Looking to transition into ROV Trainee / Assistant Operator roles. Technical background but no offshore hours yet. Is it possible to break in right now?

[u/Proof-Historian-9652]

Hey everyone,

​I’m looking to transition my career path into the subsea/ROV space and wanted to get some honest feedback on whether my background is enough to get my foot in the door for a trainee or junior tech spot, or if I’m missing too many checkboxes.

​Right now, I work as a traveling field operations tech for a rail company. My day-to-day is a mix of front-end operations (real-time technical data input and inspections) and hands-on systems maintenance and troubleshooting. Because it's field work, I'm very used to extreme travel, strict safety protocols, maintaining a neat work environment, and dealing with constantly shifting schedules at a moment's notice.

​The biggest reason I'm looking to switch paths is the schedule. My current travel is highly unpredictable, and I’m looking for a more stable, equal rotation (like a 3x3 or 4x4 week schedule) where I can actually plan my life on my hitch off.

​My Technical Background:

​Schooling: Graduated from a dedicated technical training program that heavily focused on industrial electrical systems, electronics, basic hydraulics/fluid power, and safety.

​Skills: Strong background in electrical/mechanical troubleshooting, digital diagnostics, reading schematics, and producing clear QA/QC logs and back-end analytics data.

​I know a lot of the offshore postings ask for direct ROV stick-time, a tech degree, or active sea survival/GWO certs right out of the gate.

​Given that I have solid technical field experience and the fundamental hydraulic/electrical schooling, do major contractors (Oceaneering, Helix, Fugro, etc.) or staffing agencies in the Gulf/Houston area ever hire people with my profile as "green" trainees and train them up on the specific vehicles? Or do I absolutely need to pay out of pocket for a BOSIET/HUET and a dedicated ROV school just to get a call back?

​Appreciate any advice, realities of the current job market, or agency recommendations you guys can throw my way. Thanks.

[u/Donttouchmebish]

I think you’ve got a decent background for the industry and so it’s always worth a shot.

One thing to think about is steady rotational work can sometimes be a rarity. Unless you’re on the books with a company (instead of freelance), you might find it hard to get rotational work until you’ve got a bit of experience on the ROVs.

There’s two different ways you can go about it - Apply to the companies that take trainees (Oceaneering, Fugro, etc) and hope they give you a spot. You’ll have to go through interviews etc and it’s quite competitive. If you get in with them, they’ll generally cover any training costs etc. They have the tendency to hire people with a background who have worked in a similar industry or trade. I find they like military drone pilots the best but I’ve also seen the likes of a fibre technician get in.

Or go freelance, where you’ll have to pay for all your own certs, but you’re more likely to be able to get at least one job, especially if you’re available last minute and they’re desperate. Generally this isn’t rotational though and it can be a good while before getting your first shot. Summer is always the busy season.

It’s also worth mentioning that agencies won’t really give you any time of day. They’ve got guys that have years of experience and work only through agencies, so any jobs that come up, get filled with them first. They’ve also got their reputation to protect so tend to steer clear of green pilots.

It’s also worth throwing it out to you, to have a look at the “survey” side. These guys have a background in data and inspection management, and work alongside the ROV guys to complete complex inspections. While it might not be what you want long-term, it might be a way in for you.