AUV Competence Explained: What Operators, Supervisors and Clients Need to Know

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle work is growing rapidly across offshore, renewables and survey operations. However, expectations around AUV competence are often misunderstood.

As systems evolve, competence requirements also change. Operators, supervisors and clients must understand what safe and compliant AUV operations now involve.

This article explains what AUV roles look like today, how competence differs from ROV, where gaps commonly appear, and how assessment and certification should be approached.

What an AUV Role Involves Today

Modern AUV operators are rarely single-discipline technicians.

Instead, the role often blends elements of:

• Surveyor
• Survey Technician
• ROV Operator

As a result, AUV operations naturally lend themselves to multi-skilling. MTCS is currently working with a client on a project of this nature, reflecting the industry’s move towards broader technical capability within one role.

Because of this shift, responsibility increases. A structured approach to competence management and assessment is therefore essential.

How AUV Competence Differs from ROV

AUV competence is not dramatically different from ROV competence in structure. It still includes:

• Safety elements
• Operational elements
• Technical elements

However, there are important differences to consider.

1. Battery and Fuel Cell Technology

Firstly, there is a strong focus on battery and fuel cell safety. This technology is relatively new to many offshore personnel and introduces additional risk considerations.

2. Remote Operation Centres and Cyber Security

In some cases, AUVs are operated from Remote Operation Centres, similar to certain ROV systems. As a result, this introduces additional considerations such as:

• Data security
• Cyber security
• Secure system management

3. Mission Planning and Maintenance

Unlike ROVs, AUVs are pre-programmed and not connected via an umbilical or tether. Because of this, greater emphasis is placed on:

• Accurate mission planning
• High standards of maintenance
• System reliability before deployment

In addition, security of operational data is particularly important for ROC-operated AUV systems.

Common AUV Competence Gaps Offshore

AUV teams are often made up of personnel from ROV and Survey backgrounds.

Because of this transition, several common competence gaps appear:

• Limited understanding of battery technology
• Limited exposure to battery safety
• Cyber security awareness for ROC-operated systems

For example, the knowledge gap around battery systems is comparable to the early stages of electric vehicle adoption. The technology is present, but familiarity and structured competence frameworks are still catching up.

Without proper assessment and certification, these gaps can present operational and safety risks.

How AUV Competence Is Assessed

AUV competence is assessed in the same structured way as other offshore disciplines.

Typically, candidates must:

• Undergo workplace assessments
• Gather evidence to support the competence criteria
• Submit valid, relevant, authentic and timely documentation

Assessment focuses on both:

• Performance in the workplace
• Underpinning knowledge

This approach ensures certification reflects genuine competence, not just experience logged offshore.

For more information on competence routes, see:

• Independent Competence Certification (ICA and GA): https://mtcsuk.com/
• MTCS Online programmes: https://online.mtcs.info/

Training vs Workplace Experience

Experience remains a key component of competence. However, it must be gained in the correct operational context and aligned to defined competence criteria.

Training plays an essential supporting role.

Effective AUV training should include:

• Technical systems understanding
• AUV operational procedures
• Battery safety training aligned with High Voltage principles
• Operational training similar to structured ROV training
• Cyber security training where applicable

In simple terms, training builds knowledge, while workplace assessment confirms competence.

What Clients Now Expect

Clients using AUV services expect safety to be the priority.

As a result, they expect to see:

• A fully operational and audited system
• A robust competence management process
• A team assessed against clear criteria
• Verified certification

Therefore, competence must be demonstrable and externally defensible.

How MTCS Supports AUV Competence

MTCS has developed a dedicated AUV Competence Programme.

The programme has been developed in close collaboration with IMCA to support compliance and alignment across the industry.

As with all MTCS certification routes, the focus remains on ensuring robust processes sit behind the award of a Certificate of Competence.

The aim is simple. To ensure offshore AUV personnel are competent, assessed correctly, and operating safely.

AUV operations are evolving quickly, so competence expectations must evolve at the same pace.

Battery safety, cyber security and structured mission planning are now core elements of safe AUV operations. Experience alone is no longer enough. It must be supported by structured assessment and verified evidence.

To explore AUV competence certification or training pathways, visit https://mtcsuk.com/ or contact the MTCS team, call +44 15394 40200 or email [email protected]