Oceanbotics News
Introducing the SRV-8C: Compact, Capable & Cost-Effective ROV
Introducing the SRV-8C: Compact, Capable & Cost-Effective ROV It’s finally here—the SRV-8C. The most compact remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the Oceanbotics lineup, the SRV-8C delivers the same ease of operation, extreme maneuverability, and intuitive SubNav OS software the SRV-8 Series is known for—now in a streamlined, highly portable system. Standing at just over 15 inches tall, the SRV-8C is designed for efficiency in both size and deployment. The vehicle, tether, and essential accessories can be packed into a single rolling case, enabling rapid mobilization in the field and reducing logistical complexity compared to traditional inspection-class ROV systems. The SRV-8C introduces a new price point for Oceanbotics—making professional-grade underwater inspection more attainable than ever. Compact yet highly capable, the system enables users to perform critical tasks such as object identification, inspection, and retrieval, all while delivering an industry-leading battery life of up to four hours. The SRV-8C completes the SRV-8 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]