Course on the use of underwater cameras and drones
Why this course?
The “Using Underwater Cameras and Drones”
course
Immerse yourself in the exciting world of underwater exploration and documentation. Master the essential techniques and tools for capturing high-quality underwater images and videos, from selecting the right equipment to professional post-production.
You will learn to:
- Operate underwater cameras: Setup, white balance, focus, and lighting techniques.
- Pilot underwater drones: Safe handling, navigation, image capture, and basic maintenance.
- Master composition: Creating impactful images with a focus on marine life and underwater environments.
- Edit and post-produce: Optimizing videos and photographs for professional results.
- Practical applications: Underwater inspection, scientific research, documentary filmmaking, and much more.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Marine biologists and oceanographers looking to expand their research capabilities with state-of-the-art underwater observation tools.
- Underwater filmmakers and photographers who want to master advanced techniques to capture stunning images in challenging aquatic environments.
- Underwater infrastructure inspectors (ports, pipelines, wind farms) who need to conduct accurate and efficient assessments using drones and specialized cameras.
- Professional and recreational divers who want to expand their skills with remote sensing and filming equipment.
- Students in marine science-related fields seeking hands-on, cutting-edge training in inspection and documentation technologies underwater.
Flexibility and Applicability
Adapted to various experience levels: from beginners to advanced users, with practical projects and applications in different aquatic environments (sea, rivers, lakes).
Objectives and competencies
Capture high-quality underwater images and videos:
“Mastering artificial lighting and white balance techniques, adapting to varying conditions of turbidity and depth.”
Operate and maintain underwater filming equipment:
“Perform thorough pre- and post-immersion inspections, documenting the condition of the equipment and notifying the technical manager of any anomalies.”
Interpreting data and behaviors in aquatic environments:
“Identify anomalous patterns in currents, tides and waves, assessing their impact on navigational safety and the stability of structures.”
Assessing the feasibility and risks of underwater filming projects:
“Identify and mitigate specific risks of the aquatic environment (climate, fauna, currents) and equipment (watertightness, communications).”
Apply navigation and positioning techniques in aquatic environments:
Interpret nautical charts, nautical publications and meteorological data to plan and execute safe voyages, optimizing fuel consumption and adapting to changing environmental conditions.
Editing and post-producing aquatic audiovisual material:
Correct color, audio and stabilization, optimizing for different platforms and delivery formats.
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 Underwater Systems: ROVs, AUVs, Sensors, and Tools
- Hydraulics applied to underwater systems: principles, components, and maintenance
- Electricity and electronics in underwater environments: cabling, connectors, and power supplies
- Underwater Communications: acoustics, fiber optics, and positioning systems
- Underwater Sensors: operation, calibration, and applications (sonar, cameras, etc.)
- ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles): operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
- AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles): programming, deployment, and recovery
- Tools Underwater operations: cutting, welding, handling, and maintenance.
Underwater visual and non-destructive testing (NDT): techniques and equipment.
Safety in underwater operations: procedures, risks, and accident prevention.
‘
- Introduction to Aquatic Remote Systems (SAR): Types and Applications
- SAR Components: ROVs, AUVs, USVs, and Submersible Platforms
- Sensors and Tools: Cameras, Sonar, Manipulators, Environmental Sensors
- Underwater Communications: Acoustic, Optical, and Wired
- Basic Electricity and Electronics: Circuits, Power, Signals
- Hydraulics and Pneumatics: Control Systems, Actuators, and Maintenance
- Materials and Corrosion: Selection, Protection, and Prevention
- Safety in Underwater Operations: Risks, Procedures, and Equipment
- Preventive and Corrective action: Planning, execution, and documentation
Regulations and standards: Applicable regulations and best practices
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Drones: Types, Applications, and Market
- Water Physics: Buoyancy, Pressure, Currents, and Turbidity
- ROV Components: Thrusters, Sensors, Cameras, and Umbilical
- Underwater Communications: Acoustics, Fiber Optics, and Telemetry
- Control and Piloting Software: Interfaces, Telemetry, and Mapping
- Batteries and Power Sources: Types, Management, and Safety
- Preventive and Corrective Maintenance: Troubleshooting and Basic Repairs
- Regulations and Standards: Licenses, Permits, and Restricted Areas
- Safety in Underwater Operations: Emergency and risk protocols
Mission planning and data management: Objectives, strategies, and analysis
‘
- Introduction to Remotely Operated Aquatic Systems (SAR): Types, applications, and main components.
- Underwater Robotics: Design, control, and navigation principles of ROVs and AUVs.
- Sensors and Actuators: Operation, calibration, and maintenance of sensors (cameras, sonar, etc.) and actuators (motors, manipulators).
- Underwater Communications: Acoustic and optical communication techniques, limitations, and solutions.
- Electricity and Electronics: Fundamentals of electricity, electronics, and power systems in SAR.
- Hydraulics and Pneumatics: Operating principles and maintenance of hydraulic and pneumatic systems in SAR.
- Software and Control: Basic programming, control systems, and interfaces Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for SAR.
Preventive and Corrective Maintenance: Inspection, diagnostic, and repair procedures for SAR.
Operational Safety: Safety protocols, risk management, and emergency procedures for SAR operations.
Regulations and Legislation: Compliance with regulations and standards applicable to the operation and maintenance of SAR.
‘
- 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 - Módulos
- 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 Underwater Systems: ROVs, AUVs, Sensors, and Tools
- Hydraulics applied to underwater systems: principles, components, and maintenance
- Electricity and electronics in underwater environments: cabling, connectors, and power supplies
- Underwater Communications: acoustics, fiber optics, and positioning systems
- Underwater Sensors: operation, calibration, and applications (sonar, cameras, etc.)
- ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles): operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
- AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles): programming, deployment, and recovery
- Tools Underwater operations: cutting, welding, handling, and maintenance.
Underwater visual and non-destructive testing (NDT): techniques and equipment.
Safety in underwater operations: procedures, risks, and accident prevention.
‘
- Introduction to Aquatic Remote Systems (SAR): Types and Applications
- SAR Components: ROVs, AUVs, USVs, and Submersible Platforms
- Sensors and Tools: Cameras, Sonar, Manipulators, Environmental Sensors
- Underwater Communications: Acoustic, Optical, and Wired
- Basic Electricity and Electronics: Circuits, Power, Signals
- Hydraulics and Pneumatics: Control Systems, Actuators, and Maintenance
- Materials and Corrosion: Selection, Protection, and Prevention
- Safety in Underwater Operations: Risks, Procedures, and Equipment
- Preventive and Corrective action: Planning, execution, and documentation
Regulations and standards: Applicable regulations and best practices
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Drones: Types, Applications, and Market
- Water Physics: Buoyancy, Pressure, Currents, and Turbidity
- ROV Components: Thrusters, Sensors, Cameras, and Umbilical
- Underwater Communications: Acoustics, Fiber Optics, and Telemetry
- Control and Piloting Software: Interfaces, Telemetry, and Mapping
- Batteries and Power Sources: Types, Management, and Safety
- Preventive and Corrective Maintenance: Troubleshooting and Basic Repairs
- Regulations and Standards: Licenses, Permits, and Restricted Areas
- Safety in Underwater Operations: Emergency and risk protocols
Mission planning and data management: Objectives, strategies, and analysis
‘
- Introduction to Remotely Operated Aquatic Systems (SAR): Types, applications, and main components.
- Underwater Robotics: Design, control, and navigation principles of ROVs and AUVs.
- Sensors and Actuators: Operation, calibration, and maintenance of sensors (cameras, sonar, etc.) and actuators (motors, manipulators).
- Underwater Communications: Acoustic and optical communication techniques, limitations, and solutions.
- Electricity and Electronics: Fundamentals of electricity, electronics, and power systems in SAR.
- Hydraulics and Pneumatics: Operating principles and maintenance of hydraulic and pneumatic systems in SAR.
- Software and Control: Basic programming, control systems, and interfaces Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for SAR.
Preventive and Corrective Maintenance: Inspection, diagnostic, and repair procedures for SAR.
Operational Safety: Safety protocols, risk management, and emergency procedures for SAR operations.
Regulations and Legislation: Compliance with regulations and standards applicable to the operation and maintenance of SAR.
‘
- 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 Capture: Purpose, Applications, and Limitations.
- Capture Equipment: ROVs, AUVs, Camera Systems, and Sensors.
- ROV Operation: Piloting, Control, and Underwater Communication.
- Preventive Maintenance of ROVs and Underwater Equipment: Inspection, Lubrication, and Component Replacement.
- Underwater Electricity and Electronics: Wiring, Connectors, Waterproofing, and Troubleshooting.
- Underwater Hydraulics: Systems, Components, Fluids, and Maintenance.
- Safety in Underwater Operations: Risks, Procedures, and Personal Protective Equipment.
- Regulations and Legislation Applicable to Underwater Fishing: Permits, Licenses, and Environmental Regulations.
Underwater Emergency Management: ROV Rescue, Spill Containment, and Surface Communication.
Underwater Fishing Practices: Simulated Exercises and Supervised Live Operations.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Capture: History, evolution, and current state.
- Underwater Capture Equipment: ROVs, AUVs, cameras, and sensors.
- ROV/AUV Operating Principles: Control, navigation, and basic maintenance.
- Underwater Navigation Systems: USBL, LBL, INS, and DVL.
- Underwater Safety Considerations: Risks, hazards, and safety protocols.
- Underwater Capture Mission Planning: Objectives, resources, and logistics.
- Underwater Communications: Acoustics, optics, and telemetry.
- Underwater Data Acquisition: Images, videos, samples, and measurements.
- Underwater Data Processing and Analysis: Techniques and Software.
- Applications of Underwater Capture: Science, Industry, Defense, and Rescue.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Operations: History, Applications, and Regulations
- Physics of Water: Pressure, Buoyancy, Visibility, Acoustics, and Their Impact on Operations
- Underwater Cameras: Types, Characteristics, Lighting, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
- Aquatic and Submarine Drones: Design, Propulsion, Communication, Sensors, and Applications
- ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles): Classification, Components, Control Systems, Umbilicals, and Tools
- Principles of Underwater Navigation and Positioning: DVL, USBL, Acoustic GPS
- Underwater Image and Video Acquisition and Processing: Techniques, Software, and Analysis
- Preventive and Corrective Maintenance of Underwater equipment: best practices and safety
Underwater mission planning: risk assessment, objectives, resources, and contingencies
Underwater operations in different environments: shallow, deep, turbid, polluted, and restricted waters
‘
- Introduction to Unmanned Aquatic Systems (UAS): Types and applications.
- Basic electronics for UAS: Sensors, actuators, microcontrollers.
- Communications and telemetry: Protocols, antennas, range, and limitations.
- Aquatic propulsion systems: Motors, propellers, waterjets, efficiency.
- Energy and batteries: Types, management, safety, and autonomy.
- Structures and materials: Design, hydrodynamics, corrosion resistance.
- Control and navigation software: Autopilot, route planning, obstacle avoidance.
- Preventive and corrective maintenance: Troubleshooting, component replacement.
- Regulations and Security: Regulations, permits, risks, and mitigation.
- Practical Operations: Deployment, recovery, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
‘
Career opportunities
- Underwater Infrastructure Inspection: Ports, oil platforms, offshore wind farms, underwater pipelines, and dams.
- Marine and Oceanographic Research: Monitoring of marine life, environmental impact studies, seabed mapping, and sediment analysis.
- Aquaculture: Inspection of cages, monitoring of fish health, and optimization of feeding.
- Search and Rescue: Search for missing persons, inspection of shipwrecks, and damage assessment.
- Underwater Archaeology: Documentation of submerged archaeological sites and recovery of artifacts.
- Audiovisual Production: Filming of documentaries, movies, and television series with underwater and aerial footage.
- Tourism and Recreation: Offering unique underwater and coastal exploration experiences.
Naval Maintenance and Repair: Inspection of ship hulls, propellers, and other submerged structures.
Maritime Security and Surveillance: Monitoring illegal activities, border control, and protection of critical infrastructure.
“`
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 Underwater Filming: Learn to operate underwater cameras and drones to capture stunning footage.
- Professional Filming Techniques: Discover the secrets of underwater lighting, framing, and stabilization.
- Maintenance and Safety: Learn best practices for the care and safe operation of your equipment.
- Post-Production and Editing: Transform your footage into masterpieces with specialized editing tools.
- Practical Applications: Explore opportunities in research, conservation, tourism, and audiovisual production.
Testimonials
During underwater camera and drone training, I exceeded my expectations by piloting an ROV in a zero visibility environment, using only sonar information and depth readings to successfully navigate an underwater obstacle course and retrieve a specific object in record time.
Mastering underwater photography and video techniques in this course exceeded my expectations. I learned to manage buoyancy, composition, and lighting in challenging environments, allowing me to capture stunning images of marine life. Now I can document the beauty of the underwater world with confidence and professionalism.
I successfully implemented an underwater camera and drone system to inspect the structural integrity of a submerged bridge, identifying three critical corrosion points that were not visible in surface inspections, allowing for early intervention and preventing costly future repairs.
During my training in the use of underwater cameras and drones, I exceeded my expectations by successfully capturing stable and clear images at a depth of 30 meters in low-visibility conditions, using the advanced buoyancy control and ROV handling techniques I had learned. This achievement allowed me to successfully document a previously unexplored coral ecosystem, contributing to the scientific team’s research.
Frequently asked questions
Access to areas that are dangerous or inaccessible to divers.
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.
Inspection of underwater infrastructure, such as bridges, oil platforms and pipelines.
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 Unmanned Aquatic Systems (UAS): Types and applications.
- Basic electronics for UAS: Sensors, actuators, microcontrollers.
- Communications and telemetry: Protocols, antennas, range, and limitations.
- Aquatic propulsion systems: Motors, propellers, waterjets, efficiency.
- Energy and batteries: Types, management, safety, and autonomy.
- Structures and materials: Design, hydrodynamics, corrosion resistance.
- Control and navigation software: Autopilot, route planning, obstacle avoidance.
- Preventive and corrective maintenance: Troubleshooting, component replacement.
- Regulations and Security: Regulations, permits, risks, and mitigation.
- Practical Operations: Deployment, recovery, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
‘
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. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía 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.