ROV Pilot Project

‍Students onboard Adventuress with ROV.  Photo courtesy Sound Experience.

The Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Pilot Project introduces students to core ROV concepts through hands-on, experiential learning. Designed for both K–12 and post-secondary audiences, the project works with industry and education partners to build an introductory curriculum, a career-connected pathway map, and a scalable platform aligned with industry standards.

Phase I: Testing, Data Collection & Early Partnerships

In Phase I, the project collaborated with two high-school partners—Burlington-Edison High School and Friday Harbor High School—along with Sound Experience, to test ROV units and gather data on:

·       Student accessibility and engagement

·       Operational capacity and ease of use

·       Classroom and field-based instructional challenges

The project also partnered with the Around the America’s Project to deploy a professional-grade ROV aboard a circumnavigation of North and South America, supporting kelp-forest survey work and demonstrating real-world applications of ROV technology.

Phase II: Refinement, Pathway Development & Curriculum Framework

Phase II expands testing with Burlington-Edison High School, Friday Harbor High School, and Sound Experience. This phase will produce:

·       A career pathway map introducing students to ROV-related occupations

·       A framework outline for foundational ROV curriculum

·       Recommendations for classroom integration and future scaling

Why ROV Skills Matter

Demand for ROV technicians continues to grow across multiple sectors, including:

·       Offshore oil and gas

·       Renewable energy

·       Maritime transportation and port operations

·       Marine research and ecosystem monitoring

·       Construction and infrastructure inspection

·       Law enforcement and investigative work

·       Hydrographic surveying

·       Commercial diving and salvage

From industry exploration to environmental stewardship, ROVs play a critical—and expanding—role in the blue economy. The ROV Pilot Project ensures Washington students have early access to these emerging technologies and the career opportunities they unlock.