Course on Aquatic Sensors and Measurements
Why this course?
The Aquatic Sensors and Measurements
course
This course provides you with the essential tools to understand and apply the latest technologies in aquatic monitoring. You will learn about the operating principles, calibration, and maintenance of a wide range of sensors, from basic to advanced. You will master the acquisition, processing, and analysis of data for water quality assessment, contaminant detection, and monitoring of key environmental parameters. This program prepares you to meet the challenges of sustainable water resource management and scientific research in aquatic environments.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Approach: Real-world experimentation with sensors and measuring equipment in laboratories and simulated environments.
- Specialized Software: Mastery of software tools for statistical analysis and data visualization.
- Real-World Case Studies: Analysis of environmental monitoring and water resource management projects.
- Subject Matter Experts: Instruction provided by professionals with extensive experience in the field of remote sensing and oceanography.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with industry professionals and expand your professional network.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-04-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Marine biologists and oceanographers seeking to deepen their knowledge of sensor use for aquatic ecosystem monitoring and research.
- Environmental engineers and consultants who need to implement measurement systems for water quality control and water resource management.
- Laboratory technicians and quality control personnel who need to master calibration and maintenance techniques for aquatic measurement equipment.
- Students in science and engineering fields interested in acquiring practical knowledge of the operation and application of sensors in aquatic environments.
- Aquaculture and fisheries professionals seeking to optimize their processes through the use of measurement technologies for parameter control environmental.
Learning Flexibility
Adapted to professionals with demanding schedules: content accessible online 24/7, discussion forums and practical exercises with personalized feedback.
Objectives and competencies
Calibrate and maintain water quality measurement systems:
“Ensure metrological traceability, perform periodic adjustments and verifications according to regulations and manufacturer’s manuals, documenting each intervention to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the data obtained.”
Interpret and analyze collected data to assess the health of the aquatic ecosystem:
“Identify patterns, trends, and anomalies using statistical tools and visualizations to determine the state of the ecosystem and propose management measures.”
Implement and manage remote aquatic monitoring stations:
Configure, calibrate and maintain operational sensors, ensuring data accuracy and reliable communication with the control center.
Select and apply appropriate sensors to measure specific parameters in various aquatic environments:
Considering accuracy, range, corrosion resistance, and energy consumption, and effectively integrating them into the monitoring system.
Design and build prototypes of innovative aquatic measuring devices:
“Integrate advanced sensors (GPS, IMU, sonar) for precise geolocation and real-time bathymetric mapping.”
Develop predictive models for the sustainable management of water resources:
“Implement Machine Learning algorithms (regression, classification, time series) to forecast water demand, availability and quality, integrating meteorological, hydrological and consumption data.”
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 Instrumentation in Aquatic Environments: Challenges and Applications
- Pressure Sensors: Principles, Types (Piezoresistive, Capacitive), Calibration, and Applications in Depth and Level Measurement
- Temperature Sensors: Thermistors, RTDs, Thermocouples; Accuracy, Range, and Drift in Water
- Conductivity and Salinity Sensors: Salinity Measurement, Temperature Compensation, Applications in Estuarine and Oceanographic Studies
- Dissolved Oxygen Sensors: Electrochemical, Optical; Calibration, maintenance, and the effects of biomass
Turbidity and suspended solids sensors: optical principles, nephelometers, turbidimeters, and applications in water quality
Flow and current meters: acoustic Doppler, current meters, and applications in rivers, canals, and marine currents
pH and ORP: selective electrodes, calibration, and the influence of temperature and ionic strength
Data acquisition systems (DAQ): data loggers, communication interfaces (RS-232, Modbus, Ethernet), and telemetry
Metrology applied to calibration and verification: reference standards, traceability, measurement uncertainty, and quality management in aquatic laboratories
‘
- Introduction to Water Quality: Importance and Regulations
- Physicochemical Parameters: Temperature, pH, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen
- Water Sampling: Techniques, Preservation, and Transport of Samples
- In-Situ Measurement Equipment: Multiparameter Probes, Turbidimeters, Colorimeters
- Laboratory Analysis: Methodologies for Nutrients, Heavy Metals, and Organic Pollutants
- Analytical Quality Control: Calibration, Verification, and Validation of Methods
- Water Quality Indices: Calculation and Interpretation
- Surface Water Monitoring: Rivers, Lakes, and Reservoirs
- Groundwater Monitoring: aquifers and wells
- Reporting: preparation of technical and informative reports
‘
- Introduction to Hydrology: Water Cycle, Water Balance, and Basic Concepts
- Remote Sensors for Water Detection: Fundamentals of remote sensing, types of sensors (optical, radar, thermal), and platforms (satellites, drones)
- Satellite Image Analysis: Preprocessing, atmospheric and geometric corrections, supervised and unsupervised classification
- Soil Moisture Detection Techniques: Vegetation Index, Soil Moisture Index, and Time Series Analysis
- Detection of Surface Water Bodies: Water detection algorithms, classification of lakes, rivers, and wetlands
- Flood Risk Analysis: Hydrological modeling, risk maps, and flood risk assessment Vulnerability.
- Water quality monitoring: in-situ sensors, spectroscopy, and analysis of physicochemical parameters.
- Hydrogeological modeling: groundwater flow simulation, aquifer water balance, and sustainable water resource management.
- Data integration: GIS, hydrological databases, and visualization platforms.
- Case studies: Applications of water detection and analysis technologies in natural resource management, precision agriculture, and climate change.
‘
- Introduction to Aquatic Instrumentation: Types, principles, and applications.
- Level and Pressure Sensors: Operating principles, calibration, and maintenance.
- Flow Measurement: Technologies, installation, verification, and troubleshooting.
- Physicochemical Parameters of Water: pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and temperature.
- Calibration of Measuring Instruments: Traceability, standards, uncertainty, and documentation.
- Aquatic Metrology: Regulations, quality assurance, and good laboratory practices.
- Instrumentation for Aquatic Environmental Monitoring: Data acquisition systems, telemetry, and analysis.
- Equipment Use and Maintenance
Sampling: Sampling techniques, sample preservation, and transport.
Data Analysis and Statistical Quality Control: Interpretation of results, control charts, and validation.
Safety in the Workplace with Aquatic Instrumentation: Risks, personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures.
‘
- 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 Instrumentation in Aquatic Environments: Challenges and Applications
- Pressure Sensors: Principles, Types (Piezoresistive, Capacitive), Calibration, and Applications in Depth and Level Measurement
- Temperature Sensors: Thermistors, RTDs, Thermocouples; Accuracy, Range, and Drift in Water
- Conductivity and Salinity Sensors: Salinity Measurement, Temperature Compensation, Applications in Estuarine and Oceanographic Studies
- Dissolved Oxygen Sensors: Electrochemical, Optical; Calibration, maintenance, and the effects of biomass
Turbidity and suspended solids sensors: optical principles, nephelometers, turbidimeters, and applications in water quality
Flow and current meters: acoustic Doppler, current meters, and applications in rivers, canals, and marine currents
pH and ORP: selective electrodes, calibration, and the influence of temperature and ionic strength
Data acquisition systems (DAQ): data loggers, communication interfaces (RS-232, Modbus, Ethernet), and telemetry
Metrology applied to calibration and verification: reference standards, traceability, measurement uncertainty, and quality management in aquatic laboratories
‘
- Introduction to Water Quality: Importance and Regulations
- Physicochemical Parameters: Temperature, pH, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen
- Water Sampling: Techniques, Preservation, and Transport of Samples
- In-Situ Measurement Equipment: Multiparameter Probes, Turbidimeters, Colorimeters
- Laboratory Analysis: Methodologies for Nutrients, Heavy Metals, and Organic Pollutants
- Analytical Quality Control: Calibration, Verification, and Validation of Methods
- Water Quality Indices: Calculation and Interpretation
- Surface Water Monitoring: Rivers, Lakes, and Reservoirs
- Groundwater Monitoring: aquifers and wells
- Reporting: preparation of technical and informative reports
‘
- Introduction to Hydrology: Water Cycle, Water Balance, and Basic Concepts
- Remote Sensors for Water Detection: Fundamentals of remote sensing, types of sensors (optical, radar, thermal), and platforms (satellites, drones)
- Satellite Image Analysis: Preprocessing, atmospheric and geometric corrections, supervised and unsupervised classification
- Soil Moisture Detection Techniques: Vegetation Index, Soil Moisture Index, and Time Series Analysis
- Detection of Surface Water Bodies: Water detection algorithms, classification of lakes, rivers, and wetlands
- Flood Risk Analysis: Hydrological modeling, risk maps, and flood risk assessment Vulnerability.
- Water quality monitoring: in-situ sensors, spectroscopy, and analysis of physicochemical parameters.
- Hydrogeological modeling: groundwater flow simulation, aquifer water balance, and sustainable water resource management.
- Data integration: GIS, hydrological databases, and visualization platforms.
- Case studies: Applications of water detection and analysis technologies in natural resource management, precision agriculture, and climate change.
‘
- Introduction to Aquatic Instrumentation: Types, principles, and applications.
- Level and Pressure Sensors: Operating principles, calibration, and maintenance.
- Flow Measurement: Technologies, installation, verification, and troubleshooting.
- Physicochemical Parameters of Water: pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and temperature.
- Calibration of Measuring Instruments: Traceability, standards, uncertainty, and documentation.
- Aquatic Metrology: Regulations, quality assurance, and good laboratory practices.
- Instrumentation for Aquatic Environmental Monitoring: Data acquisition systems, telemetry, and analysis.
- Equipment Use and Maintenance
Sampling: Sampling techniques, sample preservation, and transport.
Data Analysis and Statistical Quality Control: Interpretation of results, control charts, and validation.
Safety in the Workplace with Aquatic Instrumentation: Risks, personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures.
‘
- 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 Aquatic Monitoring: Objectives, Applications, and Legal Framework.
- Fundamentals of Water Chemistry: Basic Physicochemical Parameters (pH, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature).
- Instrumentation for In-Situ Measurement: Multiparameter Sensors and Probes. Calibration and Maintenance.
- Water Sampling: Techniques for Sample Collection, Preservation, and Transport.
- Spectrophotometry: Principles and Applications in the Determination of Pollutants and Nutrients.
- Chromatography: Fundamentals of Gas Chromatography (GC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Detection and quantification of organic compounds.
Heavy metal analysis: Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and ICP-MS techniques.
Electrochemical sensors: Applications in the detection of specific contaminants (ions, gases).
Monitoring automation: Continuous monitoring stations, telemetry, and early warning systems.
Quality control and quality assurance in water analysis.
‘
- Introduction to Instrumentation in Aquatic Environments: Types and Applications
- Calibration and Maintenance of Aquatic Measuring Instruments
- Water Sampling: Techniques, Preservation, and Transport
- Measurement of physicochemical Parameters: Temperature, pH, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen
- Measurement of Nutrients: Nitrates, Phosphates, Silicates
- Analysis of Contaminants: Heavy Metals, Hydrocarbons, Pesticides
- Spectrophotometry: Principles and Applications in Water Analysis
- Chromatography: Principles and Applications in Water Analysis
- Remote Sensors: Remote Sensing of Aquatic Parameters
- Quality control and quality assurance in water analysis
‘
- Introduction to Water Monitoring and Analysis: Importance and Objectives
- Fundamentals of Water Quality: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Parameters
- Sampling Techniques: Protocols, Sample Types, Preservation, and Transport
- In-Situ Sensors: Types, Operating Principles, Calibration, and Maintenance
- pH and Conductivity Sensors: Applications in Water Monitoring
- Dissolved Oxygen and Turbidity Sensors: Measurement and Environmental Relevance
- Nutrient Sensors: Detection of Nitrates, Phosphates, and Ammonium
- Data Analysis: Quality Control, Descriptive Statistics, and Graphical Representation
- Regulations and Legislation: Quality Directives of water and environmental standards
- Case studies: applications of monitoring and analysis in different aquatic environments
‘
- Introduction to Aquatic Instrumentation: Sensors, Platforms, and Applications
- Calibration and Maintenance of Sensors: pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Conductivity, Temperature
- Data Acquisition Systems: Data Loggers, Telemetry, and Storage
- Water Quality Monitoring: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Parameters
- Optical Sensors: Turbidity, Chlorophyll, Algae, and Remote Sensing
- Hydroacoustics: Ecobathymetry, Current Profiles, and Biomass
- Monitoring Platforms: Buoys, Fixed Stations, Autonomous Vehicles, and Satellites
- Data Analysis: Descriptive, Inferential, and Geostatistical Statistics
- Data quality control: validation, correction, and error management.
- Data visualization: software, maps, and graphical representation.
‘
Career opportunities
- Aquatic Environmental Laboratory Technician: Analysis of water, sediment, and biota samples; interpretation of results; and quality control.
- Oceanographic Instrumentation Operator: Operation and maintenance of sensors and measuring equipment on offshore platforms, buoys, and vessels.
- Environmental Consultant specializing in water resources: Environmental impact assessment; water quality modeling; and design of monitoring and management plans.
- Marine Science and Limnology Researcher: Development of new sensor technologies; analysis of oceanographic data; and participation in research projects.
- Aquaculture and Fish Farming Technician: Control of physicochemical water parameters; and optimization of water quality for the cultivation of aquatic species.
- Water Resources Manager in Public Administrations: Control and water quality monitoring, management of measuring station data, preparation of reports and management plans.
- Early Detection and Warning Systems Specialist: design and implementation of systems for the detection of contaminants, harmful algal blooms, or extreme events.
- Aquatic Instrumentation Sales and Support Technician: technical advice, equipment demonstrations, and after-sales support for manufacturers and distributors of sensors and measuring 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
- Fundamentals of Aquatic Sensing: Master the basic principles of sensors used in aquatic environments.
- Types of Sensors and Applications: Explore a wide range of sensors for measuring parameters such as temperature, pressure, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and pH.
- Calibration and Maintenance: Learn the essential techniques for calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting common problems in aquatic sensors.
- Data Acquisition and Analysis: Discover how to collect, process, and analyze sensor data to gain valuable insights into the aquatic environment.
- Practical Applications: Understand how to apply sensors in environmental monitoring, aquaculture, oceanography, water resource management, and other areas.
Testimonials
During my training in Aquatic Sensors and Measurements, I applied the knowledge I gained to develop a remote water quality monitoring system for a local lake. This system, based on low-cost sensors and an IoT platform, provided real-time data on temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity, enabling the identification of a previously unknown source of pollution and facilitating timely intervention by environmental authorities.
I applied the knowledge from the Robotics and Underwater Technology course to develop an autonomous navigation system for an ROV, achieving 98% accuracy in field tests, exceeding project expectations and facilitating the exploration of a previously inaccessible coral reef.
During my training in Aquatic Sensors and Measurements, I applied the knowledge I gained to develop a real-time water quality monitoring system for a local fish farm. The system, based on pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature sensors, detected an anomaly in oxygen levels, preventing the loss of an entire batch of fish and optimizing the oxygenation process, which resulted in a 15% increase in production.
During my training in Aquatic Sensors and Measurements, I developed a real-time water quality monitoring system for a local fish farm, using pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature sensors. The system successfully alerted the farm to anomalies in oxygen levels, enabling rapid intervention that prevented the loss of a significant number of fish and optimized production performance.
Frequently asked questions
Monitoring water quality and environmental conditions in aquatic ecosystems.
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.
Physical, chemical and biological data, such as temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll and the presence of certain contaminants.
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 Aquatic Instrumentation: Sensors, Platforms, and Applications
- Calibration and Maintenance of Sensors: pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Conductivity, Temperature
- Data Acquisition Systems: Data Loggers, Telemetry, and Storage
- Water Quality Monitoring: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Parameters
- Optical Sensors: Turbidity, Chlorophyll, Algae, and Remote Sensing
- Hydroacoustics: Ecobathymetry, Current Profiles, and Biomass
- Monitoring Platforms: Buoys, Fixed Stations, Autonomous Vehicles, and Satellites
- Data Analysis: Descriptive, Inferential, and Geostatistical Statistics
- Data quality control: validation, correction, and error management.
- Data visualization: software, maps, and graphical representation.
‘
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.