MISSION

The Underwater Vehicle program is a 4 year applied program designed to:

• Provide graduates with solid technical skills to operate, maintain and repair all classes of remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles (ROVs and AUVs).
• Train students in ROV deployment methodologies that encompass safety, inspection and operation.
• Prepare students for careers in offshore oil & gas, nuclear, military, law enforcement, pipeline and cable industries as a substitute to diving operations.
• Graduate students with a 3 year Marine Institute (MI) Diploma of Technology complimented by a Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) Bachelor of Technology Degree.

The Underwater Vehicle program is designed to prepare graduates to enter the workforce with a sound background in electronics, hydraulics, electrical and workplace safety.

Main Areas of Study

• In the first year, students begin studying math, physics, chemistry, electro-technology, digital logic, and computer programming. ROV systems are introduced as well as courses in oceanography, fluid mechanics, and ROV electronics. Written communication and computer programming is another feature of this first year.
• Following Term 2, the 6 week Technical Session 1 teaches hands-on experience with electronic and mechanical fabrication and drafting, instrumentation used on ROV’s, and ROV pilotage via simulators. A basic seamanship course introduces students to life at sea.
• The second year focuses on ROV operations and maintenance. It covers advanced hydraulics, industrial electronics & controls, underwater acoustics, and electrical machines, maintenance, and safety. A workshop practice course adds a practical dimension to the theoretical knowledge. ROV launch, recovery, and maintenance duties form a major part of work for the graduates in the ROV industry. On the operational side, computer interfacing techniques, data communication, and acoustics applications help in understanding the internetworked systems that comprise an ROV.
• Term 4 is followed by the 6 week Technical Session 2 in which students receive hands-on experience piloting ROVs in controlled and open water environments and honing those skills in the simulator. This technical session also includes marine safety training required to work in the offshore industry.
• Following Technical Session 2, students are required to complete an 8 week (320 hour) work term in the local or international ROV industry. The work term can also be completed following Year 3 or 4 if necessary
• Year three and four of the UV program build on the ROV pilot fundamentals to extend their knowledge to include ROV and AUV Design. It includes study in advanced electronics, mechanics and system design. The students also complete two higher level math courses and a chemistry course. Students are introduced to business and management skills as part of the Bachelor of Technology degree.

Characteristics of Graduates

• Successful graduates will have a proven work ethic and an excellent understanding of ROV/AUV operations and design including piloting, hydraulics and work safety preparing them for initial employment as a ROV/AUV operator/designer.

Accreditation Status

• The BTech (UV) program is accredited under the Dublin Accord by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB).
• Graduates are recognized by the Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC) and are eligible to register with DCBC as an ROV Operator.

Students admitted to the BTech (UV) program must meet the requirements for both Memorial University and the Marine Institute. They are also required to successfully complete and maintain a CAPP (Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers) medical.

Length of the Program

• 4 academic years

Number of semesters

• Eight (8) 13 week academic semesters, two technical sessions and a work term
  

   

  Please refer to the Degree Program Regulation in the Fisheries and Marine Institute section of the 2017-2018 Memorial University Calendar for details on the required courses for the Bachelor of Technology – Engineering and Applied Science Option, http://www.mun.ca/regoff/calendar.php

   

Number of courses

• 62 courses in 4 years of study

Work terms

• Students complete an 8 week (320 hour) work term at the end of Term 4

Topics covered in each semester

• Refer to program calendar – Main areas of study

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) are used most notably in the offshore oil and gas, nuclear, military, law enforcement, pipeline, and cable industries, as a substitute or supplement to commercial (manned) diving operations. These vehicles are especially suited for hazardous and difficult underwater operations.

Due to the increased complexity in ROV/AUV operations, offshore operators have started to demand a higher level of quality assurance for ROV operators. Skills required by ROV/AUV operators include piloting, maintenance of hydraulics, electronics, and electrical systems, and general workplace safety.

Types of companies graduate will find work

• Graduates of the program typically find work in AUV/ROV manufacturing companies, marine offshore industries, nuclear, military, law enforcement, and pipeline and cable industries.

Types of job titles

• See sample job description below

Location

• The industry is a global one and graduates should expect to work in various locations around the world.

ROV Pilot/Technician

• Repair and maintain Remotely Operated Vehicles and the associated support systems including Tether Management Systems, Winch and Launch and Recovery Systems, and Power Generation Systems
• Perform electrical, electronic, hydraulic and mechanical maintenance and repair duties for a multitude of electro/hydraulic/mechanical systems
• Perform piloting duties for a multitude of subsea tasks including general visual inspections, survey, specialty tooling operation, construction, installation, pipeline and cable laying, search, salvage and recovery, and offshore oil drilling support
• Perform support duties including navigation and sonar operation, multimedia recording and record keeping, manipulator operation, inventory, planned and preventative maintenance, updating system specifications, logs and registers
• Opportunity to work globally

ROV Supervisor

• Act as team lead for operation, maintenance, and repair of Remotely Operated Vehicle
• Plan ROV missions
• Act as liaison between ROV crew and vessel
• Accept responsibility for safe and effective ROV operations
• Accepts responsibility for documentation of ROV operations
• Participates in daily planning of offshore installation activity

ROV Superintendent

• Engage in project planning for acquisition and deployment of Remotely Operated Vehicles and crews
• Interface with clients to determine ROV requirements and activity
• Present clients with optimal operational scenarios
• Interact with ROV Supervisor to ensure efficient operations

Proof of physical fitness must be provided by way of a valid CAPP (Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers) offshore medical from an approved physician for registration in this program. Contact the Registrar’s Office for a list of physicians approved to conduct the CAPP medical.