What was your job in Black Sea MAP?

Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Senior Supervisor – overall supervisor for the ROV team.

What did your role involve?

I was responsible for the ROV crew, equipment, and operations. I helped plan the daily ROV operations with the wider team. I supervised any maintenance and repair of the ROV system and equipment including making any different tools required for the job.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Obviously to fly the ROV, but also to work together as a team and perform challenging operations. The most fascinating part of my job is to see and explore places where no one ever been or seen before. Especially to discover items like ancient shipwrecks.

What skills do you use in your job?

I would say 40% technical skills, 40% operational skills (navigation, orientation, safety aspect, and planning) 19% Communication skills, and 1% luck 😊

What was a highlight for you of Black Sea MAP?

To be the first person to see a wreck that might be two thousand years old, and of course, to work with and learn from the highly skilled scientists onboard the vessel.

Which subjects did you study at school?

I went to school in Norway. I studied Electro and Automation – which are types of engineering.

What did you do after school?

After the two-year electro and automation course, I started working on cell phone production. Then I moved to the west coast of Norway and started working in the Oil and Gas industry. Over the last 20 years, I’ve been working with ROVs and subsea related systems.

Were there any specific influences or motivations that led to your current career?

I’ve always been enjoying working with my hands, creating and operating something physical.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Listen to and remember what other say or recommend – but do exactly what you want! Believe in yourself and work hard to achieve your goal. If you would like to put chocolates into boxes at the chocolate factory, plant flowers in the roundabout, sit in the international space station or operate the world’s fastest ROV – do it!