
Course in Marine Litter Collection Robots
The Course in Marine Litter Collection Robots Prepares you to design, select and operate marine litter collection robots in harbours, on coastlines, in rivers and on the seabed. You will study where marine litter comes from and ho
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.
What is the Course in Marine Litter Collection Robots?
The Course in Marine Litter Collection Robots
Prepares you to design, select and operate marine litter collection robots in harbours, on coastlines, in rivers and on the seabed. You will study where marine litter comes from and how it behaves, detection technologies using cameras and sensors, capture systems for floating and seabed waste, safe operation in port environments and how to assess the real impact of these solutions compared with preventing waste at source.
Key advantages
- A visible problem: Marine litter is a major environmental challenge.
- Varied technologies: Surface vessels, seabed robots and smart barriers.
- Smart detection: Computer vision to locate litter.
- A critical view: Real effectiveness and the role of prevention at source.
- Case study: A robotic collection plan for a harbour or coastline.
Programme highlights
- Know the problem: Analyse the sources and distribution of marine litter.
- Detect litter: Use computer vision and remote sensing.
- Capture effectively: Compare collection systems.
- Assess results: Measure the environmental impact of each solution.
- Boost your career: Apply your skills at ports, local authorities, NGOs and technology firms.
- Train to make sure technology genuinely helps deliver cleaner seas.
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
Marine Litter
- Land-based and sea-based sources
- Types of waste and plastics
- Distribution at the surface, in the water column and on the seabed
- Microplastics
- Impacts on wildlife and ecosystems
Collection Technologies
- Litter-collecting surface vessels
- Seabed robots
- Barriers and fixed systems
- Collection in rivers and estuaries
- Comparing technologies
Detection and Perception
- Visual litter detection
- Machine learning for classification
- Remote sensing and drones
- Litter drift models
- Accumulation maps
Operations in Harbours and on Coasts
- Planning collection routes
- Safe operation alongside shipping
- Accidental capture of wildlife
- Equipment maintenance
- Managing collected waste
Assessment and Integration
- Effectiveness indicators
- Cost per kilogram collected
- Prevention at source versus clean-up
- Marine litter regulations
- Case study: a robotic collection plan
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.
Port and local authority environmental staff: who manage coastal clean-up Engineers: who want to develop environmental robotics solutions NGO professionals: working to tackle marine litter Entrepreneurs: interested in ocean clean-up technologies Marine or environmental science graduates: looking for an applied specialisation
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.








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Learning Outcomes
- 01Understand marine litter
- 02Know the collection technologies
- 03Apply detection techniques
- 04Plan operations
- 05Manage collected waste
- 06Assess effectiveness
Career Opportunities
Entry Requirements
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry profile: University studies or professional experience in engineering, environmental science, marine science, port management or waste management. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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