Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course in Marine Robotics Ethics and Regulation
The Course in Marine Robotics Ethics and Regulation Prepares you to analyse the ethical and legal challenges raised by robots and autonomous ships at sea. You will study the IMO’s work on autonomous ships, how the COLREGs and UNCL
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts9 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course in Marine Robotics Ethics and Regulation?
The Course in Marine Robotics Ethics and Regulation
Prepares you to analyse the ethical and legal challenges raised by robots and autonomous ships at sea. You will study the IMO’s work on autonomous ships, how the COLREGs and UNCLOS apply to uncrewed vehicles, liability in the event of an accident, data protection, the regulation of artificial intelligence and environmental impact, so that you can build these considerations into real projects and operations from the design stage onwards.
Key advantages
- An emerging topic: A regulatory framework that is being built right now.
- International view: The IMO, the law of the sea and AI regulation.
- Applied ethics: Criteria for design and operational decisions.
- Practical focus: Analysis of scenarios and real cases.
- Case study: Ethical and regulatory assessment of a marine robotics project.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Programme highlights
- Know the framework: Understand the IMO’s work on autonomous ships.
- Apply the law of the sea: Analyse UNCLOS and the COLREGs.
- Allocate responsibility: Study liability and insurance.
- Design ethically: Build ethical principles into projects.
- Boost your career: Apply your skills in companies, public bodies and technology centres.
- Train to help marine robotics advance with safety, responsibility and trust.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Ethics of Autonomous Marine Systems
- Ethical principles of robotics
- Autonomy and meaningful human control
- Safety of people at sea
- Transparency and explainability
- Social and employment impact
02
Maritime Regulation of Autonomous Ships and Vehicles
- The IMO’s work on autonomous ships
- Levels of autonomy
- Applying the COLREGs to uncrewed vehicles
- SOLAS and STCW in the context of autonomy
- Registration and flagging of vehicles
03
The Law of the Sea and Operations
- Legal status of uncrewed vehicles
- Navigation rights in maritime zones
- Marine scientific research and consent
- Operations in other states’ waters
- National and port authorisations
04
Liability, Data and Artificial Intelligence
- Civil liability for damage
- Insurance for autonomous operations
- Data protection and privacy
- Regulation of artificial intelligence
- Cybersecurity and legal obligations
05
The Environment and Project Assessment
- Environmental impact of marine robots
- Disturbance to wildlife
- Ethical impact assessment
- Responsible governance of innovation
- Case study: assessing a marine robotics project
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Marine robotics engineers and developers: who need to understand the regulatory framework Lawyers and advisers: interested in maritime and technology law Maritime administration staff: who authorise operations with uncrewed vehicles Compliance managers: at marine technology companies Researchers: working on autonomous systems
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Understand the ethical challenges
- 02Know maritime regulation
- 03Apply the law of the sea
- 04Analyse liability
- 05Manage data and AI
- 06Assess projects
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Regulatory compliance officer: Regulation of robotics and autonomous vehicles.
02Marine technology legal adviser: Supporting companies in the sector.
03Maritime administration officer: Authorising uncrewed operations.
04Ethics and innovation lead: Assessing technology projects.
Questions
Entry Requirements
The IMO is working on a specific code for autonomous ships; the course explains its status and likely development.
No. It is a specialist institutional qualification and does not replace official legal qualifications or admission.
No. Legal concepts are explained accessibly for technical profiles.
No. The course focuses on civil uses: science, industry, services and the environment.
An ethical and regulatory assessment of a marine robotics project, with recommendations.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 300 hours of study. You can work at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by our admissions team when you enquire.
On completing the programme you receive the Course in Marine Robotics Ethics and Regulation qualification awarded by Navalis Magna Institute.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Entry profile: University studies or professional experience in engineering, law, nautical studies, public administration or marine technology. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.