Interview prep

Question 1

How would you handle a disagreement with a colleague regarding a safety concern during an offshore inspection?

Answer 1

I would follow procedure and listen to their reasoning to fully understand their point of view. I would then explain my reasoning and if we still did not agree I would seek the help of a supervisor or refer to official guidelines. I would make sure to communicate clearly and work together to safely deal with the situation.

Question 2

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years time?

Answer 2

In 5 years time I would like to be a fully qualified 34U inspection controller working for reach with a mixture of onshore and offshore operations

Question 3

What is Reach Subsea’s motto

Answer 3

Learn, teach, reach

Question 4

Why do you want to work for Reach Subsea

Answer 4

I want to work for Reach Subsea because of your strong reputation for innovation in subsea operations and your focus on sustainable, efficient solutions. I was impressed after reading about some of your projects—like the fully electric ROV operations and the diver-less riser flange replacement in 2019, where multiple ROVs were used to complete the project 40% ahead of schedule. Projects like these show how you’re leading the way in offshore innovation, and that really appeals to me because I enjoy learning about new technology and finding creative solutions to complex problems.

I’ve also spent some time looking into your core values—Learn, Reach, Teach—and I really like how you focus on pushing boundaries and improving the way things are done. That ambition and forward-thinking mindset is something I’d be proud to contribute to.

Question 5

Questions

Answer 5

How long can would I expect to be working in the office before transitioning to working offshore?
When can I expect to hear back from you?

Question 6

What do you know about our company?

Answer 6

I know you contribute to UN sustainability goals

MORE

Question 7

How do you handle stress and pressure?

Answer 7

If im under pressure I decompose my workload and handle things step by step and focus on what needs to be done first instead of handling things all at once unless necessary. Keeping organised vital.

Question 8

What does ROV stand for

Answer 8

Remotely operated vehicle

Question 9

What will I be doing as an inspection engineer

Answer 9

Work with client scopes and task plans to understand directly what is needed for each job. Oversea ROV inspections to spot any damages of faults in offshore infrastructure and also helping keep operations safe and efficient..

Question 10

What is the name of the company you did work experience at?

Answer 10

Acoustic dataW

Question 11

What do acoustic data specialise in

Answer 11

developing wireless downhole communication technologies

Question 12

What is acoustic datas primary product

Answer 12

SonicGauge™ Wireless Monitoring System

Question 13

What can sonic gauge do

Answer 13

provides real-time pressure and temperature data from deep inside oil and gas wells without the need for downhole cables, or connectors.

Question 14

What can sonic gauage help do

Answer 14

Optimize production

Monitor well performance

Ensure safety and compliance

Reduce the need for physical intervention

Question 15

Pressure tests at acoustic data

Answer 15

To make sure the downhole tools can withstand high pressure environments. We would do this by placing tools in a pressure chamber and simulating downhole conditions whilst monitoring for leaks and validating data we collected.

Question 16

Soldering at acoustic data

Answer 16

I had the chance to help with assembling some of their downhole monitoring systems. I got to solder components onto circuit boards and test to see if they were functioning correctly.

Question 17

What did my time at acoustic data teach me

Answer 17

the importance of precision, following procedures and attention to detail

Question 18

Why would companies need downhole monitoring

Answer 18

Detect issues like pressure build up before it leads to a blowout

Question 19

What is a blowout

Answer 19

When oil or gas suddenly bursts out of a well and can cause big fires or hurt people.

Question 20

Safety at acoustic data

Answer 20

Always followed safety rules and kept an eye out for anything that could cause an issue.

Question 21

What should you keep doing in the interview

Answer 21

Mention Reach Subsea

Question 22

Where should you look

Answer 22

Into the camera

Question 23

Why do you want to become a trainee inspection engineer

Answer 23

I want to become an inspection engineer because I’m passionate about ensuring safety, quality, and compliance in engineering projects. I find satisfaction in identifying potential issues before they become major problems, and I enjoy applying technical knowledge to real-world systems and processes. I want to become an inspection engineer because I find the industry really exciting—especially how innovative it is. I’m fascinated by the coordination involved in using multiple ROVs simultaneously to carry out complex offshore inspections and repairs. I’ve always enjoyed technical problem-solving, and after learning more about the field through my brother, who works offshore, I realised it was something I genuinely wanted to pursue.

I’m passionate about the industry and really motivated by the sense of responsibiltiy and impact. I think my attention to detail, ability to stay calm under pressure, and strong communication skills would help me succeed in this role. I enjoy fast-paced environments, and I’m confident I can adapt to any challenge while contributing to safety and efficiency—both onshore and offshore—as I work toward becoming fully qualified and taking on more responsibility.

Question 24

Tell me about your strengths

Answer 24

One of my main strengths is attention to detail I’m thorough in my work and good at spotting small issues

Interpersonal skills – I work well with different people and make an effort to understand what clients and team members need. I’m good at picking up on key information—whether from conversations or documents—and keeping that in mind so I forfil the clients needs

Problem-solving skills – I enjoy thinking through challenges and finding practical, steady solutions when something doesn’t go to plan.

Strong commitment to safety – I always follow safety procedures carefully and stay aware of my surroundings, especially in high-risk environments.

Question 25

Things to do throughout the interview

Answer 25

smile and arrive early

Question 26

Introduction

Answer 26

My name’s Mark, and I recently completed college with top grades in my chosen subjects. I’ve always been interested in engineering and asset integrity, but speaking with my brother, who works in the offshore industry, sparked my specific interest in becoming an inspection engineer. I have a strong foundation in computer science and mathematics, which has helped me develop solid problem-solving and technical skills. During my hands-on experience at Acoustic Data, I honed my fault-finding skills by testing and troubleshooting wireless monitoring systems, as well as performing precise soldering on circuit boards to maintain equipment reliability. Over several years of tutoring, I’ve also built strong communication skills—I’m able to connect with different types of people, pick up on key information, and communicate clearly and respectfully to meet expectations. I’m now motivated to bring my adaptability, willingness to learn, and ability to stay focused under pressure into a trainee inspection engineer role with Reach, where I hope to grow and work towards becoming fully qualified. what do you think of this introduction

Question 27

Back up your attention to detail skills

Answer 27

I’d say one of my key strengths is attention to detail. During my placement at Acoustic Data, I was responsible for soldering circuit boards used in wireless monitoring tools which required that required precision and consistency. Even small mistakes could mess up the equipment, so I had to stay really focused to meet the high engineering standards.

Question 28

back up safety skills

Answer 28

I also take safety very seriously. Whether I’m working on technical equipment or in a customer-facing role like at Pirates Landing, I always follow procedures carefully and stay aware of my surroundings. In the play centre, for example, I had to regularly inspect the equipment to ensure it met safety requirements — not just for compliance, but to genuinely protect the children using it.

Question 29

back up inter personal skills

Answer 29

On the interpersonal side, my tutoring experience taught me how to adapt my communication style depending on who I’m working with. Some students needed step-by-step guidance, while others just needed a confidence boost. That experience really helped me learn how to listen, understand needs quickly, and communicate in a way that supports teamwork and builds trust.”

Question 30

back up thriving under pressure

Answer 30

computing project

Question 31

Why should we hire you?

Answer 31

I think you should hire me because I’ve got a good mix of technical skills and a real interest in the inspection side of the industry. I’ve had hands-on experience with troubleshooting and soldering, so I’m used to being precise and working under pressure. I’m also a strong communicator and work well with different types of people, which I know is important in team environments both onshore and offshore. Most of all, I’m genuinely excited about the industry and really motivated to learn, grow, and contribute wherever I can

Question 32

Can you give a weakness

Answer 32

I don't yet have much practical experience working in the industry however I know that my genuine passion for becoming an inspection engineer and eagerness to learn will drive me to pick things up quickly, and make the most of every opportunity to grow and contribute to the team

Question 33

Tell me about a time where you were under time pressure

Answer 33

S – Situation: During a computing project at college, my teacher changed partway through the course, which caused some confusion about deadlines and expectations. T – Task: I needed to complete the project on time despite the changes and uncertainty, making sure I met all the requirements. A – Action: To manage the pressure, I broke the project down into smaller, manageable tasks and set individual deadlines for each one. I stayed calm and focused, tackling the most important parts first and leaving less critical tasks until later. This helped me keep on track without getting overwhelmed. R – Result: I was able to complete the project on time and to a good standard despite the disruption. This experience taught me how breaking down big tasks and staying calm under pressure helps me stay organized and deliver results.

Question 34

Tell me about a time when you noticed a potential problem or risk—what did you do?

Answer 34

S – Situation: While working at Acoustic Data, part of my role involved assisting with pressure testing of equipment to ensure it could withstand the harsh conditions it would face in the field. T – Task: During a routine pressure test, it was my responsibility to monitor the equipment closely and check for any irregularities or signs of failure. A – Action: On one test, I noticed that the pressure gauge readings were fluctuating more than usual. Although the system hadn’t failed yet, I immediately reported the issue to the lead technician. We paused the test to investigate and found a minor leak in one of the seals, which could have compromised the entire system if left unnoticed. R – Result: Because we caught the issue early, the leak was fixed before the equipment was deployed, preventing potential failure offshore. This experience reinforced how critical it is to stay alert during testing and act quickly when something seems off.

Question 35

STAR

Answer 35

Situation, Task, Action, Result

Question 36

Time when you followed procedure

Answer 36

S: At Acoustic Data, I was working on wireless monitoring systems that were used in harsh environments, so everything had to meet high reliability standards. T: I was responsible for assembling and soldering circuit boards, following strict build procedures. A: I made sure to carefully follow each step, double-check connections, and document the process accurately. If anything didn’t match the spec or looked slightly off, I flagged it right away instead of trying to fix it quietly. R: As a result, the units I worked on consistently passed final testing, and I gained a real appreciation for how closely following procedures contributes to safety and quality in engineering.

Question 37

Time when you worked as a team

Answer 37

S – Situation: At Acoustic Data, I worked with a small team on assembling and testing wireless monitoring systems designed for offshore use. T – Task: We had to complete the assembly and testing of several units within a tight deadline to meet a client’s delivery schedule. A – Action: I collaborated closely with my teammates by dividing tasks based on each person’s strengths. While I focused on soldering and troubleshooting circuit boards, others handled software setup and final system checks. We kept open communication throughout, sharing updates and helping each other solve problems as they came up. When one unit showed intermittent faults, we worked together to identify the root cause and fix it quickly. R – Result: Our teamwork allowed us to complete all units on time and to the required quality standards. The experience taught me how effective communication and collaboration can speed up problem-solving and ensure success, especially in technical roles.

Question 38

Time when you received feedback

Answer 38

S – Situation: While working as a freelance maths and physics tutor, I was helping a student who was struggling with certain concepts. T – Task: After a few sessions, the student’s parent gave me feedback that they felt I was moving through topics too quickly, which was making it hard for their child to fully understand. A – Action: I took the feedback seriously and adjusted my teaching approach by slowing down the pace and using more examples and practical exercises. I also checked in regularly with the student to make sure they felt comfortable before moving on. R – Result: As a result, the student’s confidence improved noticeably, and their understanding of the material became much stronger. The parent was happy with the progress, and I learned how valuable it is to listen and adapt based on feedback.

Question 39

Time when you had to learnt something new

Answer 39

S – Situation: While tutoring maths and physics, a student asked for help with a physics topic that wasn’t covered in the syllabus I had studied—it was completely new to me. specific heat capacity T – Task: I needed to quickly learn and understand this new topic so I could explain it clearly and help the student improve. A – Action: I immediately researched the topic using textbooks and online resources, breaking it down into simple, easy-to-understand parts. I practiced explaining it aloud and prepared examples tailored to the student’s level. R – Result: Thanks to quickly learning the new material and adapting my teaching style, the student gained a better understanding and felt more confident. It showed me the value of being flexible and proactive when faced with unfamiliar challenges.

Question 40

Time when you had a disagreement with colleague

Answer 40

S – Situation: At the soft play center, my colleague wanted to run a highly energetic game during a children’s party that I felt might be too risky given the age and number of kids attending. T – Task: We needed to decide whether to go ahead with the game or modify it to ensure the children’s safety without spoiling their fun. A – Action: I calmly explained my concerns about the potential for collisions or falls, especially since some of the younger kids were less coordinated. My colleague felt the game would keep the kids more engaged and prevent boredom. We discussed the risks and benefits, then agreed to modify the game by reducing the number of participants at a time and adding extra supervision around the play area. R – Result: The modified game went ahead smoothly with no incidents, and the kids still had a great time. This experience taught me the importance of voicing safety concerns while being open to compromise and teamwork.