Diploma in Marine Waste and Pollution Management
Why this certificate program?
The Diploma in Marine Waste and Pollution Management
Provides the essential tools and knowledge to address critical challenges in protecting the marine environment. You will learn to identify, prevent, and mitigate the various sources of pollution, from plastics to oil spills, and their impact on ecosystems. This program will equip you to implement sustainable management strategies, complying with international regulations and promoting the circular economy in the maritime sector.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Approach: Real-world case studies and pollution scenario simulations.
- Up-to-date Legal Framework: Analysis of international and national legislation on marine waste and pollution.
- Innovative Technologies: Exploration of cutting-edge solutions for marine cleanup and remediation.
- Skills Development: Training in developing waste management plans and prevention strategies.
- Professional Networking: Interaction with industry experts and collaboration opportunities.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Diplomado
- Hours: 800 H
- Start date: 01-10-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Maritime and port professionals seeking to implement effective strategies for waste management and marine pollution prevention.
- Environmental managers in shipping companies and port terminals who need to comply with international regulations and improve their environmental practices.
- Environmental consultants and specialized technicians who wish to expand their knowledge in waste management and marine pollution remediation.
- Public administration officials and maritime authorities interested in strengthening the regulation and control of marine pollution.
- Students and graduates in environmental science, engineering, and related fields seeking specialization in waste management and environmental protection marine.
Flexibility for professionals
Ā Adapted to the demands of the working world: online modality, access to learning materials 24/7 and personalized tutoring to answer questions and apply knowledge.
Objectives and competencies

Implement strategies for the minimization and valorization of marine waste:
“Develop awareness and environmental education campaigns aimed at the maritime and coastal community on the problem of marine debris and best practices for its management.”

Assess and mitigate the environmental impacts of marine pollution:
Implement response protocols for oil spills and other harmful substances, using containment and remediation technologies, and coordinating with maritime authorities and environmental organizations.

Develop and implement comprehensive waste management plans in coastal areas:
“Design minimization, reuse and recycling strategies adapted to the coastal ecosystem, considering local and international regulations and promoting community participation.”

Design and implement awareness and environmental education programs on the problem of waste and marine pollution:
“Develop effective information campaigns adapted to different audiences, using diverse communication channels and promoting citizen participation.”

To know and apply the current regulations on waste management and marine pollution:
Identify, classify and properly manage waste generated on board according to MARPOL and local legislation, documenting the process and applying preventive measures against marine pollution.

Leading research and innovation projects in marine cleaning and remediation technologies:
“Define strategies, allocate resources and manage multidisciplinary teams for the development and implementation of innovative solutions in the cleaning and remediation of marine ecosystems.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to mitigation and integrated risk management: key concepts and legal framework.
- Threat identification: vulnerability analysis, risk assessment, and prioritization.
- Mitigation strategies: source control, passive protection, and contingency measures.
- Emergency plans: development, implementation, and testing (drills).
- Crisis management: response structure, communication, and inter-institutional coordination.
- Post-event recovery: damage assessment, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
- Modeling and simulation tools: use of software for decision-making.
- Community participation: involvement, education, and awareness-raising.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: performance indicators, impact analysis, and continuous improvement.
Regulatory framework and financing: public policies, incentives, and sources of funding.
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- Introduction to Waste Management: Definitions, typologies, and legal framework.
- Waste Characterization: Sampling, analysis, and classification (hazardous, non-hazardous, etc.).
- Minimization Strategies: Reduction at source, reuse, and recycling.
- Waste Treatment and Recovery: Composting, anaerobic digestion, incineration with energy recovery.
- Storage and Transport: Regulations, safety, and best practices.
- Selective Collection Systems: Design, implementation, and optimization.
- Controlled Landfills: Design, operation, closure, and post-closure.
- Remediation of Contaminated Sites: In situ and ex situ techniques.
- Environmental control and monitoring: Indicators, audits, and reporting.
- Circular economy and sustainable waste management.
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- Introduction to the circular economy: principles and environmental and economic benefits
- Marine pollution: sources, types (plastics, chemicals, noise) and impacts
- International legal framework: London Convention, MARPOL, IMO, regional treaties
- Life cycle assessment (LCA) of marine products and services
- Ecodesign: sustainable materials, durability, repairability and recyclability
- Marine waste management: prevention, collection, treatment and recovery
- Reuse and repair strategies in the shipbuilding and fishing industries
- Circular business models applied to the maritime sector: sharing, leasing, servitization
- Technological innovation for monitoring and Ocean cleanup
Financing and public policies for the circular economy in the marine environment
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- Introduction to the Circular Economy: Definition, principles, and environmental and economic benefits.
- Legal framework for wastewater discharges: National and international legislation, permits, and authorizations.
- Types of wastewater discharges: Industrial, urban, and agricultural; characterization and associated risks.
- Wastewater treatment technologies: Conventional systems and sustainable alternatives.
- Environmental impact of wastewater discharges: Water, soil, and air pollution; Effects on biodiversity.
- Environmental liability: “Polluter pays” principles and remediation of environmental damage.
- Environmental litigation: Legal actions for environmental damage, standing, and procedures.
- Expert evidence in environmental litigation: Methodology, reports, and damage assessment.
- Spill prevention strategies: Best practices, environmental audits, and management systems.
- Case studies of environmental litigation related to spills and defense strategies.
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- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety ā diagnosis ā intervention ā verification ā report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to the circular economy: principles and benefits.
- Marine pollution: sources, types, and effects.
- Pollution modeling: basic concepts and tools.
- Legal and regulatory framework: international directives and conventions.
- Life cycle assessment (LCA): methodology and applications in the maritime sector.
- Pollution prevention and reduction strategies: best practices.
- Ecodesign: principles and application to maritime products and services.
- Marine waste management: collection, treatment, and recovery.
- Circular economy applied to the fishing sector: challenges and opportunities.
- Sustainability indicators and environmental impact measurement.
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Career opportunities
- Waste Management Technician: Implementation of waste management, control, and monitoring plans in ports and coastal areas.
- Environmental Consultant: Environmental impact assessment, design of marine pollution mitigation strategies, and environmental audits.
- Environmental Inspector: Monitoring and control of compliance with environmental regulations regarding waste and marine pollution.
- Environmental Project Manager: Planning and execution of remediation projects for contaminated areas and restoration of marine ecosystems.
- Environmental Educator: Design and implementation of awareness programs on the problems of waste and marine pollution.
- Researcher: Participation in research projects on marine pollution, its sources, effects, and possible solutions.
- Waste Treatment Plant Technician: Operation and maintenance of urban and industrial solid waste treatment plants, specializing in marine waste.
Sustainability Manager in maritime sector companies: implementation of sustainable practices in shipping companies, ports, and other marine-related activities.
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Admission requirements

Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.

Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.

Documentation:
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.

Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ā„ 24ā monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates

1. Online
application
(form + documents).

2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).

3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).

4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.

5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Comprehensive Analysis: Master the legislation, regulations, and best practices in marine waste management.
- Prevention Strategies: Implement effective solutions to reduce marine pollution at its source.
- Innovative Technologies: Explore the latest technologies for the treatment and valorization of waste in marine environments.
- Management and Governance: Learn to design and implement comprehensive management plans and effective public policies.
- Case Study: Participate in simulations and case studies to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Testimonials
This diploma program provided me with the necessary tools to lead a cleanup and restoration project on Manzanillo Beach. We managed to reduce plastic pollution by 35% in six months by implementing a selective collection system and raising awareness among the local community about the importance of responsible waste management. The project’s success has been recognized by environmental authorities and has become a replicable model for other coastal areas.
The Diploma in Environment & Maritime Sustainability provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to lead the implementation of a new environmental management system in my company, reducing our impact on the marine ecosystem by 15% in the first year. Furthermore, the network I established during the program allowed me to access new opportunities for collaboration and innovation within the sector.
This diploma program provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to lead a beach cleanup project in my community. We managed to reduce plastic pollution by 30% in six months by implementing collection strategies, raising public awareness, and promoting a circular economy with the collected waste.
This diploma program provided me with the necessary tools to lead a local beach restoration project. We implemented a separate waste collection system and managed to reduce plastic pollution by 30% in six months, exceeding the municipality’s initial expectations and generating a tangible positive impact on the coastal ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
Waste management and marine pollution.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Professionals in environmental science, environmental engineering, marine biology, natural resource management, public administration, and environmental consultants.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3ā6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to the Circular Economy: Principles, benefits, and challenges.
- The life cycle of plastics: Production, use, waste management, and alternatives.
- Plastic pollution in the oceans: Sources, distribution, environmental impacts, and health risks.
- Plastic recycling technologies: Mechanical, chemical, and energy-based.
- Design for circularity: Ecodesign, innovative materials, and reducing plastic consumption.
- Ocean decarbonization: Carbon capture, marine renewable energy, and nature-based solutions.
- Legal and regulatory framework: National and international policies for the circular economy and plastic reduction.
- Marine plastic waste management strategies: Cleanup, prevention, and recovery.
- Case studies: Successful circular economy initiatives in the plastics sector and ocean decarbonization.
- Innovation and entrepreneurship: Business opportunities in the circular economy, plastics, and ocean decarbonization.
Feasibility and limitations.
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Request information
Complete the Application Form.
Attach your CV/degree certificate (if you have it to hand).
Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you would like the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
An academic advisor will contact you within 24ā48 hours to guide you through the admission process, scholarships, and compatibility with your professional schedule.
Faculty
Eng. TomƔs Riera
Full Professor
Eng. TomƔs Riera
Full Professor
Eng. SofĆa Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. SofĆa Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Javier BaƱuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier BaƱuls
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor