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 Robotics for Hull and Underwater Cleaning
The Diploma in Robotics for Hull and Underwater Cleaning Prepares you to apply robotics to cleaning and inspecting ship hulls and underwater surfaces. You will study biofouling and its effect on fuel consumption and the spread of
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Robotics for Hull and Underwater Cleaning?
The Diploma in Robotics for Hull and Underwater Cleaning
Prepares you to apply robotics to cleaning and inspecting ship hulls and underwater surfaces. You will study biofouling and its effect on fuel consumption and the spread of invasive species, in-water cleaning robots and their adhesion, navigation and debris capture systems, compatibility with antifouling coatings, and the IMO guidelines and port rules that govern these operations, so that you can plan cleaning that is effective, safe and environmentally sound.
Key advantages
- A real problem: Biofouling affects both efficiency and biodiversity.
- Applied robotics: Adhesion, hull navigation and cleaning tools.
- Environmental focus: Capturing and treating cleaning debris.
- Regulatory framework: International guidelines and port requirements.
- Case study: A robotic biofouling management plan for a ship.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Programme highlights
- Understand biofouling: Analyse its impact on efficiency and biodiversity.
- Know the robots: Master adhesion and cleaning systems.
- Protect the environment: Apply debris capture and filtration.
- Comply with the rules: Work within the IMO guidelines and port requirements.
- Boost your career: Open doors to shipping companies, ports, shipyards and subsea service firms.
- Train to help ships sail cleaner, more efficiently and with less environmental impact.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Biofouling and Its Impacts
- How biofouling forms
- Microfouling and macrofouling
- Effect on hull resistance
- Fuel consumption and emissions
- Spread of invasive species
- Critical areas of the hull
- Ship operating factors
- Hull performance indicators
02
Coatings and Prevention Strategies
- Antifouling coatings
- Foul-release coatings
- The Anti-Fouling Systems Convention
- Proactive and reactive cleaning
- Compatibility of cleaning and coatings
- Ultrasonic systems and other alternatives
- Biofouling management plans
- Dry-docking and cleaning in dock
03
Hull Cleaning and Inspection Robots
- Types of hull robot
- Magnetic and suction adhesion
- Locomotion on curved surfaces
- Cleaning tools
- Visual and ultrasonic inspection
- Cleaning niche areas
- Ship-operated robots
- Technology readiness of solutions
04
Navigation, Control and Perception
- Localisation on the hull
- Mapping the surface
- Coverage planning
- Contact force control
- Vision in turbid water
- Detecting fouling levels
- Autonomy and teleoperation
- Logging operational data
05
Debris Capture and Waste Management
- Waste generated by cleaning
- Capture and suction systems
- Filtration and separation
- Handling biocides and metals
- Disposal ashore
- Water quality monitoring
- Risk of releasing species
- Environmental good practice
06
Regulations and Port Requirements
- IMO biofouling guidelines
- National and regional rules
- Port permits for in-water cleaning
- Testing and approval standards for systems
- Ship documentation and records
- Port state control inspections
- Operator responsibilities
- Regulatory trends
07
Operations, Safety and Economics
- Planning the operation
- Coordinating with the ship and port
- Safety compared with diver cleaning
- Risks of robotic operations
- Robot maintenance
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Fuel and emissions savings
- Service models
08
Case Study: Robotic Biofouling Management Plan
- Describing the ship and its route
- Assessing hull condition
- Selecting the technology
- Cleaning and inspection plan
- Waste management
- Regulatory compliance
- Economic analysis
- 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
Naval, mechanical or industrial engineers: who want to specialise in maintenance robotics Shipping company superintendents and technical staff: responsible for fleet maintenance Subsea service company professionals: looking for alternatives to diver cleaning Port authority staff: who regulate in-water cleaning Coatings sector professionals: who work with antifouling 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 biofouling
- 02Know the robotic technologies
- 03Evaluate cleaning systems
- 04Manage waste
- 05Apply the regulations
- 06Plan operations
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Hull robotics operations technician: Planning and carrying out cleaning.
02Hull performance manager: Managing biofouling at shipping companies.
03Marine robotics product engineer: Developing cleaning robots.
04Port environmental officer: Permitting and controlling in-water cleaning.
05Coatings specialist: Advice on prevention and compatibility.
06Fleet efficiency consultant: Cutting fuel use and emissions.
Questions
Entry Requirements
No. Commercial diving requires its own official qualification; this programme focuses on robotic solutions.
No. They complement it by enabling more frequent cleaning; dry-docking is still needed for other work.
No. It depends on each port’s rules and permits; the programme explains how these are handled.
Yes. Visual inspection, thickness measurement and data logging are covered.
A robotic biofouling management plan for a specific ship.
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 Robotics for Hull and Underwater Cleaning 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 naval architecture, mechanical or industrial engineering or a related field, nautical studies or marine science; or professional experience with shipping companies, shipyards, ports or subsea services. 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 enq
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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