The first training course in work class ROV operations delivered by an independent training provider has been launched by The Underwater Centre in Fort William.
The first intake of students has started on the new five-week course - An Introduction to work class ROV Operations - which aims to change the way the industry recruits and trains its staff.
The residential course is taking place at the centre, which is based on the shores of Loch Linnhe, a tidal sea lake, on Scotland’s west coast. Further courses have been scheduled for the rest of the year to cope with the huge demand for ROV operators forecast by the industry.
The training will come under the umbrella of the new ROV Industry Training Academy, which is being established and will be led by a steering group made up of key industry personnel who will ensure the training closely reflects the needs of the industry. This will include basic training introducing technical personnel to the industry and, in due course, more advanced training designed to accelerate ROV personnel through their careers. It will be delivered in a contextual training environment, ensuring it is as realistic as possible to the conditions that are found offshore.
The syllabus for the course includes ROV industry familiarisation, electrical and electronic systems, a two-day high voltage awareness course, an introduction to hydraulics, working at height training, ROV operations, including pre and post-dive checks, Launch & Recovery operations, piloting an observation class ROV and Triton XL26 in an operational environment, and an introduction to ROV maintenance, including electrical retermination of armoured umbilical and tether.
The centre has also created two workshops - a Mechanical Workshop, which houses two of the work class ROVs, the TXL27 and 32 - and an Electrical Workshop where other parts of the practical training take place, including fibre optics and electrical and electronic systems.
Significant industry support, including the provision of hardware for the training, has been provided by companies such as Fugro, Technip, Lawsons Engineering, Forum, Kongsberg, FMC Schilling Robotics, and Digital Edge.
Technip has also led the development of the course syllabus, which was developed in conjunction with the International Marine Contractor’s Association (IMCA) and the ROV industry, to ensure that the training provided meets the needs of industry as well as raises the standard of ROV training.
The course is aimed specifically at personnel meeting the minimum trade requirements set by IMCA, with relevant experience in electrical, electronic or hydraulic trades, wishing to enter the industry as pilot technicians.
