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.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the ROV Course?
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.
Syllabus of the ROV Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
ROV Fundamentals, System Architecture and Subsea Operating Concepts
- 1.1. Classification of ROVs: observation, intervention, work-class and micro-ROV according to mission and depth
- 1.2. Overall architecture: frame, buoyancy, propulsion, control, power, sensors and payloads
- 1.3. The underwater environment and its limitations: turbidity, currents, salinity, pressure, biofouling and visibility
- 1.4. Concept of operations: mission profiles, team roles, operational windows and success criteria
- 1.5. Safety set-up: risk assessment, PPE, equipment handling and area control
Propulsion, Motion Control, Stability and Precision Piloting
- 2.1. Thrusters and vectored configuration: layout, thrust curves, cavitation and debris protection
- 2.2. Attitude and depth control: trim, stability, compensation and fine control in hover
- 2.3. Control models for piloting: PID, assisted modes, limiters and multi-thruster thrust allocation
- 2.4. Critical manoeuvres: approaching structures, lateral control, heading changes and station keeping
- 2.5. Navigation in confined spaces: tolerances, collision avoidance and proximity management
Sensors, Imaging and Sonar for Technical Inspection and Data Acquisition
- 3.1. Underwater cameras and lighting: backscatter, focus, white balance, filters and visibility enhancement techniques
- 3.2. Sonar for ROVs: imaging sonar, multibeam, side-scan and selection according to turbidity, range and target
- 3.3. Navigation sensors: depth, altimeter, compass, IMU and heading reference in degraded environments
- 3.4. Payload integration: interfaces, synchronisation, time-stamping and quality of captured data
- 3.5. Inspection procedures: routes, overlaps, distances, checkpoints and traceability of evidence
Communications, Tether/Umbilical, Control Station and Surface Operation
- 4.1. Tether design and handling: strength, buoyancy, tension, reel, anti-tangle and drag control
- 4.2. Data link and telemetry: latency, losses, redundancy and configuration of communication channels
- 4.3. Control station: interface, overlays, alarms, event logging and operational ergonomics
- 4.4. Deployment and recovery: roles, safe manoeuvres, risk control and coordination with the vessel
- 4.5. Operation from a quay or vessel: stability, interference, safety zones and deck protocols
Maintenance, Reliability, Safety and Final Project in Professional ROV Operation
- 5.1. Preventive and corrective maintenance: inspections, consumables, critical spares and maintenance log
- 5.2. Watertightness and integrity: connectors, gaskets, seals, leak tests and pressure verification
- 5.3. Power and electronics: distribution, protection, typical faults, diagnosis and operational recovery
- 5.4. Corrosion and material compatibility: galvanic corrosion, anodes, coatings and preservation practices
- 5.5. Safety and compliance procedures: documentation, evidence, role-based training and internal audit
Duration and format of the ROV Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the ROV Course
Career opportunities after the ROV Course
Questions about the ROV Course
Yes.
Yes. The pathway includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with port, ocean, fog, heavy-weather and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator stays/placements through partnership agreements.
ROVs are controlled by a human operator from the surface via an umbilical cable, whereas AUVs operate independently on pre-programmed missions.
Functional SMCP is recommended. We provide support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a related qualification or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Partnerships and the Alumni Network.
Simulator exercises (rubrics), passage plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and an applied master's thesis.
More programmes in Underwater robotics
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- 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.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enrol
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.