DIPLOMA OF TECHNOLOGY/BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY (UNDERWATER VEHICLES)

MISSION

The Underwater Vehicle program is a 4 year applied program designed to:

• Provide graduates with solid technical skills to operate, maintain and repair all classes of remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles (ROVs and AUVs).
• Train students in ROV deployment methodologies that encompass safety, inspection and operation.
• Prepare students for careers in offshore oil & gas, nuclear, military, law enforcement, pipeline and cable industries as a substitute to diving operations.
• Graduate students with a 3 year Marine Institute (MI) Diploma of Technology complimented by a Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) Bachelor of Technology Degree.

The Underwater Vehicle program is designed to prepare graduates to enter the workforce with a sound background in electronics, hydraulics, electrical and workplace safety.

Main Areas of Study

• In the first year, students begin studying math, physics, chemistry, electro-technology, digital logic, and computer programming. ROV systems are introduced as well as courses in oceanography, fluid mechanics, and ROV electronics. Written communication and computer programming is another feature of this first year.
• Following Term 2, the 6 week Technical Session 1 teaches hands-on experience with electronic and mechanical fabrication and drafting, instrumentation used on ROV’s, and ROV pilotage via simulators. A basic seamanship course introduces students to life at sea.
• The second year focuses on ROV operations and maintenance. It covers advanced hydraulics, industrial electronics & controls, underwater acoustics, and electrical machines, maintenance, and safety. A workshop practice course adds a practical dimension to the theoretical knowledge. ROV launch, recovery, and maintenance duties form a major part of work for the graduates in the ROV industry. On the operational side, computer interfacing techniques, data communication, and acoustics applications help in understanding the internetworked systems that comprise an ROV.
• Term 4 is followed by the 6 week Technical Session 2 in which students receive hands-on experience piloting ROVs in controlled and open water environments and honing those skills in the simulator. This technical session also includes marine safety training required to work in the offshore industry.
• Following Technical Session 2, students are required to complete an 8 week (320 hour) work term in the local or international ROV industry. The work term can also be completed following Year 3 or 4 if necessary.
• Year three and four of the UV program build on the ROV pilot fundamentals to extend their knowledge to include ROV and AUV Design. It includes study in advanced electronics, mechanics and system design. The students also complete two higher level math courses and a chemistry course. Students are introduced to business and management skills as part of the Bachelor of Technology degree.

Characteristics of Graduates

• Successful graduates will have a proven work ethic and an excellent understanding of ROV/AUV operations and design including piloting, hydraulics and work safety (for which an accredited International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) logbook will be kept) preparing them for initial employment as a ROV/AUV operator/designer.

Accreditation Status

• The BTech (UV) program is accredited under the Dublin Accord by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB).
• Graduates are recognized by the Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC) and are eligible to register with DCBC as an ROV Operator.

Students admitted to the BTech (UV) program must meet the requirements for both Memorial University and the Marine Institute. They are also required to successfully complete and maintain a CAPP (Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers) medical.

Length of the Program

• 4 academic years

Number of semesters

• Eight (8) 13 week academic semesters, two technical sessions and a work term
  

   

  Please refer to the Degree Program Regulation in the Fisheries and Marine Institute section of the 2019-2020 Memorial University Calendar for details on the required courses for the Bachelor of Technology – Engineering and Applied Science Option, www.mun.ca/regoff/calendar.php

   

Number of courses

• 62 courses in 4 years of study

Work terms

• Students complete an 8 week (320 hour) work term at the end of Term 4