Joshua Tetarenko

Tell us about your work / research. What kinds of things do you do?

I specialize in ROV operations, telemetry upgrades, general maintenance, and mobilization. I focus mostly oceanographic science ROV missions and have specific expertise using ROV's to maintain Ocean Network Canada's scientific nodes, platforms, and experiments in the northwest region of the Pacific Ocean. Every year all of their experiments need to be brought back to the surface from the sea floor and/or deployed to the sea floor. A large part of my job is to use an unmanned robotic submarine to do just that for them, recover, deploy, and plug in their scientific instruments. I come aboard the ship and operate the submarine from the surface of the ship, and fix the ROV if it breaks. My background is in electronics and I originally started out my career as an electrician working in industrial construction in Vancouver.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

Ever since I was a kid, I loved building things and solving problems, which I feel is approximately 90% of my job as a science-oriented ROV pilot/technician. My interest in the electronics side of ROV maintenance comes from a long line of electricians and electronics specialists on the paternal side of my family. I was introduced to ROV's and electronics at a young age by my father who had worked in the field almost his entire life.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

While it was my mother that encouraged and helped me to start my apprenticeship as an electrician, my father has influenced me the most, especially career-wise. He pretty much taught me everything I know about ROV's, got me my first job piloting and working with them, and without him, I would most definitely not have stumbled into this career that I love. Both of my parents have always preached that loving what you do for a living is one of the most important aspects in anyone's life and encouraged me to do what makes me happy. I am extremely lucky to have been introduced to a job that I enjoy so much.

What element of your work / study do you think is the most fascinating?

Recently I was able to fly an ROV over 2 kilometers underwater to explore hydrothermal vents on the seafloor of the Pacific Ocean. The experience was incredible, and unlike any I will ever come across again. The ocean is such an unexplored place still, and the opportunities to experience fascinating phenomena seem endless.

What other jobs led you to your current career?

My previous job as an industrial electrician provided me with much of the knowledge base I use for ROV maintenance. Not only did my 5-year electrical apprenticeship teach me the skills I need to be able to fix ROV's, but it also showed me that a strong work ethic is the most important part of any job.

What are your degrees and certifications?

Certificate of Apprenticeship - British Columbia Institute of Technology 2012

What are your hobbies?

When I'm not operating ROVs, I live in a constant state of trepidation, fearful of the retribution that I know is coming from Mike Burns and Marley Parker. They will have their vengeance. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to have a career like yours?

I suppose I would say that to work with ROV's you first need to learn how to fix them. There are few avenues you could take to do that, as there are many different parts to any ROV, so I would encourage an education, as hands-on as possible, in the field of electrical/electronics, or mechanical/hydraulics. You could start anywhere from an apprenticeship to an engineering degree. After that, you just have to look around for a starting ROV job and work as hard as you can.

How did you get involved with the Nautilus Exploration Program? How did you get on the ship?

The Nautilus Exploration Program has been contracted by Ocean Networks Canada to continue maintaining their science experiments and conduct research in June 2017. ONC referred me to the head of OET's ROV program, who in turn has hired me to be one of the ROV Pilots for said cruise in June.