ROV pilot technician
Operate and maintain submersible machines to safely explore the seabed and construct, repair or inspect underwater structures and equipment.
Also known as: maritime rov sub-engineer
About the job
A day in the life – ROV pilot technician
What it's like
You would operate, maintain and repair submersible machines. You’d use the submersibles to safely explore the seabed and to construct, repair or inspect underwater structures and equipment from the surface.
ROVs - remotely operated vehicles - can dive to far greater depths than a person.
You would control the ROV using equipment, often a ship, for tasks such as:
inspecting underwater equipment like oil rigs, pipelines or offshore wind farms
maintaining the structure of offshore wind farms
digging trenches for pipes and cables
doing simple tasks like picking up things or moving valves
recording information on video
You would:
maintain and repair the ROV equipment
test the ROV to ensure it works correctly
‘fly’ the ROV through the water to the right location
operate the machine to complete its task
The ROV has cameras that video its journey and which enable you to see what you are doing as you manoeuvre it.
Once the operation is over you’d analyse the data and videos to ensure you’ve completed the task effectively.
You’d need to adhere closely to health and safety standards.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- mechanics
- electronics
- hydraulics
- project scoping
- hydraulic transmissions
- corrosion control
- oil well workover
- navigational instruments
- equipment calibration
- equipment maintenance
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- observation
- working with technology
- reading
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
- taking initiative
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Engineering Science
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Skills for Work: Maritime Skills
You will need a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degree (SCFQ level 9/10) in an engineering or technical discipline such as mechanical, electrical or electronic engineering.
You can also apply with a nationally-recognised technical or trade qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification.
You can enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter an engineering or technical degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers; some courses will ask for much more and may require you gain the qualification in one sitting.
Qualifications that show skills like teamworking and problem-solving, as well as an understanding of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCFQ level 4).
To work offshore you must:
Pass regular medical examinations and basic offshore induction and emergency training (BOSIET)
Be at least 18 years old
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