Ocean Power Technologies Aims to Fill Skills Gap with New USV Training Program

By Carol Moore

As the maritime industry undergoes a dramatic shift towards automation, a critical need for skilled operators of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) is emerging. Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) is stepping up to address this challenge, recently receiving accreditation as a Trusted USV Operator Training Provider by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). This certification isn't just a validation of OPT’s expertise, it’s a strategic move to capitalize on a burgeoning market and establish itself as a leader in USV training – a field poised for substantial growth.

OPT’s new program isn’t appearing in a vacuum. The demand for USVs is driven by a broad range of applications – from defense and security to scientific research and offshore energy. However, deploying these advanced vessels effectively requires a trained workforce capable of operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex systems. This skill gap is creating a bottleneck for widespread USV adoption.

“The industry is realizing that simply having the technology isn’t enough,” explains one industry analyst who requested anonymity. “You need people who understand how to operate these vehicles safely and efficiently, interpret the data they collect, and respond to unexpected situations. Training programs like OPT’s are essential to bridging that gap.”

A Growing Market, A Critical Need

The global uncrewed maritime systems market is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years. Industry reports suggest a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10-15% over the next decade, driven by increasing demand for autonomous solutions. This growth is fueling the need for a skilled workforce capable of supporting these systems throughout their lifecycle.

“The increase in USV deployments across various sectors means there is a rapidly expanding need for qualified personnel,” says another source familiar with the industry. “Operators, maintenance technicians, data analysts – these roles are becoming increasingly important, and there's a shortage of qualified candidates.”

OPT’s accreditation by AUVSI provides a significant competitive advantage. As one of the first companies to achieve this certification, OPT is positioned as a trusted provider of high-quality USV training. The AUVSI accreditation process involves a rigorous review of training curricula, instructor qualifications, and facilities, ensuring that graduates meet industry standards.

Beyond Training: A New Revenue Stream for OPT

While addressing a critical industry need, the move into USV training also represents a strategic business decision for OPT. The company, known for its Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel (WAM-V®) platform, is diversifying its revenue streams and creating a recurring income source beyond the sale of USV hardware.

“For OPT, this is a smart move,” says a financial analyst covering the maritime technology sector. “They’ve invested heavily in developing advanced USV technology, and now they’re capitalizing on that expertise by offering training services. It’s a natural extension of their existing business.”

The financial implications are noteworthy. While specific projections aren’t publicly available, industry experts anticipate significant growth in the USV training market. The ability to attract students from both commercial and government sectors could generate a substantial revenue stream for OPT.

Democratizing Ocean Exploration & Diverse Applications

The benefits of improved USV training extend beyond simply filling a skills gap. Standardized, high-quality training is also democratizing access to ocean exploration and data collection. Previously, operating and maintaining USVs required specialized expertise, limiting their use to a select few organizations. Now, with a wider pool of trained operators, a broader range of industries and research institutions can leverage the capabilities of USVs.

The WAM-V® platform, specifically, is utilized in a diverse set of applications. OPT's clients use the technology for tasks ranging from offshore oil and gas inspection and monitoring to environmental research, port security, and defense operations. The ability to train operators effectively across these different sectors is crucial for maximizing the value of the technology.

“USVs are becoming increasingly versatile tools,” explains an oceanographic researcher who has used OPT’s USV platforms. “They can collect data in challenging environments, reduce the risk to human personnel, and provide valuable insights into ocean processes. But you need skilled operators to make the most of these capabilities. Training is absolutely essential.”

Challenges and the Future of USV Training

Despite the positive outlook, several challenges remain. The USV industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and applications emerging rapidly. Training programs must be agile and adaptable to keep pace with these changes. Maintaining a qualified pool of instructors is also crucial, and requires ongoing investment in professional development.

Looking ahead, several trends are likely to shape the future of USV training. Virtual and augmented reality simulations are expected to play an increasingly important role in providing realistic and cost-effective training experiences. Emphasis on data analytics and machine learning will also become more prominent, as USVs generate vast amounts of data that needs to be interpreted and analyzed. Finally, standardization of training curricula and certification programs will be critical for ensuring consistency and quality across the industry.

Ocean Power Technologies' investment in USV training signals a commitment to addressing these challenges and preparing the workforce for the future of maritime operations. As the industry continues to evolve, the ability to provide high-quality training will be a key differentiator for companies looking to succeed in this dynamic and rapidly growing market.