STUDENT CONNECTION
said Mr. Glatt. “RPMNF had borrowed an Iver 2 AUV from Ocean Server to continue searching for possible shipwrecks in the countries in which they operate.”
and it was so dark, we could only see as far as the ROV lights allowed us. The amount of sea life along the crest of the cliffs was breathtaking and I felt like I was exploring a different planet.”
While piloting the ROV he and the team were completing video surveys of shipwrecks as well as recovering artifacts such as pottery.
“The instructors and lab technicians at MI and the School of Ocean Technology are extremely helpful and have opened ROMAN AMPHORA RECOVERED IN MONTENEGRO. PHOTO CREDIT: WILLIAM GLATT
RPMNF brought Glatt back to their team for a second summer, primarily for his ability to integrate with the crew and his applicable skill set. “The focus for my second field season was AUV survey and ROV operations, to which my training directly applies,” he said. “Hercules is a small vessel with only a 14 member crew. By bringing a diverse set of skills and technical abilities, I filled a niche role and was able to contribute to the success of RPMNF's mission.” When asked about his favourite work term memory, Glatt describes his experiences in Malta last summer. “I was helping with a seafloor exploration course and we took the ROV on a relatively deep dive to about 800M to some undersea cliffs off the coast of Malta,” said Mr. Glatt. “This was the deepest dive I have ever done
many doors for me — both physically and metaphorically.”
learning specialized skills that will further his career such as hydraulics and fibre optics specialty courses. “I have even considered going to school as a machinist because much of my time at MI is spent in the ocean technology fabrication shop and I really enjoy designing and building technologies,” he notes. As for his future, Glatt says that his dream job is to work with the Canadian Scientific Submersible Foundation (CSSF), based out of Sannich, BC where he would have the opportunity to operate ROPOS, a custom built scientific ROV. Beyond that he would like to work in underwater vehicle design and manufacturing. Mr. Glatt enjoys sailing, hiking, scuba diving, reading, playing board games and indulging his creative side through various art forms. To future or current ROV students, he suggests taking advantage of every opportunity available. “Join Eastern Edge Robotics, MUN's MATE ROV competition team. Get time in the ROV simulator as much as you can and explore the leadership and volunteer opportunities available through the student union, MUN volunteer bureau and MI student services,” he says.
RV HERCULES, LABRATORY, PHOTO CREDIT: LOREN CLARKE
Today, Mr. Glatt is currently enrolled in his fourth year of the Bachelor of Technology in Underwater Vehicles at MI. Beyond the Institute and Memorial, he hopes to continue
When on campus, Mr. Glatt spends much of his spare time in the ROV shop tinkering, repairing or constructing new ROVs. “The instructors and lab technicians at MI and the School of Ocean Technology are extremely helpful and have opened many doors for me — both physically and metaphorically,” he says.
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