Course on Conservation and Ethics in Marine Photography
Why this course?
The Conservation and Ethics in Marine Photography
course
This course will equip you with the tools to create impactful images of the ocean while respecting its fragility. Learn to minimize your environmental impact, document responsibly, and promote marine conservation through photography. Master techniques of ethical underwater photography, wildlife management, and powerful visual storytelling. This program prepares you to be a conscious marine photographer, capable of inspiring change.
Differential Advantages
- Minimum Impact Techniques: Neutral buoyancy, avoiding contact with marine life, selection of environmentally friendly equipment.
- Ethical Documentation: Accurate representation, avoiding manipulation, informed consent (when applicable).
- Visual Storytelling for Conservation: Telling stories that generate empathy and awareness about ocean issues.
- Collaboration with Scientists and Conservationists: Learn to work on research and conservation projects.
- Developing an Ethical Portfolio: Showcase your work and commitment to marine conservation.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Amateur and professional underwater photographers seeking to elevate their work through responsible practices and impactful storytelling.
- Marine biologists and conservationists wishing to document ocean life with ethical sensitivity and scientific rigor.
- Diving instructors and tour guides committed to promoting sustainable tourism and protecting marine ecosystems.
- Environmental communicators and journalists interested in creating visually compelling and ethically sound content about marine conservation.
- Students of photography, marine biology, and environmental sciences seeking to develop a solid foundation in conservation and ethics applied to underwater photography.
Flexibility for your learning
Designed to adapt to your pace: asynchronous modules available 24/7, discussion forums Interactive sessions and personalized tutoring to answer your questions.
Objectives and competencies
Apply ethical principles to minimize the environmental impact of marine photography:
“Minimize disturbance to wildlife by avoiding the use of intrusive flashes and respecting nesting or breeding areas.”
Documenting marine life respectfully, prioritizing the well-being of the subjects photographed:
“Minimize light and noise intrusion, respecting natural cycles and behaviors.”
Spreading awareness of the importance of marine conservation through striking images and informative narratives:
“To create visually appealing and scientifically rigorous content to inspire action and behavioral change towards the protection of marine ecosystems.”
Understand and apply advanced photographic techniques to capture high-quality images in challenging marine environments:
Mastering manual exposure and white balance in varying light conditions, using filters and stabilization techniques to achieve optimal sharpness and detail in underwater and above-water scenarios.
Develop skills to work in collaboration with marine scientists and conservation organizations:
“To effectively communicate technical findings and relevant data to diverse audiences, facilitating informed decision-making in marine resource management.”
Use sustainable photographic equipment and practices to reduce the ecological footprint in the ocean:
“Implement digital developing processes with eco-friendly chemicals and minimize water waste.”
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 Ethics in Underwater Photography: Environmental and Cultural Responsibility
- Underwater Photography Techniques: Lighting, Composition, and Focus
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Flashes, and Accessories
- Marine Environment Conservation: Impact of Photography and Best Practices
- Ethics in Interacting with Marine Life: Respect, No Feeding, and No Manipulation
- Ethical Processing and Editing of Underwater Images: Transparency and Honesty
- Environmental Legislation and Regulations: Protected Areas and Photography Permits
- Advanced Conservation Techniques: Species Identification and Anomaly Reporting
- Safety in Underwater Photography: Safe diving, risks, and accident prevention.
The future of underwater photography: innovation, technology, and sustainability.
‘
- Introduction to Ethics in Underwater Photography: Environmental and Cultural Responsibility
- Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Flashes, Snoots, and Modifiers
- Underwater Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, Perspective
- Conservation of Marine Ecosystems: Impact of Diving and Photography
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, and Maintenance
- Underwater Image Processing: Color Correction, Sharpening, and Editing
- Neutral Buoyancy and Diving Techniques for Photographers
- Identifying Marine Species: For Responsible Photography
- Legal Aspects: Permits and Regulations in Areas protected areas
Photography in extreme environments: shipwrecks, caves, and great depths
‘
- Introduction to underwater imaging: history, evolution, and applications.
- Underwater photographic and video equipment: cameras, housings, lenses, lighting.
- Underwater photographic techniques: composition, focus, exposure, white balance.
- Underwater video techniques: recording, editing, visual storytelling.
- Underwater lighting: types of lights, lighting techniques, backscatter control.
- Post-processing of underwater images: color correction, sharpening, noise reduction.
- Legislation and regulations on underwater imaging: copyright, permits, heritage protection.
- Ethics and respect for the underwater environment: impact of Photography and video: best practices.
- Safety in underwater imaging: dive planning, risks, and protocols.
- Case studies and analysis of underwater images: success stories and common mistakes.
‘
- Introduction to Ethics in Marine Photography: Environmental Responsibility and Respect for Marine Life.
- Marine Photography Equipment: Cameras, Lenses, Underwater Housings, Lighting.
- Underwater Photography Techniques: Lighting, Composition, Focus, White Balance.
- Surface Photography Techniques: Lighting Conditions, Filters, Stabilization.
- Processing and Editing Marine Images: RAW Development, Color Adjustment, Noise Removal.
- Maintenance of Marine Photography Equipment: Cleaning, Maintenance, Storage.
- Environmental Impact of Marine Photography: Minimizing Disturbance to Ecosystems.
- Legislation and Permits for Photography in Marine Areas
- Ethics in the dissemination of marine images: accurate and responsible representation.
- Workflow for conservation photography: documentation, archiving, dissemination.
protected.
‘
- 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 Ethics in Underwater Photography: Environmental and Cultural Responsibility
- Underwater Photography Techniques: Lighting, Composition, and Focus
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Flashes, and Accessories
- Marine Environment Conservation: Impact of Photography and Best Practices
- Ethics in Interacting with Marine Life: Respect, No Feeding, and No Manipulation
- Ethical Processing and Editing of Underwater Images: Transparency and Honesty
- Environmental Legislation and Regulations: Protected Areas and Photography Permits
- Advanced Conservation Techniques: Species Identification and Anomaly Reporting
- Safety in Underwater Photography: Safe diving, risks, and accident prevention.
The future of underwater photography: innovation, technology, and sustainability.
‘
- Introduction to Ethics in Underwater Photography: Environmental and Cultural Responsibility
- Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Flashes, Snoots, and Modifiers
- Underwater Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, Perspective
- Conservation of Marine Ecosystems: Impact of Diving and Photography
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, and Maintenance
- Underwater Image Processing: Color Correction, Sharpening, and Editing
- Neutral Buoyancy and Diving Techniques for Photographers
- Identifying Marine Species: For Responsible Photography
- Legal Aspects: Permits and Regulations in Areas protected areas
Photography in extreme environments: shipwrecks, caves, and great depths
‘
- Introduction to underwater imaging: history, evolution, and applications.
- Underwater photographic and video equipment: cameras, housings, lenses, lighting.
- Underwater photographic techniques: composition, focus, exposure, white balance.
- Underwater video techniques: recording, editing, visual storytelling.
- Underwater lighting: types of lights, lighting techniques, backscatter control.
- Post-processing of underwater images: color correction, sharpening, noise reduction.
- Legislation and regulations on underwater imaging: copyright, permits, heritage protection.
- Ethics and respect for the underwater environment: impact of Photography and video: best practices.
- Safety in underwater imaging: dive planning, risks, and protocols.
- Case studies and analysis of underwater images: success stories and common mistakes.
‘
- Introduction to Ethics in Marine Photography: Environmental Responsibility and Respect for Marine Life.
- Marine Photography Equipment: Cameras, Lenses, Underwater Housings, Lighting.
- Underwater Photography Techniques: Lighting, Composition, Focus, White Balance.
- Surface Photography Techniques: Lighting Conditions, Filters, Stabilization.
- Processing and Editing Marine Images: RAW Development, Color Adjustment, Noise Removal.
- Maintenance of Marine Photography Equipment: Cleaning, Maintenance, Storage.
- Environmental Impact of Marine Photography: Minimizing Disturbance to Ecosystems.
- Legislation and Permits for Photography in Marine Areas
- Ethics in the dissemination of marine images: accurate and responsible representation.
- Workflow for conservation photography: documentation, archiving, dissemination.
protected.
‘
- 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 Imaging: History and Evolution
- Underwater Photography and Video Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lighting
- Physics of Light Underwater: Absorption, Scattering, and Color
- Underwater Photography Techniques: Wide Angle, Macro, Artificial Lighting
- Underwater Video Techniques: Stabilization, Framing, and Visual Storytelling
- Image and Video Processing: Development, Editing, and Post-Production
- Workflow: From Capture to Final Delivery
- Marine Conservation: Raising Awareness and Disseminating Information Through Imagery
- Ethics in Underwater Imaging: Respect for the Environment and Species
- Legislation and Regulations: Permits, Protected areas and good practices
‘
- Ethical Principles in Marine Photography: respect for the environment, animal welfare, informed consent.
- Underwater Photography Techniques: artificial lighting, composition, focus, white balance.
- Marine Photography Equipment: cameras, lenses, underwater housings, flashes, filters.
- Preventive Equipment Maintenance: cleaning, maintenance, storage, post-dive inspection.
- Digital Post-Processing Techniques: basic adjustments, color correction, noise reduction, selective focus.
- Marine Wildlife Photography: respectful approach, animal behavior, stress avoidance.
- Legal Aspects and Copyright: licenses, permits, intellectual property, image use.
- Documentation and archiving of marine photographs: metadata, organization, backups, cataloging.
- Photography in extreme conditions: low temperatures, high salinity, strong currents, limited visibility.
- First aid for flooded equipment: action protocol, cleaning, drying, technical inspection.
‘
- Introduction to Ethics in Underwater Photography: Environmental and Cultural Responsibility.
- Basic Underwater Photography Techniques: Equipment, Natural and Artificial Lighting, Composition.
- Principles of Marine Conservation: Impact of Human Activities, Raising Awareness of the Fragility of the Ecosystem.
- Advanced Underwater Photography Techniques: Wide Angle, Macro, Creative Lighting.
- Digital Processing and Ethical Editing: Workflow, Responsible Retouching, Image Manipulation.
- Conservation of Underwater Photography Equipment: Maintenance, Cleaning, Storage.
- Legislation and Regulations in Underwater Photography: Permits, Protected Areas, Interaction with Wildlife.
- Underwater Photography for Science and Conservation: Documentation, Research, Reporting.
- Ethics in the Publication and dissemination of underwater images: avoiding trivialization, promoting awareness.
Underwater photography and conservation projects: examples, funding, collaboration.
‘
- Introduction to Marine Photography: History and Evolution
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, and Flashes
- Principles of Underwater Photography: Light, Color, Composition, and Focus
- Underwater Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Flash, and Strobes
- Wide-Angle Photography: Underwater Landscapes, Shipwrecks, and Encounters with Large Animals
- Underwater Macro Photography: Small Details, Invertebrates, and Animal Behavior
- Editing and Post-Processing Underwater Photographs: Color Correction, Sharpening, and Dust Removal
- Ethics in Marine Photography: Respect for the Environment and Marine Life
- Marine Conservation and the Role of the Photographer: Documentation, Reporting, and Raising Awareness
- Best practices in marine photography: safety, planning, and responsibility
‘
Career opportunities
- Professional Underwater Photographer/Videographer: Documenting marine life, creating content for media outlets and NGOs.
- Marine Conservation Consultant: Providing ethical and technical advice for conservation and sustainable tourism projects.
- Environmental Educator: Conducting workshops and courses on marine photography and its importance for conservation.
- Scientific Researcher: Using photography as a tool for research and monitoring of marine ecosystems.
- Social Media and Marketing Content Manager: Creating impactful visual content for companies and organizations in the sector.
- Specialized Diving Guide: Leading photographic dives, teaching techniques, and promoting respect for the environment.
- Documentary Filmmaker for Productions Audiovisual: Participate in the creation of documentaries and television programs about the marine world.
Photographic Exhibition Curator: Design and installation of exhibitions that raise awareness about the beauty and fragility of the oceans.
“`
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
- Technical Mastery: Learn best practices for underwater photography, from lighting to composition.
- Environmental Ethics: Develop a marine conservation approach, minimizing your impact on ecosystems.
- Visual Storytelling: Create impactful stories that inspire ocean protection through images.
- Equipment and Maintenance: Gain in-depth knowledge of underwater photography equipment and its proper maintenance for optimal results.
- Marketing and Outreach: Learn how to promote your work and collaborate with organizations for a real impact on conservation.
Testimonials
During the Marine Photography Conservation and Ethics course, I not only honed my photographic skills but also developed a deep understanding of the fragile marine ecosystem. I learned to approach marine life with respect, minimizing my impact and prioritizing their well-being over capturing the perfect shot. I applied these principles on a recent expedition, documenting the behavior of a seahorse colony without disturbing their natural habitat. The resulting images were not only aesthetically stunning but also served as an educational tool to raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation. I am proud to be able to use my photography to promote positive change and protect our oceans.
Mastering underwater photography and video techniques in this course allowed me to capture the hidden beauty of the ocean with stunning clarity and perspective. My images now convey the magic of the underwater world in a way I couldn’t before, opening doors to new professional opportunities in documentary and nature photography.
Applying the conservation and ethical principles I learned in this course transformed my marine photography. I no longer just seek the perfect image, but prioritize the well-being of marine life. Thanks to responsible approach techniques, I’ve been able to capture incredible natural behaviors without interfering with the ecosystem. My work now has a purpose beyond aesthetics, contributing to raising awareness about the fragility of our oceans.
I participated in the Marine Photography Conservation and Ethics training, and the results were transformative. I learned not only techniques for capturing stunning ocean images but also the importance of minimizing my impact on marine ecosystems. Now, I practice responsible diving, maintain a respectful distance from marine life, and strive to raise conservation awareness through my photography. My images are not only aesthetically pleasing but also tell stories that inspire others to protect our oceans. I have seen a significant increase in interest in and commitment to marine conservation among my audience since implementing these ethical principles.
Frequently asked questions
Disturbance of wildlife and damage to sensitive habitats, which can lead to stress, behavioral changes, displacement and even death of marine organisms.
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.
Maintain a respectful distance from marine life and avoid touching or disturbing coral reefs or any marine organisms.
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 Marine Photography: History and Evolution
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, and Flashes
- Principles of Underwater Photography: Light, Color, Composition, and Focus
- Underwater Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Flash, and Strobes
- Wide-Angle Photography: Underwater Landscapes, Shipwrecks, and Encounters with Large Animals
- Underwater Macro Photography: Small Details, Invertebrates, and Animal Behavior
- Editing and Post-Processing Underwater Photographs: Color Correction, Sharpening, and Dust Removal
- Ethics in Marine Photography: Respect for the Environment and Marine Life
- Marine Conservation and the Role of the Photographer: Documentation, Reporting, and Raising Awareness
- Best practices in marine photography: safety, planning, and responsibility
‘
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.