22 ROV Pilot Jobs You Can Get in 2026

As we move toward a world where remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) continue to solve problems and support thousands of industries in different ways, the need for people to manufacture, operate, test, and maneuver these vehicles will only grow. For anyone whose dream has always been to control robots for a living—this one’s for you. What is an ROV Pilot? An ROV pilot is a technically trained professional who operates an unmanned, remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). The purpose of this role is to have a dedicated operator who understands the ins and outs of ROV navigation, systems, and tooling, and who can safely and effectively complete the mission at hand. Depending on the class and complexity of the ROV, training can range from relatively simple to highly advanced. Because ROVs are used across so many industries and applications, there is always room to grow—learning new tools, technologies, [...]

By |2026-01-22T11:23:18-08:00January 19th, 2026|Blog, Landing, Testimonials|Comments Off on 22 ROV Pilot Jobs You Can Get in 2026

Ask an ROV Pilot: Inside Pipe Profiling with Max Jackson

Ask an ROV Pilot: Inside Pipe Profiling with Max Jackson We sat down with ROV pilot Max Jackson of Underwater Engineering Services Inc. (UESI) to get an inside look at his work inspecting culverts and pipelines across Southeast Florida. This past summer, Max was featured on Smithsonian Channel’s hit series How Did They Fix That?, giving viewers a glimpse into a day in the life of an ROV pilot managing critical infrastructure in hurricane-prone areas. In our conversation, he shares how his work helps protect the state’s canals from storms like Hurricane Milton and what it takes to keep Florida’s waterways safe. Read the full interview below. Walk me through a day as an ROV pilot performing underwater inspections. Max: "We pack up the SRV-8 ROV—it comes in four boxes, which really isn’t much for the amount of equipment. Loading the truck takes about 20 [...]

By |2026-01-22T10:14:03-08:00November 4th, 2025|Blog, Landing, Testimonials|Comments Off on Ask an ROV Pilot: Inside Pipe Profiling with Max Jackson

Post-Hurricane Milton: How Inspection Crews Are Using ROVs to Prepare for the Next Disaster

Post-Hurricane Milton: How Inspection Crews Are Using ROVs to Prepare for the Next Disaster In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, inspection crews across Florida are rethinking how they approach disaster response and infrastructure resilience. With limited time between storms and growing concerns about underwater infrastructure, teams are turning to remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)—or professional underwater drones—to inspect, repair, and prepare critical systems before the next hurricane strikes. Pre and Post Storm Inspections In the event of another hurricane, civil engineering teams across the state are prioritizing pre-storm inspections of critical infrastructure—such as pipelines, canals, and roadways—to ensure these systems can withstand flooding. Traditionally, advanced divers carried out underwater investigations—collecting data, documenting conditions, and recommending repairs or improvements. Today, instead of sending divers into dangerous, zero-visibility, alligator-prone floodwaters, inspection crews deploy ROVs first. These systems capture high-resolution sonar and video data safely from the surface, delivering [...]

By |2025-11-19T13:10:56-08:00August 29th, 2025|Blog, Landing|Comments Off on Post-Hurricane Milton: How Inspection Crews Are Using ROVs to Prepare for the Next Disaster

Oceanbotics Returns to Shark Week for Third Year to Capture Black Mako

Oceanbotics Returns to Shark Week to Capture Rare Black Mako Oceanbotics is excited to announce its return to the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week for the third consecutive year, participating in the production of a new special, “Black Mako of the Abyss", filmed off the coast of Catalina Island in Southern California. To help locate this rare, dark-colored shark, Oceanbotics deployed its professional SRV-8X remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). Ryan Gates, an ROV operator, easily piloted the vehicle down to 1,640 feet (500 meters) using just a handheld controller and a laptop, showcasing how straightforward and user-friendly the system is, even in challenging conditions. A rare Black Mako Shark flashes its sharp teeth and distinctive dark top as it passes the SRV-8X ROV. The Black Mako Shark slows down to study a Shark Week diver as it glides past the SRV-8X ROV. What is [...]

By |2025-11-20T09:21:56-08:00August 4th, 2025|Blog, Landing, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Oceanbotics Returns to Shark Week for Third Year to Capture Black Mako

How to Set Up and Deploy an Inspection ROV

Introduction When it comes to new technology, inspection ROVs (or, remotely operated vehicles) are making their way into industries around the world. As more industries adopt robotic systems and artificial intelligence into their daily operations, it’s becoming essential for professionals to stay ahead of the curve.The good news? Modern ROVs are a far cry from the complex, unreliable tools of the past. Today’s systems are streamlined, rugged, and built for real-world operations. Remotely operated vehicles are proving themselves across a wide range of industries—including search and rescue, defense, offshore oil and gas, infrastructure inspection, and marine research—by offering a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. If you’ve been skeptical of adopting this kind of technology, you're not alone—but we’re here to show you just how simple and practical it can be. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to set up and deploy a professional-grade inspection [...]

By |2025-11-20T09:24:39-08:00April 24th, 2025|Blog, Landing|Comments Off on How to Set Up and Deploy an Inspection ROV

What is an ROV? Answers to the Top 8 Questions

What is an ROV? Answers to the Top 8 Questions Introduction An ROV, or "Remotely Operated Vehicle," is an advanced underwater robotic vehicle designed to perform tasks beneath the water's surface with precision and efficiency. Also called underwater ROVs, these vehicles are remotely controlled by an operator above water. We researched the most commonly asked questions about ROVs and gathered insights from our experts to answer the top eight. Whether you're looking to buy an ROV for professional use or want to learn how they’re transforming underwater operations, let’s explore their features and real-world impact. 8 Most Commonly Asked Questions about ROVs 1. How do ROVs work? 2. What are the different types of ROVs? 3. Which industries are implementing ROV technology for critical operations? 4. How Deep Can an ROV Go? 5. What kind of tasks can an ROV perform underwater? [...]

By |2025-11-20T09:29:30-08:00February 13th, 2025|Blog, Landing, Uncategorized|Comments Off on What is an ROV? Answers to the Top 8 Questions

How EOD Teams are Using Robotic Technology to Keep Divers Safe

How EOD Teams are Using Robotic Technology to Keep Divers Safe Introduction Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams undertake some of the most dangerous missions on the planet, expertly trained to locate and neutralize unexploded ordnances (UXOs) such as naval mines and underwater IEDs (improvised explosive devices). Naval mines are underwater explosives capable of devastating ships or submarines. Historically, these devices were deployed as wartime strategies to block enemy access to certain areas or funnel them into specific zones. Today, naval mines remain hidden along the ocean floor, posing significant risks to ocean operations and personnel. In this article, we’ll explore what naval mines are, how EOD teams work to safely eliminate them, and how advancements in technology are revolutionizing this process—making it faster, safer, and more efficient. What Are Naval Mines? A naval mine is a self-contained underwater explosive designed to damage or destroy submarines [...]

By |2025-11-20T09:44:07-08:00January 23rd, 2025|Blog, Landing, Uncategorized|Comments Off on How EOD Teams are Using Robotic Technology to Keep Divers Safe

What is an ROV? And Why You Need One

An underwater ROV, or "Remotely Operated Vehicle," is a cutting-edge underwater drone controlled remotely from the surface. These vehicles are revolutionizing industries by providing safer, more cost-effective, and highly efficient solutions for a wide range of underwater operations. From search and rescue (SAR) and defense missions to offshore maintenance, marine research, non-destructive testing, and data collection, ROVs are essential tools for professionals tackling underwater challenges. Designed to explore depths that often exceed hundreds of meters, ROVs are equipped with advanced cameras, sensors, and manipulator arms, allowing them to excel at complex tasks while streaming real-time data to operators on the surface. By minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency, this technology has become the first choice for professionals across a wide variety of markets. The Ultimate Solution for Safer, Cost-Effective, and Efficient Operations ROVs are transformative tools across various sectors: Safety First: By deploying an ROV first, operators can assess hazardous environments before sending [...]

By |2024-11-21T14:58:00-08:00November 19th, 2024|Blog, Landing|Comments Off on What is an ROV? And Why You Need One

Product Launch: The SRV-8 MDV

The SRV-8 MDV (Mine Disposal Vehicle) is a new addition to Oceanbotics’ Special Purpose Vehicle Division. This field-tested underwater ROV will detect and eliminate explosive mine threats quickly and efficiently, utilizing ECS Special Projects’ Viper MDS technology for neutralizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The SRV-8 MDV’s ease of use and adaptive software will allow commercial and naval EOD teams to locate and neutralize mine threats quickly. The SRV-8 MDV (Mine Disposal Vehicle) Operators will first use the SRV-8 MDV’s state-of-the-art imaging sonar to detect the mine threat. Upon reaching the mine, the Viper MDS will secure the charge disruptor to the mine. The operator will then navigate the ROV away from the mine threat while deploying a spooled shock tube that is tethered from the charge to the ROV. By activating the charge through the shock tube, the operator will effectively neutralize the mine threat, ensuring the safety of both [...]

By |2024-10-23T12:53:11-07:00June 12th, 2023|Blog, Product News|Comments Off on Product Launch: The SRV-8 MDV
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