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
Course in Satellite Maritime Surveillance and Dark Vessel Detection
The Course in Satellite Maritime Surveillance and Dark Vessel Detection Teaches you to use satellite data to see what is happening at sea. You will learn to combine satellite AIS, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical imagery
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course in Satellite Maritime Surveillance and Dark Vessel Detection?
The Course in Satellite Maritime Surveillance and Dark Vessel Detection
Teaches you to use satellite data to see what is happening at sea. You will learn to combine satellite AIS, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical imagery to detect ships that switch off their transponders (dark vessels), monitor illegal fishing, track pollution and support maritime security.
Key advantages
- Applied space technology: Satellite data for maritime security.
- Real cases: Illegal fishing, sanctions, pollution and security.
- Accessible tools: Open platforms and data.
- Artificial intelligence: Automatic ship detection in imagery.
- A scarce profile: In demand at agencies, insurers and analysts.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Programme highlights
- Master satellite AIS: Analyse tracks and anomalies.
- Interpret SAR imagery: Detect ships day and night.
- Spot dark vessels: Cross-check AIS and imagery.
- Apply AI: Automate ship detection.
- Deliver intelligence: Produce surveillance reports.
- Become a space-based maritime surveillance analyst.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Maritime Surveillance
- Maritime domain awareness
- How AIS works
- Satellite AIS
- AIS limits and manipulation
- Open data sources
02
Satellite Remote Sensing
- Optical satellites
- Synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
- Resolution and revisit time
- Copernicus and other programmes
- Radio frequency sensing from space
03
Detecting Dark Vessels and Anomalies
- Cross-checking AIS and imagery
- AIS gaps
- Transshipment at sea
- Identity spoofing
- Behaviour patterns
04
Artificial Intelligence and Tools
- Automatic ship detection
- Classification by size and type
- Analysis platforms
- Integrating sources
- Validating results
05
Applications and Case Study
- Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
- Sanctions compliance
- Oil spill detection
- Maritime safety and security
- Case study and surveillance report
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
Maritime security professionals: in government and industry Risk and compliance analysts: at shipowners, banks and insurers Fisheries inspectors and officers: monitoring fishing activity Environmental specialists: monitoring marine pollution Defence and remote sensing professionals: with a maritime interest
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 AIS
- 02Interpret satellite imagery
- 03Detect anomalies
- 04Apply AI
- 05Apply it to real cases
- 06Produce reports
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Maritime surveillance analyst: At agencies and specialist firms.
02Compliance and sanctions analyst: At banks, insurers and shipowners.
03Fisheries control specialist: In public administration.
04Remote sensing analyst: Maritime applications.
Questions
Entry Requirements
A ship that does not broadcast its AIS position, by fault or on purpose, and that can be detected with satellite imagery.
No. Visual platforms and tools are used.
Yes, including open data from programmes such as Copernicus.
Security, fisheries, environment, insurance, banking and trade.
Yes. You produce a complete surveillance report.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 300 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 Course in Satellite Maritime Surveillance and Dark Vessel Detection 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 technical, scientific, nautical or security background, or experience in the maritime sector or in analysis. 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.