Launch Your Subsea Career: ROV Essentials Course Returns to Fort William

Following a successful pilot last year, UHI North, West and Hebrides has announced it’s next “Pathway to ROV – 101 essentials” course will start on 13th April, 2026 in Fort William.

This introductory 10-day course is designed for those seeking a pathway into the subsea sector, equipping them with the core knowledge and practical experience that will prepare them for success within the industry.

Developed as the result of a partnership with subsea resourcing and training specialist DRIFT Offshore, the course will take place at the college’s Fort William campus on Loch Linnhe and provide foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in the core systems that power and control modern subsea remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

The training focuses on three primary technical domains: electrical systems, hydraulic systems and networking/data communications.

By the end of the training course, participants will have the skills needed to support, maintain and troubleshoot core ROV systems in line with International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) requirements.

Iain Connal, a graduate from the recent pilot course was delighted with his experience and told us:

“I've been an electrician for 16 years. It wasn’t my original plan, but I decided I wanted to move into the offshore industry and the natural progression for me in the offshore industry was to somehow utilise my electrical background.  

Undertaking the ROV course, allows me to challenge myself and have more of an option in my career."

Colin MacKay, another recent graduate added:

"I've been working offshore since 2013 but I am looking for a change of career but still in the oil and gas or offshore sectors. I've been looking around courses, such as wind turbines, and I saw this pop up on the BBC website. I was worried about the electrical side. So, I’ve gained a good understanding from the basics to the level where I feel comfortable now applying for a trainee ROV co-pilot role."

The course will once again be delivered by Thomas Pitman of Drift Offshore. Thomas’ experience of subsea operations dates back more than 40 years and spans commercial diving, electronic workshop supervision – supporting efficient performance across a wide variety of subsea equipment and systems, and ROV field service delivery.

David Campbell, Director of Business Enterprise and Development at UHI North, West and Hebrides, said:

"We’re delighted to be able to continue offering ROV training in Fort William.  This course has been designed in partnership with industry experts to deliver high-quality subsea training that directly responds to sector needs. By combining DRIFT Offshore’s expertise in delivering industry-recognised training with UHI North, West and Hebrides’ shoreside facilities and academic excellence, we’ve created a powerful collaboration that supports the skills pipeline for the subsea industry.

Together, we’re committed to providing effective, career-focused training that supports individuals at every stage of their development. By aligning with both IMCA and SQA standards, we can offer a robust, quality-assured route to competence, providing confidence to trainees and reassurance to employers.”

For more information about the course and to book your place, visit  Business - ROV training or email enterprise.nwh@uhi.ac.uk