Recreational Underwater Photography Course
Why this course?
Dive into the fascinating world of Recreational Underwater Photography
Capture the hidden beauty beneath the waves. This course will teach you everything from the fundamentals of photography to specialized techniques for obtaining stunning images in the aquatic environment. Learn to master light, color, and composition in this unique medium.
Key Benefits:
- Equipment and Setup: Learn about essential equipment and how to set it up for the best results.
- Lighting Techniques: Master the use of flashes and spotlights to enhance underwater colors and textures.
- Underwater Composition: Learn how to create balanced and engaging images in the marine environment.
- Editing and Post-Processing: Discover how to enhance your photos with specialized editing software.
- Safety and Ethics: Practice underwater photography safely and responsibly.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 26-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Certified divers who want to capture the beauty of the underwater world and share their experiences.
- Amateur photographers with an interest in nature who are looking for a new creative challenge in a unique environment.
- Sea and conservation enthusiasts who want to use photography as a documentation and awareness-raising tool.
- Travelers and adventurers who want to immortalize their dives and create unforgettable memories.
- Diving instructors who want to improve their photography skills to offer higher-value services to their students.
Flexibility and hands-on learning
The course adapts to your pace: online theory sessions, practical sessions in pool and sea, and personalized advice to boost your creativity underwater.
Objectives and competencies
Mastering the basic techniques of underwater photography:
Adjust exposure, focus, and composition to capture sharp and attractive underwater images.
Understanding and applying the principles of natural and artificial underwater lighting:
“Select appropriate light sources, manage their intensity and angle to optimize visibility, minimize disturbance to the environment and ensure the safety of operations.”
Selecting and maintaining the appropriate underwater photography equipment:
“Considering the maximum depth, type of immersion, desired image quality and budget, guaranteeing the correct functioning and safety of the equipment.”
Editing and post-processing underwater photographs to enhance their quality and communicate an artistic vision:
Master the entire workflow, from color correction and particle removal to applying advanced retouching techniques and creating a distinctive personal style.
Understanding the effects of water on light and color to optimize photographic composition:
Analyze the refraction, reflection, and absorption of water to capture images with vibrant colors and defined contrasts.
Adapting diving techniques to achieve stability and control when photographing underwater:
“Adjust ballast and finning, master neutral buoyancy and positioning techniques to minimize movement and optimize framing.”
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 Spearfishing: Ethics, Conservation, and Safety
- Basic Equipment: Masks, Fins, Snorkels, Wetsuits, Weight Belts
- Freediving Techniques: Breathing, Relaxation, Equalization
- Target Selection: Species Identification, Minimum Sizes, Closed Seasons
- Approach Techniques: Stealth, Currents, Animal Behavior
- Use of Spearguns: Types, Maintenance, Safety
- Firing Techniques: Accuracy, Distance, Ethical Considerations
- Handling Catches: Humane Killing, Onboard Conservation
- First Aid: Syncope, Pulmonary Edema, Hypothermia
- Legislation and regulations: licenses, permitted areas, sanctions
‘
- Introduction to Spearfishing: History, Ethics, and Sustainability
- Basic Equipment: Mask, Snorkel, Fins, Wetsuit, Weight Belt
- Diving Physiology: Equalization, Pressure, Risks, and Safety
- Static and Dynamic Freediving Techniques: Breathing, Relaxation, and Training
- Spearfishing Techniques: Speargun Selection, Shooting Techniques, and Safety
- Identifying Marine Species: Fish, Mollusks, Crustaceans, and Algae
- Regulations and Legislation: Licenses, Permitted Areas, Minimum Sizes, and Fishing Gear
- First Aid in the Water: Rescue, CPR, and Emergency Management
- Marine Conservation: Impact of Spearfishing, Best Practices, and Respect for the Environment
- Planning a Spearfishing Trip: Meteorology, Tides, and Safety
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Current Trends.
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, Lighting, and Essential Accessories.
- Basic Principles of Photography: Exposure, Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, and White Balance Underwater.
- Underwater Composition: Composition Rules Applied to the Aquatic Environment: Lines, Shapes, Textures, and Perspective.
- Artificial Lighting: Using Flashes and Underwater Lights to Highlight Colors and Details.
- Focusing Techniques: Mastering Autofocus and Manual Focus in Low-Visibility Conditions.
- Safety in Diving Photography: Planning, Buoyancy Control, and Respect for the Marine Environment.
- Image Processing
Underwater photography: Basic editing to correct color, contrast, and sharpness.
Ethics and conservation: Responsible photographic practices to minimize the impact on marine life.
Practical dive: Guided underwater photography session to apply the knowledge acquired.
‘
- Introduction to Spearfishing: History, Ethics, and Sustainability
- Basic Equipment: Masks, Snorkels, Fins, Wetsuits, Weight Belts
- Physiology of Freediving: Adaptation to the Aquatic Environment, Risks, and Safety
- Breathing and Relaxation Techniques for Freediving: Performance Optimization
- Equalization Techniques: Frenzel, Valsalva, Toynbee
- Finding and Propulsion Techniques: Efficiency and Energy Conservation
- Spearfishing Strategies: Species Selection, Behavior, and Habitats
- Safety in Spearfishing: Buddy, Marker Buoy, Local Regulations
- First Aid and Rescue in Environments aquatics
- Regulations and laws for spearfishing: licenses, minimum sizes, prohibited areas
‘
- 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 → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
Plan de estudio - MĂłdulos
- 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 Spearfishing: Ethics, Conservation, and Safety
- Basic Equipment: Masks, Fins, Snorkels, Wetsuits, Weight Belts
- Freediving Techniques: Breathing, Relaxation, Equalization
- Target Selection: Species Identification, Minimum Sizes, Closed Seasons
- Approach Techniques: Stealth, Currents, Animal Behavior
- Use of Spearguns: Types, Maintenance, Safety
- Firing Techniques: Accuracy, Distance, Ethical Considerations
- Handling Catches: Humane Killing, Onboard Conservation
- First Aid: Syncope, Pulmonary Edema, Hypothermia
- Legislation and regulations: licenses, permitted areas, sanctions
‘
- Introduction to Spearfishing: History, Ethics, and Sustainability
- Basic Equipment: Mask, Snorkel, Fins, Wetsuit, Weight Belt
- Diving Physiology: Equalization, Pressure, Risks, and Safety
- Static and Dynamic Freediving Techniques: Breathing, Relaxation, and Training
- Spearfishing Techniques: Speargun Selection, Shooting Techniques, and Safety
- Identifying Marine Species: Fish, Mollusks, Crustaceans, and Algae
- Regulations and Legislation: Licenses, Permitted Areas, Minimum Sizes, and Fishing Gear
- First Aid in the Water: Rescue, CPR, and Emergency Management
- Marine Conservation: Impact of Spearfishing, Best Practices, and Respect for the Environment
- Planning a Spearfishing Trip: Meteorology, Tides, and Safety
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Current Trends.
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, Lighting, and Essential Accessories.
- Basic Principles of Photography: Exposure, Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, and White Balance Underwater.
- Underwater Composition: Composition Rules Applied to the Aquatic Environment: Lines, Shapes, Textures, and Perspective.
- Artificial Lighting: Using Flashes and Underwater Lights to Highlight Colors and Details.
- Focusing Techniques: Mastering Autofocus and Manual Focus in Low-Visibility Conditions.
- Safety in Diving Photography: Planning, Buoyancy Control, and Respect for the Marine Environment.
- Image Processing
Underwater photography: Basic editing to correct color, contrast, and sharpness.
Ethics and conservation: Responsible photographic practices to minimize the impact on marine life.
Practical dive: Guided underwater photography session to apply the knowledge acquired.
‘
- Introduction to Spearfishing: History, Ethics, and Sustainability
- Basic Equipment: Masks, Snorkels, Fins, Wetsuits, Weight Belts
- Physiology of Freediving: Adaptation to the Aquatic Environment, Risks, and Safety
- Breathing and Relaxation Techniques for Freediving: Performance Optimization
- Equalization Techniques: Frenzel, Valsalva, Toynbee
- Finding and Propulsion Techniques: Efficiency and Energy Conservation
- Spearfishing Strategies: Species Selection, Behavior, and Habitats
- Safety in Spearfishing: Buddy, Marker Buoy, Local Regulations
- First Aid and Rescue in Environments aquatics
- Regulations and laws for spearfishing: licenses, minimum sizes, prohibited areas
‘
- 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 → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Ethics
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, and Flashes
- Principles of Light Underwater: Absorption, Scattering, and Color
- Basic Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Flash, and White Balance
- Underwater Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, and Perspective
- Wide-Angle Photography: Underwater Landscapes and Marine Life
- Underwater Macro Photography: Focus, Lighting, and Details
- Advanced Techniques: Stroboscopic Techniques, Backlighting, and Slow Sync
- Digital Processing of Underwater Images: Development, Editing, and Retouching
- Conservation and Best Practices: Respect for the Environment
marine
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Ethics
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, Flashes, and Accessories
- Basic Principles of Photography: Exposure, Aperture, ISO, and White Balance Underwater
- Underwater Lighting: Use of Flashes, Diffusers, and Natural Light
- Composition Techniques: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, Symmetry, and Perspective in Aquatic Environments
- Diving Safety: Specific Considerations for Underwater Photographers
- Buoyancy and Control in the Water: Techniques for Obtaining Sharp and Stable Images
- Underwater Image Processing: Basic Adjustments of Color, Contrast, and Sharpness
- Marine conservation: responsible practices and respect for the environment.
- Legislation and regulations: permits, protected areas, and best practices.
‘
- Introduction to Spearfishing: History, Ethics, and Sustainability
- Basic Equipment: Mask, Snorkel, Fins, Wetsuit, and Weight Systems
- Physics of Diving: Pressure, Volume, Buoyancy, and Their Effects on the Body
- Physiology of Diving: Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems and Associated Risks
- Breathing Techniques: Hyperventilation, Static and Dynamic Apnea
- Pressure Equalization: Valsalva Maneuver and Other Techniques
- Dive Planning: Site Assessment, Conditions, and Personal Limits
- Entry and Exit Techniques: From the Beach, Boat, or Rocks
- Propulsion Techniques: Efficient Finning, Hydrodynamic Position, and Conservation of Energy
- Safety in Underwater Fishing: Hazard Identification, Accident Prevention, and First Aid
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography and Video: Basic and Advanced Equipment
- Principles of Underwater Light: Absorption, Scattering, Color, and Visual Range
- Underwater Composition Techniques: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, Perspective
- Camera Settings for Underwater Photography and Video: White Balance, ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed
- Neutral Buoyancy and Control in Water: Impact on Image Quality and Safety
- Using Flashes and Underwater Lights: Angles, Power, and Diffusers
- Underwater Video Recording: Stabilization, Shots, Visual Storytelling
- Basic Photo and Video Editing Underwater photography and videography: color correction, sharpening, particle removal.
- Ethical and conservation considerations in underwater photography and videography: do not harm the marine environment.
- Maintenance of underwater photography and video equipment.
‘
Career opportunities
- Diving/Snorkeling Guide: Group leadership, safety, and knowledge of marine life.
- Freelance Underwater Photographer/Videographer: Content production for magazines, documentaries, and social media.
- Underwater Photography Instructor: Teaching techniques and safety to recreational divers.
- Underwater Drone (ROV) Operator: Inspection, filming, and documentation of submerged structures.
- Underwater Photography Equipment Maintenance Technician: Repair and maintenance of cameras, flashes, and housings.
- Marine Research Project Collaborator: Visual documentation of species, ecosystems, and scientific projects.
- Employee at Dive Centers and Resorts: Offering Photography and video services for clients.
- Content creator for online platforms: Courses, tutorials, and reviews of underwater photography equipment.
“`
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.
5. Induction
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, ≥ 24” 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
- Master the Art: Learn essential underwater photography techniques to capture stunning images.
- Professional Equipment: Discover how to use and maintain specialized equipment for optimal results.
- Diving Safety: Prioritize safety while exploring and documenting the underwater world.
- Editing and Post-Processing: Refine your photographs with editing tools to enhance their beauty.
- Unleash Your Creativity: Develop your artistic vision and create unique underwater compositions.
Testimonials
I managed to capture stunning images of marine life on my last diving trip. I mastered buoyancy control and underwater composition, obtaining crisp and vibrant photos of corals, fish, and turtles that exceeded my expectations and those of my companions.
During the Sports, Recreation, and Aquatic Activities course, I overcame my fear of water and became a certified lifeguard, successfully applying the rescue techniques I learned in an emergency simulation. Furthermore, I developed skills in planning and leading inclusive recreational activities for different age groups, which enabled me to successfully lead a children’s water play program.
I managed to capture stunning images of marine life on my last dive. The course gave me the confidence and skills to adjust my equipment and frame my shots correctly, even with the currents. Now my underwater photos have a sharpness and vibrant colors that I couldn’t achieve before.
I managed to capture incredible photos of marine life on my last diving trip. I mastered buoyancy control and underwater camera handling, achieving stunning compositions and spectacular natural lighting. My photos are not only a beautiful memory, but they’ve also helped me raise awareness about the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
An underwater camera (whether compact, SLR or mirrorless in a watertight housing) with its appropriate lens, a lighting system (external flash or spotlight), and a buoyancy system (BCD jacket and ballast) for proper control of position in the water.
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.
An underwater camera (whether a submersible compact camera, a DSLR in a housing, or a mirrorless system), a light source (flash or spotlight), and a buoyancy system (jacket or wings).
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 (3–6 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 Underwater Photography and Video: Basic and Advanced Equipment
- Principles of Underwater Light: Absorption, Scattering, Color, and Visual Range
- Underwater Composition Techniques: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, Perspective
- Camera Settings for Underwater Photography and Video: White Balance, ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed
- Neutral Buoyancy and Control in Water: Impact on Image Quality and Safety
- Using Flashes and Underwater Lights: Angles, Power, and Diffusers
- Underwater Video Recording: Stabilization, Shots, Visual Storytelling
- Basic Photo and Video Editing Underwater photography and videography: color correction, sharpening, particle removal.
- Ethical and conservation considerations in underwater photography and videography: do not harm the marine environment.
- Maintenance of underwater photography and video equipment.
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. SofĂa Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. SofĂa Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.