Training the Royal Netherlands Army for operational use of the Blueye ROV

Training the Royal Netherlands Army for operational use of the Blueye ROV

Published: Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Following the recent delivery of Blueye ROVs to the Royal Netherlands Navy, the focus quickly shifted to operational readiness. While the ROV systems are designed to be intuitive and easy to use, effective training plays an important role in ensuring that operators can confidently and efficiently use the technology in real-world scenarios.

To support this transition, Blueye conducted dedicated training sessions with Army personnel, helping their teams move seamlessly from delivery to active use.

From intuitive ROV technology to field readiness

Blueye ROVs are built with usability and user-friendliness in mind, enabling new users to get started quickly. However, professional operations often take place in challenging environments — such as low visibility waters, confined spaces, or situations where precision and reliability are critical.

Training helps bridge the gap between basic operation and mission-ready performance. By combining hands-on experience with practical guidance, operators gain the confidence needed to handle real-world conditions and make effective decisions in the field.

U.S. Navy Divers operating a Blueye ROV in the ballast tank of the ex-USS Fort McHenry. Photo: U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy Divers watching a diver operation using the Blueye ROV Photo: U.S. Navy

A practical and flexible training approach

Army personell working on a Blueye X3 ROV. Photo: Blueye Robotics

Blueye offers training programs designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users, from first-time operators to experienced professionals. We deliver courses both online or in person, and can tailor them to specific operational requirements.

A Blueye course typically covers:

  • System setup and core functionality
  • Efficient piloting techniques in realistic scenarios
  • Basic maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Best practices for safe and effective operations

The goal is not only to teach how the system works, but to ensure that users can apply it effectively in their day-to-day work.

Read more and join an upcoming free digital course.

Training the Royal Netherlands Army for operational readiness

As part of the onboarding process, Blueye worked closely with the Royal Netherlands Army to deliver hands-on training tailored to their needs.

The sessions focused on two key areas:

  1. Operational use – Training operators in how to pilot and deploy the Blueye ROV efficiently in real-world conditions
  2. Maintenance and upkeep – Providing guidance on how to perform simple repairs and routine maintenance to keep the systems ready for use

By combining these elements, the training ensured that Army personnel were not only able to operate the ROVs, but also keep them in good shape — reducing downtime and increasing overall reliability.

The collaborative nature of the sessions allowed Blueye instructors to adapt the training to the Army’s workflows and operational context, supporting a smooth and effective transition into active service.

Blueye personell coursing the Royal Netherlands Army in a classroom. Photo: Blueye Robotics

Supporting customers beyond delivery

Training is a key part of how Blueye supports its customers. Beyond delivering high-quality mini ROVs, Blueye is committed to ensuring that users have the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.

Whether through structured courses, hands-on sessions, or ongoing support, Blueye works closely with our customers to maximize the value of their investment.