ROV pilot technician
Take control of underwater vehicles and keep them in working order. You'll guide them to construct, repair and inspect structures under the surface of the sea.
Also known as: maritime rov sub-engineer
About the job
A day in the life – ROV pilot technician
What it's like
ROV pilot technicians play a crucial role in under-sea projects in renewables or oil and gas. You'll use remote controls to operate, maintain and repair submersible machines. You’ll guide them 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.
Your tasks could include:
‘flying’ the ROV through the water to the right location
maintaining, testing and repairing the ROV equipment
inspecting underwater equipment such as oil rigs, pipelines or offshore wind farms
maintaining the structure of offshore wind farms
digging trenches for pipes and cables
picking up objects or moving valves
The ROV has cameras that video its journey and let you see what you're doing as you manoeuvre it. Once the operation is over, you’ll analyse the data and videos to make sure you’ve completed the task effectively.
Green jobÂ
In this job, you could be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.Â
Hours
In some jobs you may be based at sea or abroad for several weeks at a time.
It's a demanding role and your shifts could be up to 12 hours long.
You'll also get to spend plenty of time back onshore between periods of offshore work.
Environment
You'll usually work offshore and could be on ships, oil rigs or wind farms out at sea.
You'll spend time outdoors in all kinds of weather but don't worry, you'll wear special gear to protect you in harsh conditions. You'll also spend time indoors, in warmer control rooms.
Offshore jobs can involve sharing living spaces with others. This means you'll live and work with a diverse range of people.
Travel
Travelling offshore could involve trips by helicopter or boat.
You may also get the opportunity to see more of the world and travel abroad for some jobs.
Explore more information about this job
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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
University
A degree isn't necessary for this career but having one in an engineering discipline will be useful.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC, HND or SVQ will help you get into a job. Useful subjects include:
Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
An MA in Engineering would be useful for getting into this career.
Other MAs which may be useful include:
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Work
Another route into this career is through the armed forces, particularly the Royal Navy or RAF. Consider any roles where you'll get training and experience in areas such as:
navigation
marine engineering
aircraft engineering
Any skills, knowledge and experience in the following ares will be useful:
hydraulics
mechanics
pneumatics
physics
earth science
marine biology
cceanography
meteorology
Qualifications that show skills like teamworking and problem-solving can also help, as well as an understanding of the industry such as Skills for Work: Engineering Skills.
To work offshore you must:
pass regular medical examinations
complete a variety of training and certifications, such as the basic offshore induction and emergency training (BOSIET)
be at least 18 years old
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