2026-02-02 – Weekly Oil Rig News : ROV refused to turn the valve

Last week in our forum, discussions ranged from hiring practices to technical challenges on the rig. Members shared insights on what makes candidates stand out for offshore positions, while others debated the reliability of digital pressure gauges. Conversations also touched on historical aspects, such as the first rig to implement subsea boosting in the Gulf of Mexico, highlighting both current and past innovations in our industry.


This Week’s Hot Topics

What gets you hired offshore
A lively thread exploring key qualities and experiences that hiring managers prioritize when selecting candidates for offshore roles. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to enter or advance in the industry.
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Digital pressure gauges that hold zero offshore
Members are discussing the challenges and solutions related to maintaining accuracy with digital pressure gauges in the demanding offshore environment.
Read more here

Which rig pioneered subsea boosting in GoM
A historical peek into the pioneering efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, this discussion offers insights into groundbreaking techniques that have shaped modern offshore operations.
Read more here

ROV refused to turn the valve
An intriguing conversation about the challenges faced when remotely operated vehicles encounter unexpected issues, offering practical takeaways for troubleshooting.
Read more here

What I expect from new hires offshore
Seasoned professionals share their expectations for new team members, providing valuable advice for those just starting out in the field.
Read more here

Calibrating torque tools between hitches
A technical discussion on the best practices for ensuring torque tools are accurately calibrated, crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency on the rig.
Read more here

Iron roughneck torque settings offshore
Delve into the specifics of torque settings and their impact on operations, an essential read for those involved in drilling processes.
Read more here

Looking for realistic CRO emergency refreshers
A call for more engaging and practical emergency training scenarios for Control Room Operators, sparking ideas for improvements in safety training.
Read more here


Thank you for being an active part of our forum. Your contributions and discussions keep our community vibrant and informed. Until next week, take care and stay safe out there.

1 Like

ROV stalled turning a class-4 valve — @ROVlead bumped torque +10%, then cycled. ‘Digital pressure gauges’ lag fooled alarms; stay within spec.

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It really helps to double-check the torque specs before starting any operation. We had a similar issue with ROVs being stalled — upping the torque worked for us, but we made sure to stay within the safe limits. Just as @ROVlead mentioned, those digital gauges can be tricky; a little lag can create those alarms you’d rather avoid. Has anyone tried tweaking their protocols based on gauge feedback?

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I’ve seen ROVs refuse to engage when there’s too much friction in the valve seat. Last time we faced that, we ended up using a penetrating lubricant, which helped ease the valve movement. Just make sure to check compatibility with whatever materials you’re working with first — @ROVlead’s method sounds solid, but lubrication can make a difference too.

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