What training is required to operate the MagTrack?

Operating the MagTrack requires a combination of hands-on equipment training, high-pressure water jetting competency, and site-specific safety induction. Most operators complete formal training within one to three days, depending on their prior experience with robotic systems and high-pressure jetting. The sections below break down exactly who qualifies, what training covers, how long it takes, and which certifications apply.

Who is qualified to operate the MagTrack system?

Qualified MagTrack operators are typically experienced industrial technicians, maintenance engineers, or surface preparation specialists who already hold a working knowledge of high-pressure water jetting. The system is not designed for untrained personnel; its tools operate at pressures ranging from 500 to 3000 bar (“7,250 to 43,500 PSI”), which demands a solid foundation in high-pressure safety before robotic operation training even begins.

In practice, the most suitable candidates come from backgrounds in petrochemical plant maintenance, shipyard surface preparation, offshore operations, or industrial cleaning. These professionals are already familiar with the hazards of high-pressure equipment, the importance of personal protective equipment, and the procedural discipline required in confined or hazardous work environments.

That said, prior robotic or remote-controlled equipment experience is helpful but not strictly required. The MagTrack is designed as an intuitive, remote-controlled crawler, and operators with strong mechanical aptitude can typically get up to speed efficiently. What cannot be skipped is formal high-pressure jetting competency; that is a non-negotiable baseline before any robotic tool training begins.

What does MagTrack operator training actually cover?

MagTrack operator training covers four core areas: system setup and configuration, remote control operation, tool module handling, and safe shutdown and maintenance procedures. Training is structured to move from foundational system knowledge through to live operational practice, ensuring operators can handle the full workflow from transport and deployment to post-job inspection.

System setup and modular tool configuration

Because MagTrack is a modular platform built around a universal carrier, operators need to understand how to fit and configure the range of interchangeable tools. These include the Blast Can for closed waterblasting, the Curved Blast Can for surfaces with a radius of up to 3 meters (“approximately 10 feet”), the Swing Arm for open waterblasting, the Sandblaster Swing Arm for abrasive applications, and the ReCycleBlaster for closed-circuit vacuum blasting. Each attachment has its own setup requirements, pressure parameters, and operational considerations.

Remote control operation and surface navigation

Operators learn to drive the crawler across flat and slightly curved steel surfaces using the remote controller, interpreting feedback from the system to maintain consistent cleaning paths and safe magnetic contact. For the MagTrack Mini specifically, training includes navigating narrower spaces and curved surfaces, including those found on offshore oil rigs. Understanding how the height-adjustable magnets and omni-wheel support system interact with different surface geometries is a key part of this module.

Vacuum system and debris management

Closed waterblasting with the Blast Can requires the operator to manage the connected vacuum unit correctly. Training covers how to maintain a proper vacuum seal, monitor water and debris collection, and recognize signs of seal degradation or leakage, all of which directly affect whether the surface is left clean and dry, as required for coating or painting operations.

How long does it take to get trained on the MagTrack?

Most operators complete MagTrack-specific equipment training within one to three days. The exact duration depends on the operator’s prior experience with high-pressure jetting systems and remote-controlled industrial equipment. Operators who arrive with existing high-pressure competency certificates and some familiarity with robotic crawlers typically complete training at the shorter end of that range.

It is important to distinguish between MagTrack equipment training and the broader high-pressure jetting certification that must precede it. Formal jetting operator courses, such as those recognised by industry bodies, can range from one to five days depending on the level of certification being pursued. When you factor in both the prerequisite jetting qualification and the MagTrack-specific training, the total preparation time for a new operator entering the field for the first time may be closer to one to two weeks.

For experienced maintenance engineers or technicians already holding current high-pressure jetting certifications, MagTrack training can be completed efficiently and integrated into an existing competency framework without significant downtime.

What safety certifications are needed for high-pressure robotic jetting?

Operators working with high-pressure water jetting systems, including robotic platforms like the MagTrack, are expected to hold certifications recognised by the relevant industry body in their region. The key organisations that set training and certification standards for high-pressure water jetting are:

• SIR (Stichting Industrieel Reinigen) – the Netherlands
• EWJI (European Waterjet Industry and Users Association) – Europe
• WJA (Water Jetting Association) – United Kingdom
• WJTA (WaterJet Technology Association) – United States
• DIRV (Deutscher Industrieverband Reinigung und Vakuumtechnik) – Germany

Each of these organisations defines competency levels for operators working at different pressure ranges. Given that MagTrack tools operate up to 3000 bar (“43,500 PSI”), operators should hold certifications appropriate for ultra-high-pressure applications. In many industrial and offshore environments, site access itself is conditional on presenting a valid, current certification from one of these recognised bodies.

Beyond jetting certification, specific work environments introduce additional requirements. Offshore platforms and petrochemical facilities typically require ATEX awareness training, and it is worth noting that the MagTrack Mini is available as a certified ATEX Zone 2 unit, meaning operators working in explosive atmospheres need to understand the specific handling and operational protocols that come with that classification. Site induction, permit-to-work procedures, and confined space entry qualifications may also apply depending on the job location.

Does DERC Salotech provide certified training for the MagTrack?

Yes. Through our subsidiary DERC Adviesgroep, we offer certified training courses specifically designed for high-pressure water jetting operations, including equipment training aligned with the MagTrack system. These courses are developed to meet the standards set by recognised industry bodies and are tailored to the real-world demands of industrial, marine, and offshore environments.

Our training approach is practical and hands-on, reflecting the fact that MagTrack operators need to be confident managing a live system under demanding site conditions, not just familiar with it in theory.

How DERC Salotech supports your MagTrack training journey

We understand that getting your team qualified and operational as quickly as possible matters. Downtime costs money, and sending personnel through the wrong training wastes both time and budget. Here is how we help you get it right:

• Certified training through DERC Adviesgroep – structured courses aligned with SIR, EWJI, WJA, WJTA, and DIRV standards
• Equipment-specific instruction – hands-on training covering MagTrack setup, modular tool configuration, remote operation, and vacuum system management
• ATEX Zone 2 guidance – dedicated instruction for operators working in classified explosive atmospheres
• Support for diverse standards – training and equipment that accommodate both metric and SAE requirements across different project locations
• Expert engineering team – over 40 years of Dutch innovation behind every system, with specialists available to support your operational questions

Whether you are equipping a new team or upskilling experienced technicians, we can help you build the right training pathway. Explore the MagTrack system in detail, or get in touch with us to discuss training options tailored to your operation.