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 Aerial and Surface Drones for Marine Operations
The Diploma in Aerial and Surface Drones for Marine Operations Prepares you to plan and manage operations with aerial drones and uncrewed surface vessels in the marine environment. You will study platforms and their sensors, launc
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts16 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 Aerial and Surface Drones for Marine Operations?
The Diploma in Aerial and Surface Drones for Marine Operations
Prepares you to plan and manage operations with aerial drones and uncrewed surface vessels in the marine environment. You will study platforms and their sensors, launch and recovery from ships, coastal mapping and photogrammetry, environmental monitoring, search and rescue support and infrastructure inspection, together with the aviation and maritime regulations and the risk management these operations demand, from planning on shore to processing the final data.
Key advantages
- Air and sea: Aerial drones and surface vessels in a single programme.
- Real operations: Planning, weather, launch and recovery from ships.
- Sensors and data: Cameras, thermal, LiDAR, multispectral and echosounders.
- Regulatory framework: Aviation and maritime rules in practice.
- Case study: An operations plan for a marine drone mission.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Programme highlights
- Choose the platform: Select drones and USVs for each mission.
- Configure the sensors: Integrate cameras, thermal and LiDAR.
- Operate safely: Apply risk assessment and procedures.
- Process the data: Produce maps, models and orthophotos.
- Boost your career: Open doors to service companies, ports, consultancies and public bodies.
- Train to take drones where they can add the most value: the sea.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Uncrewed Platforms for the Sea
- Fixed-wing, multirotor and hybrid drones
- Waterproof drones
- Uncrewed surface vessels
- Endurance and power
- Ground control systems
- Communications and data links
- Choosing the platform
- Maturity and limitations
02
Sensors and Payload
- High-resolution visible cameras
- Thermal cameras
- Multispectral sensors
- LiDAR
- Echosounders and sonar on surface vessels
- Water quality sensors
- Water and air sampling
- Integration and calibration
03
Planning and Meteorology
- Meteorology for drone operations
- Sea state and wind
- Route planning
- Airspace management
- Coordination with shipping traffic
- Operational risk assessment
- Checklists
- Contingency plans
04
Operations from Ships and the Shore
- Take-off and landing on deck
- Recovering surface vessels
- Beyond visual line of sight operations
- Interference and loss of link
- Coordinating with the crew
- Night operations
- Maintenance in a salt environment
- Flight and operations logs
05
Mapping and Data Processing
- Photogrammetry
- Orthophotos and digital models
- Shallow-water bathymetry
- Shoreline monitoring
- Habitat classification
- Thermal data processing
- Integration into GIS
- Quality control
06
Marine Applications
- Environmental monitoring
- Marine wildlife monitoring
- Oil spill detection
- Search and rescue support
- Port infrastructure inspection
- Wind farm inspection
- Fisheries monitoring
- Supporting scientific research
07
Regulations, Safety and Ethics
- Drone regulations in Europe and other regions
- Operational categories and scenarios
- Regulation of surface vessels
- Permits in ports and protected areas
- Data protection and privacy
- Insurance and liability
- Disturbance to wildlife
- Ethics of surveillance
08
Case Study: Operations Plan for a Marine Drone Mission
- Defining the mission
- Selecting platforms
- Selecting sensors
- Risk assessment
- Flight and navigation plan
- Operating procedures
- Data processing plan
- Presenting the plan
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
Drone pilots: who want to specialise in marine operations Environmental and marine science specialists: who need aerial and surface data Port and maritime security professionals: who evaluate uncrewed systems Engineers and surveyors: who carry out coastal surveys Marine service company professionals: who want to expand their capabilities
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
- 01Know the platforms
- 02Select sensors
- 03Plan operations
- 04Operate from ships
- 05Process data
- 06Apply the regulations
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Marine drone operator: Running aerial and surface missions.
02Coastal mapping technician: Photogrammetry and shoreline models.
03Environmental monitoring officer: Tracking wildlife, spills and habitats.
04Uncrewed operations manager: Planning and safety at service companies.
05Port inspection technician: Inspecting infrastructure with drones.
06Geospatial data analyst: Processing and integration into GIS.
Questions
Entry Requirements
No. Pilot licences and certificates are issued by aviation authorities through their own process; this programme does not replace them.
It is not essential, although it helps you get the most out of the operational content.
Yes. Their applications, sensors and operating considerations are covered.
Yes. You process open image datasets and coastal surveys.
A complete operations plan for a marine mission with aerial or surface drones.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 800 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 Diploma in Aerial and Surface Drones for Marine Operations 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: A degree in engineering, marine science, geography, surveying, environmental science, nautical studies or a related field; or professional experience as a drone pilot or in the maritime sector. 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.