AUV Technician

Job Breakdown

An AUV technician is responsible for providing technical support and maintenance of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

AUVs perform a similar fundamental function to that of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in that they can accomplish tasks in underwater environments which humans cannot accomplish safely and efficiently. The major difference between AUVs and ROVs is that, as their names imply, AUVs perform tasks or missions without the need for a human pilot, while ROVs require control from human ROV Pilot Technicians. AUVs are untethered and free-swimming; ROVs have umbilicals physically connecting them to their host vessel or offshore platform.

AUV technicians undertake essential maintenance and ensure that, when on a mission, the AUVs are able to operate as intended, whether it’s collecting marine life data for scientific research, detecting underwater hazards for military operations, or surveying the seabed and ocean environment for commercial purposes.

• Maintaining AUVs and related systems
• Preparing, testing and operating AUV equipment
• Participating in the deployment and recovery of AUVs
• Assisting in assessment and analysis of collected data
• Creating and carrying out technical policies and procedures
• Coordinating and communicating with AUV managers
• Mission planning
• Quality control
• Writing daily, weekly and monthly reports on AUV maintenance
• Performing specific job tasks set by AUV managers

Working Hours and Environment

As with most offshore careers, working as an AUV technician means working in offshore platforms, vessels and marine laboratories. The hours are long, with day and night shifts. AUV projects can last for weeks to months. Depending on the location, weather conditions can be extreme.

The offshore nature of the work brings constant exposure to humidity, intense light, noise and vibrations, fumes and gases, etc.

Physical labour is to be expected, as AUV technicians handle heavy and sensitive equipment when maintaining AUVs. Special protective gear has to be worn during such tasks, especially in cold environments.

Offshore living is physically and psychologically demanding. In addition to the environmental hazards, space and privacy are limited. Quarters are shared between multiple crew members. Differing personalities and cultural backgrounds need to be respected to minimise stressful situations.

Job Entry and Qualifications

The general requirements to get a job as an AUV technician are numerous and they start with a bachelor’s degree in any of the following subjects:

• Computer Engineering
• Electronics
• Electrical Engineering
• Geomatics
• Oceanography

Degrees in closely related disciplines and a combination of similar education and work experience will also suffice.

At least a year of experience with AUV operations, including processing hydrographic and oceanographic data as well as familiarity with existing and emerging survey technologies, can increase the chance of employment.

Professionals from an ROV or Survey Engineer background are also well suited to transitioning into work as an AUV Technician.

Since this is primarily an offshore-based job, the following documentation and certification are often required to obtain work as an AUV Technician:

• Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) or similar offshore survival certificate
• Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET)
• Minimum Industry Safety Training (MIST) if working on the UKCS
• CA-EBS
• Seaman’s Book
• ROV or Survey Engineer Competency Certificate
• Log Book
• Passport
• STCW or GWO certificates
• Offshore Medical Certificate every 2 years

Companies also look for the following skills and characteristics when hiring AUV technicians:

• Proficiency in handling, installing, interfacing and calibrating electrical and mechanical equipment
• Initiative and adaptability
• Analytical mindset
• Practical problem-solving skills
• Timely and objective-focused decision-making
• Awareness to escalate information to superiors
• Solid written and verbal communication skills
• Composure under pressure
• Willingness to work with a team
• Physical fitness and mental acuity to work under stressful conditions

Salary, Training and Development

Day-rates for an AUV Technician in the current market are £400 – £480 per day, depending on experience, project and the client.

Apart from a degree in the courses listed above, there is no formal training or certification that is required to work as an AUV technician. There are, however, companies and organisations that offer training courses on how to operate AUVs, which can be useful but are not necessary for employment prospects:

• Kongsberg Maritime provides comprehensive AUV training courses, from an introduction to AUV operation to the use of their own AUV products and solutions.
• AMC Search provides courses for Basic Operator and Mission Controller training.
• MTCS provides training courses and competence certification for AUV operations
• Applied Technology Institute provides a 2-day course on ROV and AUV technologies.

For more resources such as industry news, development programmes and networking opportunities, the following organisations are worth checking out:

• Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
• Autonomous Undersea Vehicle Applications Center (AUVAC)
• International Marine Contractors Association
• Oil & Gas UK
• OPITO
• Society for Underwater Technology