injured, if you damage someone else’s property, if you injure someone else?

Enjoy the Falcon…

[Author]

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