Pathway to ROV - 101 Essentials Level 5 (Fort William)
Study mode: You will study over a short period of time.
Study at: Fort William
Start in: April
Learning mode: You attend classes in person at your local campus or learning centre.
What is special about this course?
Designed for individuals with a technical background, Pathway to ROV – 101 Essentials provides the core knowledge, practical skills and industry insight required to begin a career aligned with IMCA standards. Whether you're looking to transition from electrical, hydraulic or mechanical trades, or build on existing offshore experience, this course gives you a clear and structured route into a high-demand global industry.
Entry requirements
This programme is ideal for:
Electricians, hydraulic technicians and mechanical tradespeople
Technicians seeking offshore or subsea career pathways
Individuals with relevant higher education and industry experience
Experienced professionals looking to transition into ROV operations
Applicants should meet one or more of the following (subject to short interview):
Recognised trade qualification in Electrical, Electronic, Hydraulic or Mechanical disciplines
Nationally recognised higher education plus at least one year’s trade experience
Extensive evidence of industry experience (considered on a case-by-case basis)
You'll build confidence across three critical technical domains:
- Electrical Systems
- Understand power distribution, control circuits and component integration.
- Hydraulic Systems
- Explore fluid power principles and how they drive subsea tooling and vehicle systems.
- Networking & Data Communications
- Learn how data transmission underpins control, feedback and system monitoring.
- Alongside this, you'll gain:
- A strong understanding of the ROV industry and career pathways
- Knowledge of different ROV classes and their applications
- The ability to interpret schematics and system diagrams
- Practical fault-finding and troubleshooting techniques
- Experience in manoeuvring, depth control and station-keeping
- Awareness of safe working practices in offshore environments
- Insight into planned maintenance procedures
Assessment includes written theory exams and practical system-based fault-finding exercises to mirror real-world scenarios.
How will I study my course?
- Short course
Face to face
How long will my course last?
10 Days- Fort William
Fees
Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.
What can I do on completion of my course?
- ROV Pilot
- ROV Technician
- ROV Trainee Pilot / Technician (entry-level progression toward IMCA grading)
Please contact us if you are interested in this course and we can send you more information and how to book your place.
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.