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
Marine Sampling Techniques Course
This course will provide you with the essential skills for collecting accurate and representative data in the ocean environment. Learn to plan and execute effective sampling campaigns, mastering the use of specialized equipment…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Marine Sampling Techniques Course?
The Marine Sampling Techniques course
This course will provide you with the essential skills for collecting accurate and representative data in the ocean environment. Learn to plan and execute effective sampling campaigns, mastering the use of specialized equipment and applying standardized protocols to ensure the quality of your results. This program will equip you to contribute to scientific knowledge and the sustainable management of marine resources, covering everything from water and sediment sampling to biodiversity analysis and marine pollution assessment.
Differential Advantages
- Updated Methodologies: Learn the latest sampling techniques for diverse scientific and environmental applications.
- Intensive Practice: Participate in simulations and case studies that will allow you to apply the knowledge acquired in real-world situations.
- Industry Experts: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in marine research and natural resource management.
- Professional Certification: Obtain a certificate that validates your skills in marine sampling techniques and enhances your professional profile.
- Practical Application: Acquire the necessary skills to work on research projects, environmental consulting, and coastal management.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Sampling Mastery: Learn the essential techniques for collecting high-quality marine samples.
- Effective Planning: Design optimized sampling strategies based on objectives and available resources.
- Comprehensive Analysis: Process and analyze sampling data to gain valuable insights into the marine ecosystem.
- Tools and Equipment: Become familiar with the proper use and maintenance of specialized sampling equipment.
- Safety and Regulations: Apply safety protocols and comply with current regulations for marine sampling.
- Boost your career as a research professional marine with practical and applicable knowledge.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Oceanographic fundamentals, campaign design and selection of sampling strategies in marine environments
- Principles of physical and biogeochemical oceanography applied to sampling: water masses, stratification, fronts and variability
- Statistical design and representativeness: replicas, randomization, spatial/temporal stratification and sampling power
- Definition of objectives, hypotheses and variables: physicochemical, biological, pollutants and tracers
- Operational planning of campaigns: weather windows, boat logistics, permits and coordination with authorities
- Selection of platforms and methods: Sampling from ship, coastal, estuarine, intertidal and from port structures
02
Water column sampling: techniques, instrumentation and control of contamination
- Vertical Discretization: Niskin/Go-Flo Bottles, CTD Rosette, Profiles and Choice of Depths Objective
- Integrated and continuous sampling: pumping systems, hull intake, transects and series comparability
- In-situ parametres: CTD, oxygen, pH, turbidity, chlorophyll, torque and field calibration
- Nutrients and Basic Chemistry: Filtration, Preservation, Material Conditioning and Prevention of Artifacts
- Trace contaminants and micro pollutants: “Clean” sampling, compatible materials and adsorption minimisation
03
Sampling of sediments and bottoms: cores, dredges, georeferencing and preparation of samples
- Types of sediment and strategy: granulometry, organic matter, redox and selection of stations
- Shallow Capture Equipment: Draga Van Veen, Box Corer and Sample Integrity Criteria
- Coring and Stratigraphy: Gravity/Piston Corer, Vibrocorer, Horizon Subsampling and Dating/Register
- Conservation and pretreatment: refrigeration/freezing, inert atmosphere, drying, homogenization and sieving
- Contamination and artifacts: contact with metals, lubricants, plastics, and “Clean handling” protocols
04
Biological sampling: plankton, benthos, macroalgae and environmental DNA for ecological evaluation
- Plankton: nets, mesh sizes, vertical/horizontal drags and effort standardisation
- Benthos and Habitats: Quadrants, Transects, Rakes, Suction Sampling and Biodiversity Metrics
- Macroalgae and marine meadows: coverage protocols, biomass, habitat health and non-destructive sampling
- Ictiofauna and megafauna (non-invasive approach): visual censuses, basic acoustics and methodological limitations
- EDNA and molecular biomonitoring: water intake/filtration, controls, preservation and prevention of cross contamination
05
Data management, QA/QC, operational security and preparation of technical campaign reports
- Field-labouratory QA/QC plan: whites, duplicates, standards, calibrations and log audits
- Complete chain of custody: labelling, sealing, transport, reception and non-conformities
- Safety in marine operations: PPE, deck risks, hoisting, night work and basic first aid
- Data management and cleaning: formats, control of outliers, integrity, versioning and metadata FAIR
- Visualization and technical communication: maps, profiles, time series and results narrative
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 biologists and oceanographers seeking to optimize data collection for studies of biodiversity, pollution, and climate change.Laboratory technicians and environmental analysts who need to standardize their sampling protocols to ensure the accuracy and traceability of results.Marine science students who wish to acquire practical skills in sampling and the use of specialized equipment.En
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
- 01Apply appropriate sampling methods
- 02Evaluate the quality of the collected samples
- 03Managing and preserving marine samples
- 04Interpreting marine sampling data
- 05Select the appropriate sampling equipment
- 06Meticulously document the sampling process
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Marine Laboratory Technician: Sample analysis, quality control, report preparation.
02Research Scientist: Participation in oceanographic research projects, sampling design, data analysis.
03Environmental Consultant: Environmental impact assessment of marine activities, design of monitoring plans, technical advice.
04Marine Resource Manager: Planning and management of marine protected areas, control of fishing activities, ecosystem conservation.
05Aquaculture Technician: Water quality control, sampling of farmed organisms, monitoring of environmental parameters.
06Marine Data Analyst: Processing and analysis of oceanographic data, modeling of marine processes, preparation of technical reports.
07Water Quality Inspector: Sampling and analysis of coastal and oceanic waters, spill control, and environmental quality monitoring.
08Marine Environmental Educator: Scientific outreach, design of educational programs, and raising awareness about marine conservation.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Random sampling selects sampling points randomly within the study area, while stratified sampling first divides the area into subgroups (strata) with similar characteristics (e.g., depth, habitat type) and then samples randomly within each stratum.
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.
In simple random sampling, all points in the marine environment have the same probability of being sampled, whereas in stratified sampling, the environment is divided into strata (e.g., depth zones, habitat types) and simple random sampling is carried out within each stratum, ensuring representation of all areas of interest.
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 Marine Sciences, Marine Biology, Oceanography, Environmental Engineering, or a related field; or demonstrable professional experience in marine sampling and oceanographic research.Technical Competence:Basic knowledge of sampling equipment (Niskin bottles, CTDs, plankton nets, dredges), navigation and positioning techniques (GPS), and maritime safety protocols.Physical Competence:Ability to work in variable maritime conditions, including movement, humidity, and sun exposure. Good general health and physical
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Frequently Asked Questions
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