What you need to perform it
Primary qualification
- Mechanical, hydraulic or electromechanical engineering, with years of shop/field time on pressure-control equipment.
- OEM training on the installed stack (Cameron, NOV Shaffer, Hydril — per unit) and command of API Std 53 and the applicable API S16/S64 practices (indicative).
- Valid supervisor-level well control (IADC WellSharp Supervisor / IWCF 4) plus BOSIET/offshore medical.
Basic STCW
- A-VI/1
- OPITO BOSIET
Specific courses
- BOP control systems: pods, accumulators, EDS and deadman/autoshear
- Pressure and function testing: programmes, records and acceptance criteria
- Riser and tensioners: inspection, handling and emergency-disconnect analysis
- ROV interface for stack intervention on bottom
Indicative experience
Indicative: 3-5 years as a subsea mechanic/technician on the BOP deck before Subsea Engineer responsibility; deepwater units require prior campaigns on the same stack model.
Observations
The BOP is the well's secondary barrier: its certification and documentation face operator, class and regulator scrutiny. Progression: Subsea Engineer → Senior Subsea → fleet subsea superintendent.
What this role does
Custodian of the floater's BOP and subsea system: plans and executes BOP/LMRP maintenance per API Std 53, runs function and pressure tests before and during the well, manages riser, connectors and controls (pods), and technically leads any intervention while the stack is deployed. If the BOP is not certified and operable, the well does not advance.
Typical watches
- Availability according to BOP operations
Key responsibilities
- Maintenance and operation of the BOP (Blowout Preventer) and Riser.
- Hydraulic and mechanical systems of the seabed.
- Pressure tests and certification of the BOP according to regulations.
- Coordination with the drilling team to lower/raise the BOP.
Operational scope
- BOP Stack
- Riser system
- Subsea hydraulic systems
Profile reviewed by HydroAbyss (2026). Cited rules and timeframes are indicative: the final requirement is set by the flag State, the Administration and each company.