Full-time ROV operator recruited
The Norwegian salmon producer Blom Fiskeoppdrett has hired a full-time ROV operator – in what could be a landmark move for the fish farming industry.
While many companies use remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), Blom is perhaps the first to hire a full-time operator for these devices.
Atle Dåvøy, who previously worked in the offshore industry, has now been appointed as Blom’s head of ROV, inspection and maintenance, and is based in Øygarden in Hordaland.
Blom has previously hired ROV personnel to conduct underwater surveys and cage inspections in addition to divers, but has now decided to commit fully to a dedicated ROV operator, as well as investing NOK 4 million in new ROV equipment that can dive right down to 500m to inspect site moorings.
In addition to ROVs, Dåvøy has responsibility for all inspections and other maintenance as well as working with improvements in the company’s Health, Safety and Environment departments.
Speaking to kyst.no, he said: “From 2001 to 2015 I worked at FMC Technologies, department for Subsea Services, the world's largest supplier of equipment for the subsea oil and gas wells. Subsea Services is responsible for the installation, final testing and maintenance of subsea equipment and tools. There I have had many different roles and positions – as a project engineer, project manager, engineering and maintenance manager.
“My years in Subsea and all the roles and tasks that I've had there has given me experience that I think can be used and are relevant in the new job and the roles I now have both operational and management experience.
“In addition, work has given me a valuable grounding in safety issues that I take with me to work every day and try to use to keep myself, my staff and the company safe when working,” he adds.
Knowledge transfer
Dåvøy is very keen to forge a stronger link between the offshore industry and farming – seeing vast potential.
He describes his job as positively challenging and thinks it is exciting to build up something new, ensure technical safety, continuity of the equipment and build internal expertise.
“I think that Blom’s decision to obtain expertise from other industries is correct. I'm sure that ROVs, which are a tool to ensure better and safer operations around cages, will only become even more important in the future,” he concludes.
