Remotely Operated Vehicle [ROV] Operator

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

Drone operators are responsible for operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Drone Operators are also called UAV pilots. They operate, maintain and repair UAVs used to gather data aerially. They use their expertise to control drones and capture footage or data from the air. Drone operators may work for private companies, government agencies, or other organizations that need aerial footage for a variety of purposes.

Drone operators must have extensive knowledge about how their drone operates and how it interacts with its environment. This includes knowing how to properly operate all of the drone’s controls, how to interpret data from sensors on the drone, and how to react to any unexpected situations that may arise while flying.

(Source: Remote Aviation)

Unmanned aircraft, such as drones, are increasing in popularity and have a range of applications. They can be used to gather weather data, to collect intelligence information or to produce aerial photographs. A drone pilot is someone who is capable of effectively operating a drone. This involves the ability to have a drone safely take off and land. Drone pilots must also keep drones on course and ensure they are operated safely and avoid collisions.

UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) pilots operate, maintain and repair UAVs used to gather data aerially. Drone pilots' duties include checking the drones before they are flown to ensure that they are operating properly and monitoring the drone while it is being handled. They plan routes for drones to fly and then navigate the drones along those paths. Some drone operators work for the military and are responsible for gathering information on enemy troops or for maps; others may be involved with producing aerial photographs for other purposes.

The use of drones has progressed from being a new technology reserved purely for the science lab, to a readily available piece of equipment offered at an affordable price. Flying drones as a hobby has become a very popular pastime.

(Source: Defence Jobs: Drone Operator)

• the ability to work with technology - to use software, programs and tools to complete a task.
• a strong interest in aviation
• good hand-to-eye coordination
• concentration
• the ability to read and think maps and 3D displays
• to be reliable
• good communication skills - to convey information to others in a clear and concise manner
• the ability to remain calm under pressure
• to operate UAVs safely and according to government regulations.
    
• Problem-solving skills: A drone operator’s job involves working with a team to complete a task. This means that they must be able to identify and solve problems that arise during a mission. For example, a drone operator might be working with a team to map an area for search and rescue operations. If the drone loses connection with the team’s control station, the drone operator might be responsible for identifying the problem and finding a solution to re-establish communication.
    
• Attention to detail: The ability to pay attention to detail is an important skill for drone operators. This is because they often work with sensitive information and technology. They must be able to notice any issues with the drone or its software and report them to their team.
    
• Ability to work independently: Working independently means that you can complete tasks and solve problems without the help of others. As a drone operator, you may be required to operate a drone for long periods of time and complete various tasks during that time. Working independently can help you stay focused on your tasks and complete them to the best of your ability.

Drone Lifesaver Pilot
(Source: Port Macquarie News)

• conduct pre-flight checks of equipment to ensure proper functioning
• pilot, maintain and repair UAVs - operate drones in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations
• monitor weather conditions and adjust flight plans accordingly
• record data about weather conditions during flight time to help calculate safety risks
• control UAV’s remotely, or pre-program UAV’s to operate independently
• operate digital cameras and digital sensing equipment - operate camera and other payloads as needed to capture high-quality images or video
• undertake aerial imaging and acquire the required data
• process data into correct formats and provide to clients - download and review footage after each flight to ensure customer satisfaction
• conduct site surveys to determine location requirements for equipment placement or other needs
• operate drones during search and rescue missions, disaster relief efforts, and other emergency situations
• navigate drone controls to maneuver the aircraft through various tasks such as capturing images or video footage of an area
• conducte research on potential new applications for drone technology
• fly drones to take pictures or videos of areas that are difficult to reach physically due to terrain or other factors
• communicate with clients on location to provide instructions and receive feedback on photos or videos as they are being taken
• monitor drone status and perform any maintenance that is needed to keep them in good working condition
• train employees on the proper use of drones and maintaining their equipment
• keep detailed log books - maintain accurate records of all flights, including date, time, location, and duration
• keep abreast of new drone technology and developments in the industry
• submit administrative information as required to government authorities.

(Source: ZipRecruiter)

Did You Know? An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, is an aircraft without any human pilot, crew, or passengers on board. UAVs are a component of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), which includes adding a ground-based controller and a system of communications with the UAV. The flight of UAVs may operate under remote control by a human operator, as remotely-piloted aircraft (RPA), or with various degrees of autonomy, such as autopilot assistance, up to fully autonomous aircraft that have no provision for human intervention. Most military UAVs are fixed-wing aircraft, but rotorcraft designs (ie.RUAVs) such as this MQ-8B Fire Scout are also used. UAVs were originally developed through the twentieth century for military missions too "dull, dirty or dangerous" for humans, and by the twenty-first, they had become essential assets to most militaries. As control technologies improved and costs fell, their use expanded to many non-military applications. These include forest fire and bush fire monitoring, aerial photography, product deliveries, agriculture, policing and surveillance, infrastructure inspections, entertainment, science, smuggling, and drone racing. (Source: Wikipedia)

As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for effectively and safely piloting an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, or 'drone' as we now know them. You will be based on the ground, operating your drone by either a handheld console using eyesight observations, or via a computer in a control room. You exact tasks will depend upon the area you work in.

Drone operators work in a variety of settings, including office buildings, military bases, and control towers. They typically work in shifts that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Some drone operators may be on call 24 hours a day. The work can be stressful, and operators must be able to make quick decisions and maintain focus for long periods of time. They also must be able to handle the psychological stress of knowing that their actions could result in the death of another human being.

UAV pilots may be required to work non-standard hours, including weekends. Work is often on a contract basis. As this industry expands, more permanent roles are likely to become available.

UAVs are used in a growing number of areas, including firefighting, search and rescue, disaster relief, border patrol, weather monitoring, law enforcement, aerial photography and cinematography, and aerial surveying and geotechnical work.

You may be required to travel to work locations, which may be remote. You will work outdoors, and some of this work may be done in adverse weather conditions. You may also be required to spend nights away from home.

Tools and technologies

(Source: DJI)

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a UAV pilot, and to fly UAV’s professionally in Australia, you are required to be suitably trained and certified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). You must apply to CASA for a UAV Controller’s Certificate, and meet the requirements before a certificate is issued.

Most drone operators will receive on-the-job training from their employer. This training will typically include instruction on the specific equipment and software used by the company. It may also include instruction on safety procedures and regulations.

To run your own business, you will also need a UAV Operator’s Certificate, also issued by CASA.
A number of private training providers and Registered Training Organisations run courses which satisfy CASA requirements, including a Certificate III in Aviation (remote pilot). The current minimum age to gain a CASA certificate is 17 years.

Overseas: Most employers require drone operator candidates to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but many employers prefer candidates who have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science, aviation, computer science or another related field. These programs typically include courses in aerodynamics, flight theory, aircraft systems and flight simulation.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of UAV pilots is projected to grow at about the average for all occupations. As drones become more common, demand for their services will increase.

UAV operations is a developing industry, which is showing strong potential for growth. Opportunities are likely to develop in two main areas - for dedicated pilots with strong technical skills, and in more traditional industries now being assisted with UAV technology, such as surveying, engineering, cinematography, aerial photography, infrastructure inspection and agriculture including crop monitoring.

Opportunities for UAV pilots are currently expected to double over the next 5-10 years.

(Source: FlyingMag)

There is an attractive and rapidly expanding new career path opening its doors for qualified Drone Pilots. The list of industries that rely on drones to get the job done is long. Relevant sectors include:

• Surveying and site mapping: Drones and other UAVs have revolutionized the surveying industry by making it easy to cover large sites in short time frames and create detailed photogrammetric models.

• Construction: In addition to surveying sites, drones are being used by construction companies to collect data and construct 3D models of projects.

• Real estate: Drones are making virtual home and apartment tours possible, with everything from room-by-room videos to assist with interactive 3D models.

• Building inspection: UAVs help inspectors check up on the safety of a building without ever setting foot in it.

• Mining: Mines and quarries are simplifying tedious tasks like surveying and stockpile volume measurement, allowing workers to focus on extraction.

• Insurance: Some of the top insurance companies have begun using UAVs to gather information both pre-loss and post-loss. According to Deloitte, common examples include natural disaster monitoring, aerial site assessments that can identify risk to a property and inspecting a claim site for fraud.

• Archeology: Much like construction, mining or surveying in general, drones are used to visualize the full scope of a site and possibly identify artifacts that can’t be seen from a ground view.

• Entertainment: Did you know that 1 in 5 commercial drone licenses in the United States secured for the entertainment industry? The most common use of drones in this sector is filming live events - drones can get a fantastic view of a sporting event.

• Public safety: Police and fire departments use drones to scout out an area before sending personnel in. UAVs can be equipped with thermal sensors that track where a fire is strongest. Drones have also been used effectively in search and rescue missions.

• Agriculture: Farmers looking to increase their yield turn to drone pilots to create maps that showcase areas where crops are struggling. Aerial maps guide farmers to where they should spend their time and save them tons of time in walking their farms looking for crops in need of special attention. They are even used to herd sheep.

• Journalism: Journalism is a fast-paced industry with dwindling work opportunities. To stand out, journalists need to have extensive skills and storytelling abilities. Drones are making it possible for journalists to capture footage from areas where they previously couldn’t get close, such as disaster areas. Using a drone also allows a journalist on deadline to avoid time-consuming travel.

• Police - police use drones to give them a bird's eye view of crime scenes, and to track suspects

• Deliveries to remote locations - drones are starting to be used by some delivery companies to help them to reach remote locations, such as islands or isolated areas of countryside

• Military - various countries now use drone technology within war zones on military operations

• Internet coverage - communications companies are currently experimenting with drone wifi access - a new form of portable wifi coverage that can be taken anywhere

• Traffic management - local government organisations are using drones to get a birds's eye view of traffic problems
  

Drone Photography - Brisbane
(Source: Remote Aviation)

 

In the future drones might also be used for:

• Tornado/Hurricane warning

• Tsunami forecasting

• Missing child detection

• Endangered species protection

• Gaming, e.g. drone racing, drone hunting, treasure hunts

• Personal trainer workouts

• Firework dropping

• Artificial bee pollination

• Taxi-limo transportation

Motorsport Australia Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) / Drone Operator Policy
Commonly referred to as 'drones', a RPA can be used at a Motorsport Australia permitted event providing the RPA is operated within the guidelines of the Media Accreditation policy. In short that is:

• The UAV operator or controller is certified by CASA
• Carries their own public liability insurance
• Their operating name appears on the event permit

 

 

 

ROV operators operate, maintain and repair ROVs used to gather data, or to move goods or passengers.

ANZSCO ID: 711999
  
Alternative names: ROV operator, ROV pilot, ROV pilot technician,
   
Specialisations:

• A remotely operated underwater vehicle (technically ROUV or just ROV) is a tethered underwater mobile device, commonly called underwater robot. It is sometimes known as a remote controlled submarine, controlled by pilots on a ship. The ROV is connected to the ship by a cable, called an umbilical, that contains lines running communications and power to the vehicle.

  
Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become an ROV operator, you would need:

• the ability to work with technology

• good hand-to-eye coordination

• strong problem-solving skills

• the ability to read maps, 2D and 3D displays

• to be reliable and resourceful

• to operate ROVs according to safety guidelines and government regulations.

(Source: Suasrov)

Duties and Tasks

As an ROV operator, you would:

• control vehicles remotely, by software, hand-held remote control, radio control, or connecting cable

• control underwater, land based, or aerial vehicles (drones)

• operate and control systems or equipment attached to ROVs, such as dexterous manipulators, TVs, video cameras, and tools

• gather required data while operating the ROV

• ensure the ROV and all the systems are in good working order

• maintain and repair the ROV.

Working conditions

ROV operators may be required to work non-standard hours, including weekends. Work is often on a contract basis. As this industry expands, more permanent roles are likely to become available.

ROVs are used in a growing number of areas, including the military, search and rescue, disaster relief, border patrol, weather monitoring, underwater exploration, automated mining, law enforcement, aerial photography and cinematography, and surveying and geotechnical work.

You may be required to travel to work locations, which may be remote. You may work outdoors, and some of this work may be done in adverse weather conditions or at sea. It may require also nights away from home.

 

Modifying remotely operated underwater vehicles for biosecurity surveillance - on the lookout for invasive marine pests
(Source: Dept of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry)

Tools and technologies

Most ROVs are equipped with a selection of video cameras and lights. Additional equipment is commonly added when required to expand the vehicle’s capabilities. These may include sonars, magnetometers, a still camera, a manipulator or cutting arm, water samplers, and instruments that measure water clarity, light penetration and temperature.

  
Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an ROV operator, you will need training appropriate to the type of ROV you will be operating. In addition, you may also need trade skills and training in maintenance of the specific ROV. The types of experience and training desired or required are as varied as the tasks ROV operators perform.

The Underwater Training Centre South Australia (UTCSA) provides training in operating underwater ROVs.
A number of private training providers and Registered Training Organisations run courses for aerial ROVs (UAVs or drones) which satisfy CASA requirements, including a Certificate III in Aviation (remote pilot).

Employment Opportunities

Employment of ROV operatos is projected to grow at about the average for all occupations.

ROV operations is a developing industry, which is showing strong potential for growth. Opportunities are likely to develop in two main areas- for dedicated operators with strong technical skills, and in more traditional industries now being assisted with remote automation, such as mining, surveying, engineering, cinematography, photography, and agriculture.

Opportunities for ROV operators are currently expected to double over the next 5-10 years. Automation will play a greater role in improving the efficiency and safety of unmanned systems but human judgement will be needed to identify, diagnose and respond to non-routine operational situations.

 

Did You Know? ROV’s can vary in size, ranging from a shoe box to a large van depending on the type of mission it needs to accomplish. Michael Utley, bosun, helps position ROV SuBastian on deck after a recovery. ROV SuBastian is 3.1m x 2.1m x 1.9m; about the same size as a minivan. In air it weighs 3,200 kg., and although this seems like a lot, most of the weight is flotation and will become positively buoyant or neutral weight in the water. The ROV is equipped with five powerful thrusters (just like propellers) that move the vehicle; one thruster moves it sideways, two move it forward and back, and another two are used for vertical movement. ROV SuBastian can go down to a maximum operating depth of 4,500 meters and transit at a speed of 0.5 – 3 knots, depending on depth and currents. The person operating an ROV is called a pilot. This is because they can technically “fly” the vehicle in all three dimensions. At a minimum, SuBastian requires three to four people to manage the vehicle offshore, including two ROV pilots to “fly” it. There is always a lead pilot, but if there are arm manipulations needed, the co-pilot will help. The co-pilot also keeps an eye on vehicle position. There will also be several scientists who sit with the pilots in the multi-screened control room. They will be taking notes to augment the recorded data and footage, watching the video feed and making decisions, including navigational courses and sample selections. Researchers and crew watch live-streams from ROV SuBastian’s cameras on the video matrix in the control room onboard R/V Falkor. ROV SuBastian is equipped with numerous video cameras that allow the operators to monitor what is going on around the vehicle in real-time. This includes a pilot camera used by the pilot when flying the vehicle, a movable camera used by scientist to look at interesting features, an upward looking camera to monitor the cable, and a rear looking camera to make sure the back is clear. There are also various cameras to aid manipulator operations and monitor systems on the vehicle. In addition to our permanent cameras, SuBastian can also be fitted with specialist imaging systems supplied by visiting scientists. Some samples need to be delivered to the scientists back onboard for further research. Other samples and measurements can be gathered “in situ” (meaning in the water) such as temperature readings. Before and after every dive, the ROV’s systems are rigorously checked and maintained. Loading to R/V Falkor (Source: Schmidt Ocean Institute)

 

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Director [Film & Video]	Diver	Environmental Scientist	Flying Instructor
Farmer	Firefighter	Geologist	Helicopter Pilot
Insurance Claims Investigator	Journalist	Lifeguard	Mechanic
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Pilot	Police	Real Estate Agent Drone Photographer	SES Officer
Surveyor

 

Materials sourced from
Climb the Ladder [Drone Operator; ]
Best Accreditated Colleges [Drone Pilot; ]
DJI [Professional Drone Operator; ]
FlyingMag [Commercial Drone Pilot; ]
Schmidt Ocean Institute [ROV FAQs]
CareersWales [Drone Pilot; ]
Study [Drone Pilot jobs; ]
CareerHQ [UAV Pilot; ROV Operator; ]

 

 

 

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