Seabird Observation Course
Why this course?
Discover the fascinating world of Seabird Watching
With our specialized course, learn to identify birds in their natural habitat, understand their behavior, and contribute to their conservation. This course will provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to become an expert observer and enjoy the beauty of seabirds.
Key Benefits
- Accurate Identification: Master visual and auditory identification techniques for seabirds.
- Habitat Knowledge: Learn about marine ecosystems and the adaptations of birds to these environments.
- Observation Techniques: Use binoculars, field guides, and other tools for effective observation.
- Marine Conservation: Understand the threats facing seabirds and how you can help protect them.
- Hands-on Experience: Participate in guided field trips to put your knowledge into practice.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-04-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers who want to deepen their knowledge of seabird identification and behavior.
- Nature photographers looking to improve their techniques to capture stunning images of birds in their natural environment.
- Students of biology, ecology, or environmental science who need specific knowledge about seabird ecology and conservation.
- Tour guides and environmental educators interested in expanding their skills to offer enriching seabird experiences.
- Travelers and sea lovers looking to enrich their journeys with greater knowledge of marine birds.
Flexibility and continuous learning
Access the Self-paced course: materials available online, active discussion forums and regular updates on the latest research.
Objectives and competencies
Identify the main species of seabirds:
“Recognize key morphological characteristics (plumage, beak, size) and typical habitats for correct identification.”
Apply seabird population counting techniques:
“Using linear transects and counting stations, differentiating species and accurately recording data for statistical analysis.”
Use identification guides and specialized resources:
“Interpreting nautical charts, publications and notices to mariners, adjusting navigation in real time in response to new information and hazards.”
Understanding the ecology and behavior of seabirds:
Identify the main threats to seabirds and their impact on populations, as well as the most effective conservation strategies.
Contribute to the conservation of seabirds and their habitats:
Implement biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of invasive species to islands and nesting areas, minimizing the impact on seabird populations.
Document and share observations relevant to citizen science:
Prepare concise and visually appealing reports, using accessible platforms to facilitate the understanding and replication of the findings by other citizens.
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Marine Ornithology: Definitions, history, and relevance.
- Identification of Common Seabirds: Key characteristics, plumage, and behaviors.
- Equipment for Birdwatching: Binoculars, spotting scopes, field guides, and applications.
- Birdwatching Techniques in Different Marine Environments: Coasts, open ocean, estuaries, and nesting areas.
- Preparing Sighting Records: Protocols, essential data, and reporting platforms.
- Threats to Seabirds: Pollution, climate change, overfishing, and invasive species.
- Conservation Strategies: Protected areas, legislation, and species recovery programs.
- Population Monitoring: Censuses, banding, satellite tracking, and data analysis.
- Citizen Participation in Conservation: Volunteering, citizen science, and environmental education.
- Ethics in Birdwatching and Conservation: Minimizing impact and promoting habitat protection.
‘
- Introduction to marine ornithology: diversity, adaptations, and ecology.
- Seabird identification: visual keys, field guides, and online resources.
- Birdwatching techniques: use of binoculars, telescopes, photography, and sound recording.
- Birdwatching ethics: minimizing impact, respecting birds and their habitats.
- Legislation and regulations: seabird protection, protected areas, and international conventions.
- Threats to seabirds: pollution, climate change, overfishing, and invasive species.
- Conservation strategies: habitat restoration, invasive species control, and environmental education.
- Population monitoring: censuses, banding, satellite tracking, and analysis of data.
- Sustainable birdwatching tourism: best practices, certification, and benefits for local communities.
- Communication and outreach: awareness, environmental education, and citizen participation.
‘
- Introduction to Marine Ornithology: Basic Concepts and Adaptations
- Morphology of Seabirds: Plumage, Wings, Beaks, and Feet (Adaptations)
- Behavior of Seabirds: Feeding, Reproduction, and Migration
- Ecology of Seabirds: Habitats, Ecological Niches, and Interactions
- Basic Equipment for Birdwatching: Binoculars, Telescopes, and Field Guides
- Visual Identification Techniques: Silhouette, Flight, Plumage, and Vocalizations
- Identification by Taxonomic Groups: Procellariiformes, Pelecaniformes, Charadriiformes, etc.
- Field Guides and Online Resources: Use and Limitations
- Ethics in Birdwatching: Conservation and Respect for the Environment
- Safety at Sea: Precautions and Best Practices During Birdwatching
‘
- Introduction to Pelagic Bird Watching: Definition, History, and Ethics
- Identifying Key Pelagic Birds: Morphology, Plumage, Behavior, and Distribution
- Essential Optical Equipment: Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Cameras, and Their Use Techniques
- Birdwatching Vessels: Types, Safety, Environmental Considerations, and Best Practices
- Search and Identification Techniques at Sea: Flight Patterns, Vocalizations, and Visual Signals
- Environmental and Oceanographic Factors: Influence of Currents, Winds, Temperature, and Salinity
- Pelagic Bird Conservation: Threats (Fishing, Pollution, Climate Change) and Mitigation Measures
- Legislation and Regulations: International agreements, protected areas, and best practices for sustainable tourism.
Field guides and bibliographic resources: Use, interpretation, and relevant sources of information.
First aid and safety at sea: Emergency procedures, risks, and action protocol.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
Plan de estudio - Módulos
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Marine Ornithology: Definitions, history, and relevance.
- Identification of Common Seabirds: Key characteristics, plumage, and behaviors.
- Equipment for Birdwatching: Binoculars, spotting scopes, field guides, and applications.
- Birdwatching Techniques in Different Marine Environments: Coasts, open ocean, estuaries, and nesting areas.
- Preparing Sighting Records: Protocols, essential data, and reporting platforms.
- Threats to Seabirds: Pollution, climate change, overfishing, and invasive species.
- Conservation Strategies: Protected areas, legislation, and species recovery programs.
- Population Monitoring: Censuses, banding, satellite tracking, and data analysis.
- Citizen Participation in Conservation: Volunteering, citizen science, and environmental education.
- Ethics in Birdwatching and Conservation: Minimizing impact and promoting habitat protection.
‘
- Introduction to marine ornithology: diversity, adaptations, and ecology.
- Seabird identification: visual keys, field guides, and online resources.
- Birdwatching techniques: use of binoculars, telescopes, photography, and sound recording.
- Birdwatching ethics: minimizing impact, respecting birds and their habitats.
- Legislation and regulations: seabird protection, protected areas, and international conventions.
- Threats to seabirds: pollution, climate change, overfishing, and invasive species.
- Conservation strategies: habitat restoration, invasive species control, and environmental education.
- Population monitoring: censuses, banding, satellite tracking, and analysis of data.
- Sustainable birdwatching tourism: best practices, certification, and benefits for local communities.
- Communication and outreach: awareness, environmental education, and citizen participation.
‘
- Introduction to Marine Ornithology: Basic Concepts and Adaptations
- Morphology of Seabirds: Plumage, Wings, Beaks, and Feet (Adaptations)
- Behavior of Seabirds: Feeding, Reproduction, and Migration
- Ecology of Seabirds: Habitats, Ecological Niches, and Interactions
- Basic Equipment for Birdwatching: Binoculars, Telescopes, and Field Guides
- Visual Identification Techniques: Silhouette, Flight, Plumage, and Vocalizations
- Identification by Taxonomic Groups: Procellariiformes, Pelecaniformes, Charadriiformes, etc.
- Field Guides and Online Resources: Use and Limitations
- Ethics in Birdwatching: Conservation and Respect for the Environment
- Safety at Sea: Precautions and Best Practices During Birdwatching
‘
- Introduction to Pelagic Bird Watching: Definition, History, and Ethics
- Identifying Key Pelagic Birds: Morphology, Plumage, Behavior, and Distribution
- Essential Optical Equipment: Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Cameras, and Their Use Techniques
- Birdwatching Vessels: Types, Safety, Environmental Considerations, and Best Practices
- Search and Identification Techniques at Sea: Flight Patterns, Vocalizations, and Visual Signals
- Environmental and Oceanographic Factors: Influence of Currents, Winds, Temperature, and Salinity
- Pelagic Bird Conservation: Threats (Fishing, Pollution, Climate Change) and Mitigation Measures
- Legislation and Regulations: International agreements, protected areas, and best practices for sustainable tourism.
Field guides and bibliographic resources: Use, interpretation, and relevant sources of information.
First aid and safety at sea: Emergency procedures, risks, and action protocol.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Marine Ornithology: Adaptations and Ecology of Seabirds.
- Morphology and Anatomy of Seabirds: Key Characteristics for Identification.
- Seabird Identification Guides: Using Dichotomous Keys and Online Resources.
- Sighting Techniques: Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, and Photography.
- Seabird Behavior: Foraging, Courtship, Migration, and Resting.
- Seabird Habitats: Coastal Zones, High Seas, Islands, and Feeding Areas.
- Threats to Seabirds: Pollution, Climate Change, Bycatch, and Invasive Species.
- Monitoring Protocols: Censuses, banding, and GPS tracking.
- Conservation of seabirds: Management strategies, protected areas, and environmental education.
- Ethics in seabird watching: Minimizing impacts and respecting wildlife.
‘
- Introduction to Pelagic Birds: Identification, Ecology, and Global Distribution
- Birdwatching Techniques: Use of Binoculars, Telescopes, and Field Guides
- Photography of Pelagic Birds: Basic Techniques, Equipment, and Ethics
- Boats and Safety: Onboard Protocols, Safety Equipment, and First Aid
- Marine Meteorology: Interpreting Forecasts, Winds, Waves, and Currents
- Importance of Marine Conservation: Threats to Pelagic Birds, Protected Areas, and Legislation
- Human Impact: Pollution, Fishing, Climate Change, and Their Effect on Birds
- Sustainable Birdwatching Tourism: Best Practices, Ethics, and Benefits for Local Communities
- Monitoring and citizen science: participation in research projects and data collection
- Report writing and dissemination of results: environmental awareness and education
‘
- Introduction to Seabirds: diversity, ecology, and global distribution.
- Birdwatching Techniques: visual identification, use of field guides and binoculars.
- Essential Equipment: binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras, and sound recorders.
- Birdwatching Ethics: respect for birds and their habitat, minimizing environmental impact.
- Legislation and Regulations: international treaties, national laws, and local regulations for the protection of seabirds.
- Threats to Seabirds: pollution, climate change, bycatch, and invasive species.
- Conservation Strategies: marine protected areas, invasive species control, and pollution reduction.
- Population monitoring: censuses, banding, and tracking of seabirds.
- Environmental education: public awareness, volunteer programs, and community engagement.
- Seabird first aid: rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded or injured seabirds.
‘
- Introduction to pelagic birds: definition, adaptation, and ecology.
- Morphology of pelagic birds: adaptations to flight, feeding, and thermoregulation.
- Behavior of pelagic birds: feeding, reproduction, and migration patterns.
- Birdwatching techniques: use of binoculars, telescopes, and field guides.
- Identification by plumage: key characteristics for visual identification.
- Identification by vocalization: recognition of songs and calls.
- Identification by behavior: flight, feeding, and socialization patterns.
- Environmental factors influencing the distribution of pelagic birds.
- Ethics in birdwatching Pelagic species and conservation.
- Recording and documenting sightings: creating species lists and taking photographs.
‘
Career opportunities
- Specialized Ornithological Guide: Leading birdwatching tours and interpreting the behavior of seabirds.
- Field Researcher: Collecting data on seabird populations, migration, and behavior.
- Environmental Educator: Designing and delivering workshops and educational programs on seabird conservation.
- Environmental Consultant: Assessing the environmental impact of coastal projects on seabirds.
- Natural Reserve/Protected Area Manager: Designing and implementing conservation plans for seabirds.
- Wildlife Recovery Center Technician: Caring for and rehabilitating injured or sick seabirds.
- Science Communicator: Creating content (articles, documentaries, Exhibitions) on seabirds.
- Working with NGOs: Participation in seabird conservation and research projects.
“`
Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
5. Induction
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Expert Identification: Learn to recognize the main species of seabirds in flight and at rest.
- Behavior and Ecology: Discover the secrets of their feeding, reproduction, and migrations.
- Spotting Techniques: Master the use of binoculars, field guides, and specialized software.
- Marine Conservation: Understand the threats they face and how to contribute to their protection.
- Field Trips: Practice observation in real-world environments with expert guides.
Testimonials
I was able to correctly identify 27 species of seabirds during the training, including three types of gulls that I previously found indistinguishable, exceeding my initial expectations and demonstrating clear progress in my observation and classification skills.
I applied the knowledge I had gained about coral reef ecology to design a restoration program that increased coral cover by 15% in one year, exceeding the initial project expectations.
I managed to identify 27 different species of seabirds during the training, including three that I did not expect to see in this region, exceeding my initial expectations and significantly expanding my knowledge of their behavior and habitats.
I managed to identify 27 different species of seabirds during the training, including three that I did not expect to see in this region, exceeding my initial expectations and those of the group.
Frequently asked questions
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.
A coastal ecosystem.
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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to pelagic birds: definition, adaptation, and ecology.
- Morphology of pelagic birds: adaptations to flight, feeding, and thermoregulation.
- Behavior of pelagic birds: feeding, reproduction, and migration patterns.
- Birdwatching techniques: use of binoculars, telescopes, and field guides.
- Identification by plumage: key characteristics for visual identification.
- Identification by vocalization: recognition of songs and calls.
- Identification by behavior: flight, feeding, and socialization patterns.
- Environmental factors influencing the distribution of pelagic birds.
- Ethics in birdwatching Pelagic species and conservation.
- Recording and documenting sightings: creating species lists and taking photographs.
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.