Guidance on Module Outlines for ROV Related

Training Courses
IMCA R010 Rev. 1.2
December 2023
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IMCA R010 Rev. 1.2

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Version History
Date Reason Revision
December 2023 Quality check; headers, footers & document map added; no change to content Rev. 1.2
June 2020 Minor amendments made during review Rev. 1.1
November 2016 To reflect current practice and to align with IMCA R 002 Rev. 1
November 2003 Initial publication
Guidance on Module Outlines for ROV Related Training Courses

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 4
2 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations .................................................................................. 5
3 Application and Delivery .................................................................................................... 7
4 IMCA R002 – Requirements for IMCA-Approved ROV Introductory Training Courses ........... 7
5 IMCA R010 Outline Syllabus................................................................................................ 8
5.1 Modules ......................................................................................................................................... 8
6 Content of Training Course Modules ................................................................................... 9
Module 4: ROV Electrical Systems ....................................................................................................... 9
Module 5: ROV Electronic and Control Systems ................................................................................ 12
Module 6: ROV Mechanical and hydraulic systems ........................................................................... 15
Module 7: ROV system/equipment maintenance ............................................................................. 17
Module 8: ROV Systems/Equipment Operations............................................................................... 19
Module 9: ROV Tooling and Ancillary Sensors ................................................................................... 22
Module 10: Lifting Operations ............................................................................................................ 23

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 Guidance on Module Outlines for ROV Related Training Courses

1 Introduction
This document has been produced to present a modular approach to ROV training in order that training can
be tailored to the level of previous experience of someone entering the industry.

It has been designed to follow IMCA R002 Requirements for IMCA-Approved ROV Introductory Training
Courses entry level requirements and introductory modular course outline for new remotely operated vehicle
(ROV) personnel.

Details of the competence requirements for ROV personnel are contained in the latest revision of IMCA C005
– Guidance on competence assurance and assessment: Remote Systems & ROV Division. In the entry level
requirements for ROV/pilot technician grade II, contained in that document; it specifies that such personnel
should meet the requirements as set out in this document.

It shall be noted that the information contained within this publication is intended to set out the
requirements for new personnel to receive an introductory course in ROV systems. This training should not
be construed as achieving any level of competence defined in IMCA C005.

Further, any party wishing to follow the guidance as provided in this publication shall not issue any
qualification or certification that claims to be ‘IMCA-approved’ or recognised.

This document is not intended to be exhaustive in its description and outline of the technical background,
typical qualifications and character traits that would apply to new personnel to the offshore ROV industry.
Nor is the suggested content of the framework guaranteed to satisfy the demands of safety awareness in a
constantly changing industry that can be challenging, exciting and rewarding to be a part of.

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Guidance on Module Outlines for ROV Related Training Courses

2 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations

A Amps

AC Alternate current

API American Petroleum Institute

CWDM Coarse wavelength division multiplexing

dB Decibel

DC Direct current

DOL Direct on line

DVD Digital versatile disc

EPDU Electrical power distribution unit

GFD Ground fault defect

HD High definition (video)

HP High pressure

HPU Hydraulic power unit

HV High voltage

I/O Input/output

IP Ingress protection

ISO International Organization for Standardization

IT Information technology

LARS Launch and recovery system – a lifting device that can be used to deploy the ROV, with or
without a TMS, from the support vessel or installation overboard into the water and lower
it to the working depth, or recover the ROV from depth and transfer it from the surface
of the water back to the support vessel or installation. LARS may be a combination of
winches, cranes, A-frames, etc. and may be hydraulically or electrically powered

LIM Line insulation monitor

LP Low pressure

LPF Low-pass filter

LV Low voltage

MMS Maintenance management system

MUX Multiplexer

NAS National Aerospace Standard

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 Guidance on Module Outlines for ROV Related Training Courses

OL Overload

PCB Printed circuit board

PDU Power distribution unit

PID Proportional, integral, differential

Pilot A person who has been specifically trained and assessed/verified as competent to operate
and maintain the ROV System, including the ‘flying’ of the ROV in water to accomplish its
tasks/operations

PLC Programmable logic controller

PMS Planned maintenance schedule

PPE Personal protective equipment

PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene that has

numerous applications

PTW Permit to work

RC Resistor-capacitor

ROV Remotely operated vehicle – the common term for an unmanned, underwater vehicle
that is controlled from the surface by a pilot via a cable and is, in itself, a collection of
equipment used in water with an ability to observe the surroundings and, in certain
circumstances, intervene/interact with underwater infrastructure

ROV System The collection of equipment that comprises, but is not limited to, the ROV, the handling
system, the surface control system and all associated peripheral equipment

RP Recommended practice

RS Recommended standard

SD Standard definition (video)

SWL Safe working load

SWR Steel wire rope

TMS Tether management system – may be described as a ‘cage’ or a ‘top hat’, but both types
essentially house a submersible winch which controls the deployment of a neutrally
buoyant cable, or tether, connected to the ROV

V Volts

WDM Wavelength division multiplexing

WLL Working load limit

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Guidance on Module Outlines for ROV Related Training Courses

3 Application and Delivery

This guidance is intended to apply internationally, but it is recognised that some countries will have
regulations that require different standards or practices to be followed. Where local or national regulations
are more stringent than those contained herein, they will always take precedence over this guidance.

The modules contained in this document are aimed at personnel with an appropriate technical background
as set out in IMCA R002. They have been developed to lead on from the introductory course modules 1-3.
However, it is the company’s responsibility to determine if an introductory course is required and if the
company deems it unnecessary an individual could, with acceptable experience and qualifications,
commence training at module 0.

It is suggested that the modules contained in IMCA R010 can be undertaken in sequence or in isolation
(depending on the training need of the individual or company), but it shall be a requirement that all modules
be completed or otherwise evidence provided, to the company’s satisfaction, for a new entrant to be granted
exemption from completing the same.

4 IMCA R002 Requirements for IMCA-Approved ROV Introductory Training Courses

This document sets out the basic entry-level requirements for personnel new to the industry with no prior
relevant offshore experience. It also set out an ROV familiarisation course. It is recommended that these new
personnel attend an introductory course before the first offshore trip. However, it also notes that it was not
a prerequisite for personnel to attend such a course.

IMCA R002 sets out the initial familiarisation course modules which are based on the topics listed below, but
can be further adapted or developed by ROV contractors and/or training establishments to suit specific
company needs.

It is highly recommended that personnel new to the ROV industry meet the minimum requirements
described in IMCA R002 and receive an initial ROV familiarisation before their first trip offshore. This can be
provided by an ROV contractor, or alternatively by an appropriate training establishment.

ROV familiarisation course modules for people new to the industry should cover three areas as a minimum:
1) health, safety, environmental and quality
2) ROV industry
3) background and introduction to ROV systems.

The aim of these familiarisation course modules is to give new entrants to the offshore ROV industry an
understanding of the safety awareness implications of the industry, provide them with an overview of the
industry and offer basic information on the background to the ROV systems they may encounter.

Further information on the content of these modules can be found in IMCA R002.

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 Guidance on Module Outlines for ROV Related Training Courses

5 IMCA R010 Outline Syllabus

The modules contained in this document are aimed at personnel with an appropriate technical background
as set out in IMCA R002. They have been developed to lead on from the introductory course modules 1-3.
However, it is the company’s responsibility to determine if an introductory course is required and if the
company deems it unnecessary an individual could, with acceptable experience and qualifications,
commence training at module 0.

It is suggested that the modules contained in this document can be undertaken in sequence or in isolation
(depending on the training need of the individual or company), but for a new entrant to be granted
exemptions from completing same, evidence should be provided to the company’s satisfaction.

5.1 Modules
4) ROV electrical systems
5) ROV electronic and control systems
6) ROV mechanical and hydraulic systems
7) ROV system/equipment maintenance
8) ROV system/equipment operations
9) ROV tooling and ancillary sensors
10) Lifting operations.

Each module provides an outline of the topics that are recommended to be covered in such training, rather
than providing detailed information on the contents. It is envisaged that training establishments and/or ROV
contractors might wish to develop courses based on the topics outlined, but tailored to suit specific
personnel/ company requirements. The suggested courses are intended to provide an overview of the
proposed topics, rather than detailed information.

It should be noted that none of the courses suggested in this document are mandatory or a prerequisite
under IMCA’s Competence Assurance & Assessment guidance or schemes based thereon. The outline course
syllabus has been developed to aid members in setting up appropriate courses, where they feel that their
personnel would benefit from formalised training. It is not intended that personnel need to have attended a
formalised training course to demonstrate the appropriate knowledge during a competence assessment.

The elements of each module should be delivered in a properly structured format and preferably in
accordance with a set of coherent instructional specifications detailing each training objective and their
associated enabling objectives. In this way courses can be delivered to an assured standard by different
instructors and thereby all key training objectives can be met. If a trainee is absent for an element of the
course, the training provider will be able to state exactly which training objectives have not been completed
by the individual and thereby enable any gap in training competency to be addressed. Some of these will be
delivered through practical, ‘hands on’ sessions and others through theoretical tutoring, especially where
these relate to hazardous activities and emergency procedures. The maximum use should be made of
appropriate training tools such as simulators, static displays and training vehicles. Instructors should always
ensure that trainees understand that the ROV systems they end up working on in industry will almost
inevitably be different to the equipment used in training.

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Guidance on Module Outlines for ROV Related Training Courses

6 Content of Training Course Modules

The content of the course modules detailed in Section 4 are provided below. Every module should always
commence with a system safety awareness brief to cover any aspect of occupational health and safety
involved in the completion of the module. Any PPE requirements or permit to work procedures should always
be adhered to by both instructor and trainee.

Module 4: ROV Electrical Systems

Training Objectives

Trainees should be able to:

 interpret an electrical schematic diagram for a typical ROV including, identifying the
major units and the types of signals on the interconnecting wiring on surface and
subsea systems
 use the following test equipment:
− digital multimeter
− insulation resistance tester
 conduct the following tests, using an umbilical chart and understand what constitutes
an acceptable reading for:
− continuity/resistance
− insulation resistance
 identify simple long line faults using diagrams (SI units) and test equipment.

Enabling Knowledge Training

Electrical Principles

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to:

 understand the basic concepts of electrical engineering including, resistance (Ohm’s
law); power and apparent power; inductance; capacitance and 3 phase supplies
 understand and describe the function of the main units in an ROV electrical power
distribution block diagram to include the AC/DC power supplies and the following
elements or component parts:
− 3-phase/single phase
− surface electrical
− subsea electrical (including HPU and EPDU)
− electrical payload and typical option configuration
− vehicle setup and configuration (circuit diagrams)
− HV familiarisation and awareness (refer to IMCA R005)
− fault-finding exercises
− voltage, current, resistance

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 Guidance on Module Outlines for ROV Related Training Courses

− series, parallel circuits

− Ohm’s law
− electric power
− common electrical symbols
− reading electrical schematics
− motor starter DOL (OL protection, control interlocks)
− motor starter star-delta (OL protection, control interlocks)
− troubleshooting electrical automated systems
− AC parameters (frequency, period)
− PDU
− step up and step down transformers
− LIMs/GFDs
− rectification
− filters (RC, LPF low/high pass)
− construction of umbilical and tethers.

Electrical High Voltage Safety Systems

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to describe the principles of the following
elements:
 effects of electric current on the human body
 how burns of electric origin can result
 first-aid actions and treatment of electric shock
 generic company HV safety policies
 risk assessment
 advantages of high voltage in generation and transport
 HV hazards
 ROV HV system including approach and workflow (TBT, JRA, IC, LOTO, PTW, SFT)
 personnel competence and responsibilities – limitation of access
 isolated and dead circuits
 earthing and bonding.

Safe Systems of Work

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to describe the principles of the following
elements:
 safe electrical working practices
 lock out/tag out (LOTO)
 assessment procedure for working dead

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Guidance on Module Outlines for ROV Related Training Courses

 labelling HV equipment
 discharging cables and umbilicals
 attachment of additional earths
 selection of testing equipment, correct use and storage
 selection of PPE, correct use and storage
 fire extinguishing equipment
 PTW systems
 IP ratings
 thermal overload.

Test Equipment

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to describe the function and uses of the
following components:
 HV probes and testers safely including proving/checking HV probes and testers
 LV test probe
 electrical equipment and methods
 multimeter (V, A, Ohm, diode meter)
 transformer
 relays
 fuses
 circuit breakers
 AC and DC motors (properties, parameters)
 AC motor capacitors (run, start)
 AC motor soft starter
 DC motor drive
 ROV electrical thruster.

Worksite Safety

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to describe the function and uses of the
following components:
 protection systems
 insulation resistance meter (characteristics, hazards)
 ground fault monitors/interrupt (line insulation monitor)
 ROV low voltage and high voltage protective systems
 residual current devices
 hazardous areas and flame proof equipment
 explosive hazard areas and equipment rating

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 Guidance on Module Outlines for ROV Related Training Courses

 flameproof enclosures and characteristics

 cable glanding and transit devices.

Module 5: ROV Electronic and Control Systems

Training Objectives

Trainees should be able to understand:

 basic concepts of data transmission including RS232, 485, Ethernet and fibre optics
 methods by which components on the ROV are controlled (e.g. thrusters, lights, tools
etc.)
 typical control sensors on the ROV (e.g. temperature, pressure, oil level indicators)
 basic method for setting up a control system
 basic principles of optical fibre data transmission including capabilities and limitations

Enabling Knowledge Training

The trainee requires knowledge of a typical ROV control system, including:

 functions of a control system
 key components
 overview of the set up and diagnostic pages
 basic maintenance activities
 basic cyber/IT security precautions.

Basic principles of optical fibre data transmission including capabilities and limitations

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to describe the principles of optical fibre data
transmission including the following elements:
 electronic control systems (principles)
− basic requirements of an ROV electronic control systems
− introduction to control systems, power management and data protocols
− handling PCBs
− introduction to regulated and unregulated power supplies
− types of electrical and electronic connectors
− types of semiconductors
− introduction to PLC systems as used on ROVs
− digital communication basics
− binary system including bits and bytes
− transmit–receive termination/clock and digital coding
− communication link parameters (baud, management bits)

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− protocol RS232 (hardware characteristics)

− protocol RS485/422 (hardware characteristics)
− multiplexer, demultiplexer
− ROV communication (via copper) long line architecture (telemetry, auxiliary
channels, multiplexing)
− vehicle setup and configuration (electronic system drawings)
− basic electronic fault finding techniques
 fibre optics (principles)
− introduction to fibre optic systems
− single-mode/multi-mode systems
− how losses are incurred on a system
− bandwidth
− baud rate
− capabilities and limitations of a fibre system
− fibre optics safety and operations
− light characteristics (wavelength, colour spectrum)
− fibre optic characteristics
− optical communication advantages over electrical systems
− fibre optic types (cable types, single-mode, multi-mode, sizes)
− fibre optic media parameters
− introduction to the ‘dB’ and methods
− fibre optics termination connectors
− termination and line integrity analysis (microscope, visual light, optical power
meter, optical time domain reflectometer)
− specific losses/loss budget/optical meter correct use
− correct maintenance of terminations and hazards
− ROV fibre optic equipment
− optic MUX (common configurations)
− CWDM (common configurations and wavelengths)
− redundant optical link systems
− ROV communication (via fibre optic) long line architecture and specific loss budget
− working with fibre optic hazards

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Key components of a typical ROV control system

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to describe the function of the following
components:
 electrical connections
 multiplexer systems
 fibre multiplexers (video MUX and WDM)
 interface cards
 analogue and digital I/O cards
 power supplies
 input devices (joysticks, switches)
 output devices (valves, lights, cameras)
 ROV propulsion and control (PIDs, auto-functions etc.)
 vehicle set-up and configuration (circuit diagrams)
 fault-finding (exercises).

Overview of the set up and diagnostic pages on a control system

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to describe the set-up procedure and meaning
of the diagnostics messages/read out of the following elements:
 thruster diagnostics
 valve pack diagnostics
 alarms and sensors
 alarms pages
 calibration pages
 signal status page.

Basic maintenance activities required in a control system

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to describe the basic maintenance requirements
including the following:
 board replacement
 control card set-up requirements
 testing voltages
 using the system diagnostics
 testing a telemetry system
 interfacing sensors to control systems
 basic understanding of security requirements for control system computers.

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Module 6: ROV Mechanical and hydraulic systems

Training Objectives

Trainees should be able to understand the following:

 basic concepts of hydraulics including pressure; flow; viscosity and types of hydraulic
fluid
 purpose and operation of hydraulic valves (directional, solenoid, pressure control,
check and servo/ proportional valves).
 main types of hydraulic pump and the construction and operation of an axial piston
pump
 soft start systems
 types and applications of hydraulic seals
 function of compensators and accumulators
 function of linear and rotary actuators.

Enabling Knowledge Training

Hydraulic Engineering Principles

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to describe the principles used in hydraulic
circuits on ROV systems and understand routine instructions, circuit diagrams, the control
of pressure, direction and flow with respect to actuators.

The following topics constitute the recommended minimum level of detail required:
 Pascal’s law
 storage of energy
 hydraulic definitions and oil characteristics
 advantages over electric power
 ROV compensator (electrical and hydraulic power circuits)
 check valve (simple, adjustable threshold)
 hydraulic piston, gear, vane, variable displacement pumps
 filter (solids, water)
 heat exchanger
 cavitation/aeration
 positive pressure inlet loading
 pressure, flow, restriction
 parallel and series paths
 linear actuators (types, work, speed, forces)
 adjustable flow control restrictor
 hydraulics lines (steel pipe, steel tube, flexible hose)

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 hydraulic, pilot, case/drain lines

 pressure relief, release/pressure reducing valve
 hydraulic motors and thrusters
 directional control valve
 valve configuration and application (sequence, counterbalance, reducing, brake, cross
port, etc.)
 fittings (common ROV types and characteristics)

Equipment Hydraulic Systems

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to describe the functions of the component
parts of the hydraulic system on ROV systems and identify them on a hydraulic circuit
diagram to including the following key components:
 hydraulic power unit
 valve packs
 pressure relief valves
 pressure reducers/regulators
 flow control valves
 compensators or accumulators
 HP/LP manifolds
 filters
 actuators.

Safe working practice

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to:

 describe the key elements of safe working practices used during the maintenance of
ROV hydraulic systems
 (under supervision) remove, inspect and replace hydraulic valves, actuators and select
appropriate hydraulic hose, for pressure or suction as indicated in system
documentation
 identify common hydraulic faults and the actions needed to repair them from a given
set of symptoms.

To achieve the enabling objectives, instruction in the following topics is required:

 sources of contamination; equipment failure due to contamination and contamination
control
 procedures for conducting an oil and filter change on specific marine equipment
 reasons for conducting oil/filter changes
 hydraulic safety and the hazards associated with system pressure testing
 control valve maintenance

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 hydraulic pumps failures and maintenance

 linear actuator maintenance
 maintenance of compensators and accumulators
 types and use of hydraulic fittings and seals
 selecting appropriate hydraulic hoses/tubing
 system set up procedures
 fault finding processes.

Module 7: ROV system/equipment maintenance

Training Objectives

Trainees should be able to understand the following:

 types of ROV system maintenance
 electrical, mechanical and hydraulic equipment maintenance management systems
(MMS)
 fault diagnosis and rectification.

Enabling Knowledge Training

ROV system/equipment maintenance concepts, protocols and procedures

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to:

 describe the principles, procedures and requirements of MMS for ROV equipment
 understand routine instructions, maintenance checklists, record keeping, scheduling
and procedures for fault diagnosis and rectification.

The following topics constitute the recommended minimum level of detail required:
 type of maintenance – planned, unplanned, predictive/condition based
 maintenance management – data, accuracy, reliability, vehicle setup and configuration
(circuit diagrams)
 adherence to a general management model for maintenance and to be capable of
identifying the correct use of forms and corporate document control and retention,
for example:
− equipment failure report (opened/closed status) – inventory of ongoing or closed
faults, to be repaired as per standard system design
− modification logs (opened/closed status) – inventory of in-use modifications and
reverted to standard modifications, as for repairs or improvements outside of the
standard system design; mandatory updating documentation and diagrams
− planned maintenance schedule (PMS) (daily, weekly, monthly, 6-monthly, yearly,
etc.) – rationale of undertaking tasks within time-windows; personal initiative and
improvement of maintenance schedule in relation to corporate document control

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− material procurement and inventory responsibility concerning all ROV team

members
 fault diagnosis techniques (ROV centric)
 electrical maintenance/fault diagnosis
− power distribution – faults, maintenance tasks, earthing connections, conductor
crimping trouble-shooting
− harnesses – faults, maintenance tasks, trouble-shooting
− lighting systems – faults, maintenance tasks, trouble-shooting
− motor DOL
− subsea connectors (types, characteristics, correct use and maintenance)
− subsea ROV cables
− continuity and insulation resistance verification
− splicing with resin and self-amalgamating rubber and liquid epoxy
− electrical thruster maintenance and repair
− long line segmentation for troubleshooting (lights, tooling, camera, ground faults)
− tether re-termination (soft)
− cathodic protection/anodes and ground fault monitors
− electrical enclosures maintenance (water ingress, sealing issues, air/gas
atmosphere/humidity/liquid contaminants)
 mechanical maintenance/fault diagnosis
− inspection of typical components
− cleaning and repair
− mating of dissimilar metal components
− umbilical re-termination (mechanical)
 hydraulic maintenance/fault diagnosis
− system inspection visual/oil testing NAS standards
− hydraulic system troubleshooting
− hydraulic thruster maintenance and repair
− cleaning and repair, flushing use of deck packs, circuit bleeding, purging, flushing,
fluid recovery
− correct charge/discharge of compensators
− correct use of hydraulic seals (including PTFE, liquid sealant)
− hydraulic connection/hose degradation (changes in flexibility)
 data communications
− fibre optic systems – safety, testing, repair, loss budget
− serial communication – protocols, testing/fault diagnosis

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− ethernet communications – protocols, testing/fault diagnosis

− ethernet network cables and crimps (UTP/STP, RJ45)
− video signal cables and crimps (RG59)
− signal termination blocks
 system level testing/repair
− umbilical re-termination
− load tests (onshore/offshore)
− calibration, burial depth etc.

Module 8: ROV Systems/Equipment Operations

Training Objectives

Trainees should be able to understand the following:

 generic ROV systems, equipment fit and operational procedures
 functionality, limitations, use and risks of ROV systems and equipment
 risk assessment and safety procedures used in ROV operations.

Enabling Knowledge Training

Ballast and trim

Enabling Objective: Trainees should understand the procedures required to adjust and
change ballast and trim. This should include:
 understanding hydrodynamic drag and buoyancy
 fitting/adjusting ballast and buoyancy ancillaries.

Environmental factors

Enabling Objective: Trainees should understand and be able to describe the affect and
impact of environmental conditions on ROV operations. This should include:
 sea state – wave height/swell
 surface visibility – low vis/sun glare/precipitation
 day into/out of night operations
 wind
 temperature – high/low – air and water
 weather forecasting
 tidal stream assessment/calculation
 currents (effect on ROV components including ROV, TMS, tether, umbilical)
 sub-surface visibility – water turbidity
 seabed types

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Launch and Recovery Systems

Enabling Objective: Trainees should understand and be able to describe the procedures and
instructions for the operation of launch and recovery systems. This should include:
 toolbox talk, launch/recovery procedure, job/task brief
 description of methodologies for launch and recovery systems
 principles of heave compensation
 environmental conditions (see above)
 permit to work/authorisation

Communications

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to operate and use generic communication
equipment used by ROV operators. This should include the correct procedures for
communicating via radio or hardwire communication systems. This should include the
following topics:
 correct radio protocol
 emergency/safety instruction/alerts
 emergency numbers/safety response procedures
 back-up systems.

Video and Underwater Cameras

Enabling Objective: Trainees should understand the types of video cameras available and be
able to operate and use generic video equipment used on ROVs. This should include the
following subjects:
 visual inspection of camera(s)
 camera types
 camera installation
 video recording systems
 video equipment documentation
 video system configuration – DVD, monitor control, overlay.

Sonar

Enabling Objective: Trainees should understand the types of sonars available and be able to
operate and use generic sonar equipment used on ROVs. This should include the following
subjects:
 types of sonar
 basic use of sonar
 sonar system interconnection
 interpretation of sonar display screen

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ROV navigation and piloting

Enabling Objective: Trainees should understand the principles of ROV piloting and navigation
and be able to control/pilot an ROV under supervision or by using an ROV simulator and
demonstrate basic piloting ability. This should include the following subjects:
 visual navigation
 compass navigation
 sonar navigation
 correct use of automatic functions
 safe side awareness
 tether management system:
 entanglement prevention
 vessel co-ordination and TMS positioning
 un/docking from TMS in rough seas

Manipulators

Enabling Objective: Trainees should understand the principles of using manipulators, the
types of manipulators available and limitations/precautions to be taken in use. This should
include the following subjects:
 retrieving, releasing
 subsea rigging (shackle, hook)
 un/park hot stab
 handles and tools manipulation
 protection/damage avoidance

Operational Preparations

Enabling Objective: Trainees should understand the procedures required to prepare an ROV
for operational use and be able to carry out these preparations on a generic ROV simulator
or live ROV under supervision. This should include the following operational preparations:
 mission/task/dive planning
 risk assessment
 pre-deployment set-up including buoyancy and trim
 navigation and positioning systems
 dynamic positioning systems
 safety procedures for pre/post dive checks
 ROV dive/operation logbook recording
 safety procedures during dive checks
 simultaneous operations and strategy

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Operational procedures/scope of work implementation

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to describe the principles and procedures for
operating an ROV system and its equipment. The following operating procedures constitute
the recommended minimum level of detail required:
 operating safely including standard safety briefing procedure and hazard identification
and mitigation
 demonstrate the necessary skills required to pilot ROV systems
 understanding of mobilising/demobilising ROV systems
 vessel/platform limitations
 concurrent activities

Module 9: ROV Tooling and Ancillary Sensors

Training Objectives

Trainees should be able to understand:

 basic concepts of tooling and ancillary sensors
 ROV tooling capacities, types and integration of ROV tooling including survey sensors
 ROV tooling – importance of standard interfaces e.g. API, ISO
 operation and maintenance of tooling and ancillary sensors

Enabling Knowledge Training

Introduction to ROV tooling

Enabling Objective: Trainees should understand the principles of ROV tooling and
limitations/precautions to be taken in use. This should include the following subjects:
 integration of ROV tooling to ROV system
− hydraulic interface
− mechanical interface (including weight in air vs weight in water)
− effects on trim and buoyancy
− power and signal interface, data standards and bandwidth limitations
− use of different fluids, flow rates and pressures
− management of cables and hoses (allowing for movement in tool operation)
 operation and maintenance of ROV tooling
− buoyancy requirements
− calibration/testing and verification
− operating techniques ROV tooling subsea
− deliverables
− ROV tooling maintenance.

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Introduction of ROV work package sensors

Enabling Objective: Trainees should understand the principles of ROV sensors. This should
include the following subjects:
 overview of ROV survey sensor capacities, and types of ROV work package sensor
 overview of data recording and storage
 integration of ROV work package sensors to ROV system
− mechanical interface
− power and signal interface, data standards and bandwidth limitations
− management of cables
 Operation and maintenance of ROV work package sensors
− buoyancy requirements
− calibration/testing and verification
− operating techniques ROV work package sensors subsea.
− deliverables
− ROV work package sensor maintenance.

Module 10: Lifting Operations

Training Objectives

Trainees should understand:

 types of lifting equipment, lifting procedures, and testing requirements used in ROV
operations
 use, limitations and risks of launch and recovery systems (LARS)
 risk assessment and safety processes for LARS used in ROV operations
 roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in lifting operations.

Enabling Knowledge Training

Crane operation, lifting equipment/accessories and winches

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to describe the principles and procedures for
lifting procedures, equipment and testing requirements used in ROV operations. The
following subjects are the recommended minimum level of detail required:
 movement of loads
 types of lifting equipment both fixed and mobile.
 cranes and A-frames
− types
− installation
− inspection

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− operation and safety function testing requirements

− maintenance requirements (daily/weekly/monthly)
 umbilical winches
− types
− installation
− inspection (winch and umbilical)
− operation and safety function testing requirements
− umbilical types (armoured)
− load testing (armoured)
− maintenance requirements (daily/weekly/monthly) for winch and umbilical
− umbilical re-termination
 tether management systems.

Use, limitations and risks of launch and recovery systems (LARS)

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to describe the general functions and limitations
of generic LARS used in ROV operations. The following subjects are the recommended
minimum level of detail required:
 identification and use of lifting equipment and accessories
 lifting equipment and accessories selection criteria
 use of lifting equipment and accessories
 types of equipment and accessories:
− lifting equipment
− cranes
− winches
− chain blocks
− lever hoists
− wire rope hoists
− lifting accessories
− SWR
− chain slings
− webbing slings
− shackles
− eye bolts.

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Risk assessment and safety processes for lifting operations used in ROV operations

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to understand and follow a risk assessment
process used in lifting operations. The following subjects are the recommended minimum
level of detail required:
 pre-use inspection
− markings
− SWL/WLL
− damage (and how it may occur)
− quarantine process
 certification and recertification requirements
 limitations of use
− system/equipment limitations
− limitations caused by environmental conditions
 weight identification and estimation of the load
 principles of sling angles and tensions
 sling attachment – safe and even weight distribution
 route planning
 operation and safety function testing requirements.

Roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in lifting operations

Enabling Objective: Trainees should be able to describe the job, roles and responsibilities of
trained lifting operation personnel (riggers, banksmen, slingers (load handlers)) in ROV
operations. The following subjects are the recommended minimum level of detail required:

Lifting operations and procedures:

 steps/phases of lifting operations
 lift plans
 risk assessments
 toolbox talks/job or task brief
 methods of communication (radio/hand singles)
 deck awareness (correct positioning of personnel involved in lifting operations)
 roles and responsibilities:
− rigger
− banksman
− slinger (load handler).

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