Steven Goodson is Oceaneering’s Subsea Robotics Offshore Project Manager. He oversees the remotely operated vehicles (ROV) on board vessels and leads a crew of technicians. While on leave from an assignment on a 754-ft drillship in the Mississippi Canyon in the north-central Gulf of Mexico, he explained what it’s like to work offshore for 180 days out of the year and shared a glimpse into the life of an ROV tech. “At the end of the day, we’re all technicians,” he acknowledged.
Steven joined the company 20 years ago as a junior technician.
“As a kid during the summer, I worked on the equipment on my grandfather’s farm. That’s the only experience I had with hydraulic systems before joining Oceaneering. I knew this environment would challenge me and increase my problem-solving skills. I completed the onshore safety programs and learned the different electric and hydraulic offshore ROV systems on the job.”
With hard work, he moved up the ladder to become a supervisor, senior supervisor, and superintendent before assuming the role of project manager.
Inspecting, testing, troubleshooting, and piloting
The responsibilities of ROV technicians are varied and the job offers many exciting challenges.
“There is always something new to learn or an issue to overcome. One day you could be working with a new component, fixing a piece of equipment, or solving a problem with a subsea asset.”
On a typical day, an ROV tech will participate in morning vessel pre-tour meetings, followed by daily safety meetings and on-deck training.
“On ROV dive-operation days, we inspect the system for any issues, prep it for the dive, put the vehicle in the water, complete the required dive inspections, and recover the ROV back to the deck. During underwater operations, we pilot the ROV with the aid of cameras, depth sensors, and sonars. We inspect drilling risers, blow out preventers (BOPs), and perform subsea completion work.”
After the dive, the techs examine the system equipment for any issues. Maintenance may include draining, filling or replacing hydraulic pumps and electric motors as well as repairing electrical components by removing cables, soldering wires, or replacing circuits.
Perks of the job
The Oceaneering ROV Training Program was established in 1995 and serves employees around the world.
“You’ll learn electric and hydraulic systems from component documents, modules, and trained personnel. And you can move ahead in your career through a competency program that gives you the exact requirements needed for advancement.”
To promote a work/life balance, most offshore jobs also offer rotational schedules allowing technicians to work a few weeks away and then return home for the same amount of time. Steven, for example, currently works 21 days offshore and then enjoys 21 days off. While on assignment, he maintains frequent communication with family.
“During a 12-hour work shift, we have a break every three hours and a scheduled lunch. I use that time to connect with family and once my day is over at 6:00 p.m., I have the entire night to catch up with them.”
Many of the vessels are also equipped with exercise facilities and buffet-style meals are provided to all crew members.
Oceaneering offers ROV technicians the opportunity to build interesting careers in an industry where innovation and problem-solving are the order of the day.