As uncrewed maritime operations grow in scope and complexity, so does the need for standardized, mission-ready training. The Trusted UMS Operator™ certification program addresses this need by accrediting training providers to deliver instruction rooted in industry best practices. Built to reflect the operational realities of defense, commercial, and research environments, the program introduces a tiered certification framework aligned to increasing levels of system proficiency, safety, and mission competence.
Learn more about each certification.
Routine UMS Operations Certification
The Routine UMS Operations Certification is the foundational credential designed for individuals operating uncrewed maritime systems in low-traffic, visual line of sight (VLOS) environments. It establishes baseline competencies in maritime safety, navigation, and vessel control, and prepares operators for more advanced and risk-intensive missions.
This certification includes both classroom and hands-on training. Instruction covers fundamental maritime principles, navigation basics, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance. Practical, on-the-water training ensures operators gain direct experience in vessel handling, docking, remote operations, and launch and recovery techniques in controlled environments.
Certification is awarded based on successful completion of a written knowledge exam and a practical evaluation. Operators are certified in either uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs), or both, depending on the platform used during the on-water assessment.
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- Focus: VLOS operations in low-traffic environments
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- Applicable Vehicle Types: USV & UUV Categories 0–1
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- Instructional Training Includes: Maritime principles, navigation, safety, regulatory requirements, emergency procedures
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- On-the-Water Training Includes: Vessel handling, launch/recovery, docking, remote control operations
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- Assessment: Written exam and platform-specific practical evaluation (UUV or USV distinction)
This certification is intended for operators conducting advanced missions using USVs or BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) environments. It builds on the Routine UMS fundamentals by adding greater focus on situational awareness, autonomy, risk management, and high-complexity mission planning.
Training includes advanced navigation using radar, AIS, and optical systems; BVLOS safety considerations; radio communication procedures; and mission-specific practices like towing and recovery. Practical exercises are designed to ensure safe, effective execution of BVLOS operations and seamless integration with manned maritime traffic.
Operators are evaluated through a scenario-based risk and navigation test and must complete a practical demonstration of advanced USV mission execution.
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- Focus: BVLOS, Advanced Complexity, and High-Traffic Waterway Operations
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- Applicable Vehicle Types: USV Categories 1–2
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- Instructional Training Includes: Advanced navigation, BVLOS risk management, radar/AIS/camera integration, towing, recovery
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- On-the-Water Training Includes: GPS/autopilot navigation, comms procedures, BVLOS and towing ops
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- Assessment: Scenario-based knowledge test and practical demonstration
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- Optional Endorsement: High-Traffic Operations
Designed for experienced operators, this certification level recognizes the critical skill set required to operate UUVs in mission environments where communication is limited, visibility is minimal, and coordination with surface assets is essential. It prepares operators to take on high-value subsea tasks while maintaining the highest standards of safety, reliability, and environmental awareness. It reflects the advanced skill set needed to plan and execute complex BVLOS underwater missions involving remote navigation, subsea communications, and coordination with support assets.
Instructional training addresses topics such as mission planning, regulatory compliance, acoustic navigation systems, advanced SOP/EOP development, and safety strategies for challenging underwater environments. Practical training emphasizes deployment, control, navigation, and recovery of UUVs under BVLOS and/or advanced conditions.
Certification is based on successful completion of a scenario-based knowledge test and a practical demonstration of UUV operations in conditions simulating real-world offshore or constrained-area missions.
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- Focus: Advanced and/or BVLOS UUV operations
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- Applicable Vehicle Types: UUV Categories 1-2
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- Instructional Training Includes: Subsea mission planning, BVLOS risk factors, navigation, Advanced SOPs/EOPs, safety management
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- On-the-Water Training Includes: UUV deployment/recovery, GPS/autopilot navigation, communications
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- Assessment: Scenario-based knowledge test and practical operational evaluation
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