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Short course · Underwater robotics

ROV Course

This course immerses you in the world of underwater inspection and work with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), starting from the fundamentals of operation. You will learn how these vehicles are built, piloted and equipped with sensors, along with mission planning, maintenance and typical inspection tasks.

100% online300 hours5 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This short course is a comprehensive programme on remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). It runs from the fundamentals of operation and maintenance through to advanced techniques in navigation, manipulation and troubleshooting. It also covers electronics, hydraulics and sensors, and is geared to the practical needs of the offshore industry, marine renewable energy and oceanographic research.

What sets the course apart: realistic simulations, with practice in complex scenarios from pipeline inspection to underwater repairs; hands-on maintenance, learning to diagnose and correct the most common ROV faults; specialised software, working with ROV control and visualisation programs; and a clear orientation towards professional ROV operation.

Programme highlights

  • ROV operation: piloting, maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • Underwater electronics and mechanics: hydraulic, electrical and control systems.
  • Sensors and navigation: sonar, cameras and seabed mapping.
  • Maintenance and repair to keep equipment operational in demanding conditions.
  • Industrial and scientific applications, such as infrastructure inspection and marine research.
  • Career orientation within the subsea industry.

Study plan

01ROV Fundamentals, System Architecture and Underwater Operation Concepts60 h
Classification of ROVs by mission and depth: observation, intervention, work-class and micro-ROVs. General architecture: frame, buoyancy, propulsion, control, power, sensors and payloads. The underwater environment and its constraints: turbidity, currents, salinity, pressure, biofouling and visibility. Operations planning: mission profiles, team roles, operating windows and success criteria. Safety: risk assessment, personal protective equipment, equipment handling and control of the work area.
02Propulsion, Motion Control, Stability and Precision Piloting60 h
Vectored thruster configurations: layout, thrust curves, cavitation and debris protection. Attitude and depth control: trim, stability, compensation and fine station-keeping. Control models for piloting: PID, assisted modes, limiters and thrust allocation across multiple thrusters. Critical manoeuvres: approaching structures, lateral control, heading changes and position holding. Navigation in confined spaces: tolerances, collision avoidance and proximity management.
03Sensors, Imaging and Sonar for Technical Inspection and Data Acquisition60 h
Underwater cameras and lighting: backscatter, focus, colour balance, filters and techniques for improving visibility. Sonar for ROVs: imaging, multibeam and side-scan sonar, and selection criteria based on turbidity, range and target. Navigation sensors: depth, altimeter, compass, inertial measurement unit and heading reference in degraded environments. Payload integration: interfaces, synchronisation, time-stamping and quality of captured data. Inspection procedures: routes, overlaps, standoff distances, checkpoints and traceability of evidence.
04Communications, Tether/Umbilical, Control Station and Surface Operation60 h
Tether design and handling: strength, buoyancy, tension, reel, snag prevention and drag control. Data link and telemetry: latency, signal loss, redundancy and channel configuration. Control station: interface, data overlays, alarms, event logging and workstation ergonomics. Launch and recovery: roles, safe manoeuvres, risk control and coordination with the vessel. Operating from a quay or a vessel: stability, interference, safety zones and deck protocols.
05Maintenance, Reliability, Safety and Final Project in Professional ROV Operation60 h
Preventive and corrective maintenance: inspections, consumables, critical spares and intervention records. Watertight integrity: connectors, gaskets, seals, leak tests and pressure checks. Power and electronics: distribution, protection, typical faults, diagnosis and operational recovery. Corrosion and material compatibility: galvanic effects, sacrificial anodes, coatings and good preservation practice. Safety and regulatory compliance: documentation, evidence, role-based training and internal audit.

Duration and format

300hours in total
5modules of 60 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 30 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 15.

What you will learn

  • Inspect and maintain subsea infrastructure.
  • Carry out oceanographic surveys and collect environmental data.
  • Perform rescue and recovery tasks in hazardous underwater environments.
  • Assist in maritime search and rescue operations.
  • Support scientific exploration at great depths.
  • Document and analyse the condition of vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Career outcomes

  • ROV pilot.
  • ROV technician.
  • ROV supervisor.
  • Subsea inspector.
  • Subsea surveyor and mapper.
  • Marine scientist or researcher.
  • ROV design engineer.
  • ROV operations consultant.

Entry requirements

  • Profile: technical training in electronics, mechanics, robotics or marine engineering, or demonstrable experience with underwater equipment.
  • Knowledge: basic notions of hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity and electronics, the ability to read technical diagrams and familiarity with control and navigation software.
  • Recommended certifications: a prior ROV pilot or technician certification, or specific courses in ROV operation and maintenance.
  • Personal skills: attention to detail, problem solving, communication, teamwork and the ability to work under pressure.
  • Documents: up-to-date CV, any certifications held, identity document and, optionally, a motivation letter.
  • Physical requirements: good general health and fitness for maritime environments. A specific medical examination may be required.

How to enrol

Enrol online

Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.

Receive your access

We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.

Study at your pace

Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.

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