MISSION

The two year ROV program is designed to:

• Train students in ROV piloting, in hydraulics, electronics and electrical maintenance, and in underwater navigation.
• Train students in ROV deployment methodologies that encompass safety, inspection, and operation.
• Prepare students for careers in underwater intervention in offshore oil & gas, nuclear, military, law enforcement, pipeline and cable industries as a substitute to diving operations
• Graduate students with a 2-year Technician Diploma.

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

Main Areas of study

• In the first year, students begin studying math, physics, electro-technology, digital logic, and computer programming. ROV systems are introduced as well as courses in oceanography, fluid mechanics, ROV electronics, and underwater acoustics. 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, 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 acoustic 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 open water 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.

Characteristics of Graduate

• Successful ROV Pilot / Technician graduates will have a proven work ethic and an excellent understanding of ROV design, operations and maintenance including safely launching, piloting, and repairing ROVs, preparing them for initial employment as a ROV operator/technician on their first ROV crew.

Accreditation Status

• The ROV program is accredited under the Dublin Accord as an Electronics Technician program 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.

Direct Entry

Program entry regulations are as per the Marine Institutes minimum entrance requirements for Technician Diploma Programs. Refer to the Admissions Section of the Marine Institute Calendar.

Applicants should possess strong skills in both mathematics and science to enter this program.

Advanced Standing

Refer to Admissions section of this Calendar for general information regarding Advanced Standing. Applicants who have completed a three-year diploma of technology in either Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, or Marine Engineering at another accredited post-secondary institution, or at the Marine Institute, may be eligible to receive Advanced Standing in the program. Advanced Standing students commence their studies in Term 3 of this program, with the possibility of requiring a three week bridging program to take place before the start of the Term 3 fall academic semester.

Length of the Program:

• 2 academic years (1 year for Advanced Standing students)

Number of Semesters:

• Four (4) 13 week academic semesters, two (2) technical sessions and one (1) 8 week work term

Number of Courses:

• 40 courses in 2 years of study

Work Terms

• Students do a 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

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.

Information about the industry

• 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, hydraulics, electrical & electronics and general workplace safety. There are few educational institutions in the world that offer ROV training. 

Sample Job Description

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

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

• ROV Pilot
• ROV Operator
• ROV Technician
• ROV Supervisor

Location

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