Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in UAVs and drones for maritime surveillance
This program trains you to integrate unmanned aerial technologies into coastal security and control operations. Learn to plan missions, interpret sensor data, and pilot specialized drones in maritime environments. Master the use…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Diploma in UAVs and drones for maritime surveillance?
The Diploma in UAVs and Drones for Maritime Surveillance
This program trains you to integrate unmanned aerial technologies into coastal security and control operations. Learn to plan missions, interpret sensor data, and pilot specialized drones in maritime environments. Master the use of geospatial analysis software and applicable aeronautical regulations. This program prepares you to meet the challenges of modern maritime surveillance.
This program trains you to integrate unmanned aerial technologies into coastal security and control operations.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Applications: detection of illicit activities, fisheries control, search and rescue, infrastructure inspection.
- Advanced Sensors: multispectral cameras, thermal imaging cameras, radars, and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).
- Data Analysis: image processing, 3D modeling, report generation, and early warnings.
- Regulatory Framework: aeronautical regulations, risk management, permits and authorizations for air operations.
- Case Studies: analysis of real missions, best practices, and lessons learned in the maritime sector.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
29-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Master UAV Technology: Learn to operate and maintain drones for maritime surveillance, optimizing safety and efficiency.
- Geospatial Data Analysis: Interpret images and data collected by drones to identify risks, patterns, and improve decision-making.
- Legal and Regulatory Framework: Understand the current regulations for the use of drones in the maritime sector, ensuring safe and legal operations.
- Practical Applications in Surveillance: Explore case studies and simulations of search and rescue missions, fisheries control, and environmental protection.
- Professional Certification: Obtain a recognized diploma that validates your skills in the use of UAVs and drones for maritime surveillance.
- Boost your career in the maritime sector with technology of Become a leader and an expert in drone surveillance.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Basics of unmanned aerial systems in maritime environments
- Principles of operation of unmanned aerial vehicles applied to coastal, port and ocean surveillance
- Classification of multi-rotor platforms, fixed wing, hybrid and vertical take-off and landing for maritime missions
- Essential Components: Structure, Propulsion, Flight Controller, Navigation, Communications, Energy and Payload
- Comparison of autonomy, range, speed, weather resistance and deployment capacity of each platform
- Applications in maritime traffic control, port inspection, search, rescue, environmental protection and fisheries surveillance
- Operational limitations derived from wind, humidity, salinity, waves, movement of ships and loss of visual references
- Conceptual design of UAV systems adapted to missions of observation, monitoring and obtaining of maritime intelligence
- Classification of UAS and evolution of its maritime use
02
Architecture, sensors and payloads for maritime surveillance
- Integration of high-resolution electro-optical cameras, augmentation and stabilisation systems in aerial platforms
- Use of thermal sensors for night detection, location of people, fires and thermal anomalies
- Application of lightweight radars, multispectral sensors, hyperspectral and remote detection systems
- Incorporation of receivers for automatic identification of ships and maritime target location systems
- Selection of payloads according to altitude, distance, resolution required, type of objective and environmental conditions
- Power management, weight, balance, electromagnetic interference and compatibility between subsystems
- Configuration of modular architectures that allow the drone to be adapted to different surveillance missions
- EO/IR cameras, radar and specialised sensors
03
Planning of missions and air navigation over the sea
- Definition of objectives, areas of operation, routes, altitudes, flight times and mission completion criteria
- Flight planning from coast, port facilities, sea platforms and moving boats
- Waypoint settings, search patterns, orbits, corridors, and exclusion areas
- Calculation of autonomy, energy consumption, reserves, return distance and safety margins
- Assessment of wind, visibility, cloudiness, precipitation, solar radiation and conditions of the sea state
- Signal loss management, positioning degradation, route deviation and automatic return activation
- Preparation of primary, alternative and contingency flight plans for complex maritime operations
- GNSS navigation and sea route planning
04
Drone operation from ships and maritime platforms
- Preparation of take-off and recovery zones in decks, docks, platforms and auxiliary boats
- Coordination between remote pilot, captain, bridge, deck operators and security officers
- Launching and recovery techniques for multirotors, fixed-wing aircraft and hybrid systems
- Compensation of the movement of the platform, balance, pitch, vibrations and variation of the course of the ship
- Management of approaches, precision landings, recovery networks and assisted capture systems
- Protection of equipment against splashes, corrosion, condensation, shock and salt contamination
- Development of standardised operating procedures for missions deployed from maritime units
- Takeoff and recovery from Deck on the move
05
Maritime Surveillance, Inspection and Recognition Applications
- Surveillance of port areas, Anchorages, navigation channels, coastal perimetres and critical infrastructure
- Tracking and identification of boats by image, position, course, speed and operational behaviour
- Detection of illicit activities, unauthorized fishing, contamination, intrusion and suspicious approaches
- Aerial inspection of hulls, decks, cranes, terminals, platforms, buoys and navigation aids
- Support for search and rescue operations through tracking and thermal detection patterns
- Evaluation of discharges, hydrocarbon stains, floating residues and alterations of the marine ecosystem
- Production of visual intelligence products for decision making, documentation and operational monitoring
- Fisheries Surveillance, Search and Rescue and Border Control
06
Transmission, processing and analysis of data obtained by UAV
- Configuration of control links, telemetry, video and data transmission in real time
- Coverage management, latency, interference, loss of link and communication beyond visual scope
- Georeferencing of images, videos, detections and paths recorded during the mission
- Data processing for generation of orthomosaics, three-dimensional models and operational maps
- Application of algorithms for detection, classification and automatic tracking of boats and people
- UAV data integration with geographic information systems, control centres and maritime surveillance platforms
- Design of analysis flows that transform raw data into alerts, evidence and operational reports
- Real-time video streaming and artificial intelligence analysis
07
Operational safety, maintenance and risk management
- Identification of risks related to loss of control, impact, fall to the sea, interference and propulsion failures
- Preparation of risk assessments according to mission, environment, proximity to people and infrastructures
- Definition of security zones, abortion criteria, alternative landings and emergency procedures
- Preventive maintenance of motors, propellers, batteries, sensors, connectors, housings and navigation systems
- Post-flight inspection in saline environments and anti-corrosion procedures
- Management of flight records, incidents, battery cycles, repairs and component life
- Implementation of an operational safety system oriented to reliability, traceability and continuous improvement
- EASA regulations and flight authorizations
08
Final UAV and drone project for maritime surveillance
- Defining a fictitious case of coastal, port, fishing, environmental, or search and rescue
- Analysis of the area of operation, objectives, threats, environmental conditions and available resources
- Platform selection, sensors, communications, control station and auxiliary systems
- Mission plan design with routes, search patterns, autonomy, contingencies and security criteria
- Development of the procedure of capture, transmission, analysis and storage of the data obtained
- Development of the maintenance plan, risk management, indicators and evaluation of operational performance
- Presentation of the designed surveillance mission
- Presentation of the final memory with technical, operational, logistical, informational and security validation of the proposed system
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 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
Maritime security professionals looking to implement aerial surveillance systems using drones for threat detection and coastal zone monitoring.Naval engineers and technicians interested in integrating drones into maritime operations, from infrastructure inspection to environmental monitoring.Maritime rescue and emergency personnel requiring aerial tools for search and rescue, damage assessment
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
- 01Operating UAV/drone systems for the detection and identification of illicit activities in the maritime environment
- 02Interpreting data from sensors and UAV/drones cameras for risk and threat assessment in maritime areas
- 03Apply the current regulations on the use of UAVs/drones in maritime and port areas
- 04Manage and coordinate work teams in maritime surveillance operations with drones
- 05Develop protocols for action in emergencies and risk situations in maritime surveillance operations with drones
- 06Implement preventive and corrective maintenance strategies to ensure the continuous operability of UAVs/drones in maritime environments
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Drone Operator for Coastal Surveillance: maritime patrolling, detection of illegal activities, and support in rescue operations.
02Aerial Data and Image Analyst: processing information captured by drones, identifying patterns and anomalies.
03Drone Maintenance Technician: inspection, repair, and maintenance of UAVs specialized in maritime operations.
04Maritime Security Consultant with Drones: advising on the implementation of aerial surveillance systems and risk assessment.
05UAV Technology Researcher for the Maritime Sector: developing new applications and improvements in the use of drones in marine environments.
06Maritime Surveillance Systems Integrator: combining drone data with other information sources to create comprehensive solutions.
07Drone Operation and Legislation Trainer
08Maritime: Delivery of courses and workshops on the safe and legal use of UAVs at sea.
09Maritime drone surveillance project manager: Planning, coordination, and supervision of aerial surveillance operations at sea.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Maritime surveillance.
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.
Maritime surveillance.
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 Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate degree in security, engineering, or related fields; or demonstrable professional experience in maritime surveillance, security forces, or a related sector.Prior Knowledge:Desirable basic knowledge of aeronautical regulations, UAV/drone systems, and surveillance technologies.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree/certificates, ID/Passport, letter of interest explaining the motivation for completing the diploma program.Technical Requirements (for online, if applicable):Device with a stable internet connection, updated web
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.