Benjamin Erwin

Tell us about your work / research. What kinds of things do you do?
My work with ROV's began right here with the E/V Nautilus about 15 years ago. Since that time, I've accrued nearly 10,000 hours of piloting time on approximately 1,500 deep sea ROV dives throughout the worlds oceans. 

My work has extended beyond piloting and into developing tools and systems that amplify the ability for ROV's to gather samples and data. Tools like fiber optic distribution hubs, low-light bioluminescence cameras, and 3D Panoramic VR tele-operation system.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?
Big robots exploring ship wrecks and hydrothermal in the deep sea!

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?
There have been many people who have encouraged me over the years to get into this industry. Scott Fraser my college electrical professor, Jill Zande through the MATE center, The ROV pilots at MBARI, and many many others. -Thank you all.

What element of your work / study do you think is the most fascinating?
Light is the most fascinating subject to me. Light as it applies to the deep sea is even more interesting, as it plays such a crucial role not only with transmitting extra high bandwidth data from our ROV's, but also because light plays such a massive role among deep sea animals. Its beautiful and mysterious and in terms of research, it's a frontier that hasn't been fully explored.

What other jobs led you to your current career?
I was an electrician apprentice when I was much younger, which is where I learned how to troubleshoot and build circuits in my head.

What are your degrees and certifications?
I have an associates degree in Electrical Technology. I dropped my plans of completing an engineering degree when I got hired as an ROV pilot. --But this was only the beginning of my education. I haven't stopped learning for the last 15 years and I am always amazed at just how much more I always need to learn. Teachers too, you find them in the strangest places, not just in schools.

What are your hobbies?
This kind of is my hobby. I also like to go sailing, and we currently live on a sailboat moving from port to port.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to have a career like yours?
Baby steps, lots of small decisions toward a goal will lead over time to big changes. Don't focus on climbing the mountain, focus on climbing the next step, before you know it the mountain will be under your feet. 

How did you get involved with the Nautilus Exploration Program? How did you get on the ship?
In 2010 I was very privileged to receive an internship aboard the Nautilus via the MATE program. I think I might've been the first, it was so long ago! Now I'm an old grizzled salt.