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
Drone course for maritime monitoring
courseThis course provides you with the essential skills to optimize surveillance and resource management in the marine environment. Learn to operate drones safely and efficiently, collecting critical data for infrastructure…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts28 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Drone course for maritime monitoring?
The Drones for Maritime Monitoring
course
This course provides you with the essential skills to optimize surveillance and resource management in the marine environment. Learn to operate drones safely and efficiently, collecting critical data for infrastructure inspection, pollution control, and detection of illegal activities. This program equips you with the technical and practical knowledge to boost efficiency and sustainability in your maritime operations.
This course provides you with the essential skills to optimize surveillance and resource management in the marine environment.
Differential Advantages
- Legal and Safe Operation: applicable regulations, risk management, and best practices.
- Advanced Data Acquisition: sensors, cameras, image processing, and analysis.
- Practical Applications: ship inspection, spill control, fisheries monitoring, and coastal safety.
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting: diagnostics, basic repairs, and performance optimization.
- Complete Workflow: from flight planning to report generation and decision-making.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Pilot and Master: Learn to operate state-of-the-art drones for maritime monitoring.
- Data Analysis: Extract valuable information for coastal management and safety.
- Regulatory Compliance: Understand the legislation and best practices for operating drones legally.
- Case Studies: Experience simulations and real-world case studies in the maritime environment.
- Professional Certification: Obtain accreditation that will boost your career in the drone monitoring sector.
- Boost your career and contribute to the protection of our oceans with this specialized training.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of UAS systems applied to maritime monitoring, operational architecture and design of missions in coastal, port and offshore environments
- Principles of operation of drones applied to the maritime domain: multirotor platforms, fixed wing, VTOL and selection criteria according to mission, autonomy and environment
- Functional architecture of a UAS system for maritime monitoring and monitoring: autopilot, data links, GNSS, control station, payloads and critical redundancies
- Peculiarities of the marine environment for UAS operations: wind, salinity, humidity, reflection on water, corrosion and loss of visual references
- Typologies of maritime monitoring missions: coastal surveillance, port observation, infrastructure inspection, environmental control and emergency support
- Planning of missions on water sheet and coastline: altitude, coverage, autonomy, weather windows and safety criteria
02
Sensors, payloads and data capture for surveillance, technical inspection and environmental observation of the maritime environment
- RGB, thermal, multispectral cameras and optical zoom for maritime monitoring: capabilities, limitations and selection criteria by operational scenario
- Sensors oriented to detection of boats, people, marine fauna, spills, coastal changes and floating objects on the surface
- Setting payloads for daytime, night and low visibility missions in coastal, port and offshore environments
- Data capture and quality parametres: resolution, image frequency, stabilisation, georeferencing and consistency of operating records
- Integration of sensors with telemetry and transmission in real time: streaming, on-board storage, latency and link reliability in the marine environment
03
Drone operation in coastal, port and offshore monitoring with focus on coverage, mission continuity and flight safety
- Operating procedures Preflight, in flight and post-flight for maritime missions: checklists, validations, safe return and data assurance
- Manoeuvre and control of the drone in demanding sea conditions: gusts, coastal turbulence, sea spray and operation from the dock, beach or deck
- Design of patterns of search, patrol and observation: linear routes, sectoral sweep, monitoring of objectives and coverage of extensive areas
- Operation in ports, channels, anchorages and maritime traffic zones: spatial segregation, operational coordination and interference control
- Contingency management in maritime UAS missions: loss of link, critical battery, diversion, alternative landing and recovery over water
04
Processing, interpretation and operational exploitation of data captured by drones for maritime and coastal applications
- Image and video processing flow for maritime monitoring: ingestion, organisation, georeferencing, filtering and preparation of useful products
- Identification and interpretation of maritime events: irregular traffic, intrusion, surface contamination, coastal erosion and infrastructure anomalies
- Generation of orthomosaics, surface models and cartographic products for coastal, port and environmental observation
- Detection of temporary changes in beaches, dams, docks, breakwaters, lighthouses and marine structures through multi-date comparisons
- Integration of UAS data with GIS, surveillance platforms, shipped telemetry and maritime decision support systems
05
Capstone Project for design, execution and evaluation of a drone operation for maritime monitoring in a real or simulated case
- Definition of the case study: sea or coastal zone, surveillance or inspection objective, operational restrictions and expected results
- Selection of platform, sensors and mission architecture: autonomy, payload, links, redundancies and operational profile of the UAS system
- Design of the flight plan and the operation procedure: coverage, security, contingencies, coordination with maritime actors and data control
- Development of the flow of processing and interpretation: products generated, analysis criteria and technical or operational usefulness of the captured information
- Risk assessment, performance and viability: Data quality, mission continuity, environment limitations and improvement opportunities
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 and port security professionals seeking to implement aerial surveillance solutions for early threat detection.Environmental management technicians and marine biologists interested in monitoring marine life and pollution using drone technology.Drone engineers and operators wishing to specialize in maritime applications and acquire skills in overwater operations.Coastal authorities an
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
- 01Manage and analyze remote sensor data
- 02Operating and maintaining maritime drone systems
- 03Implement security and emergency response protocols
- 04Develop surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in maritime areas
- 05Integrating drone data with existing maritime information systems
- 06Optimize the detection and monitoring of illicit activities at sea
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Maritime Drone Operator: Inspection of coastal infrastructure (ports, oil platforms), pollution control, search and rescue.
02Marine Data Analyst: Processing and interpretation of data collected by drones to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies.
03Drone Maintenance Technician: Repair and maintenance of drones and their components, ensuring their proper functioning and availability.
04Maritime Drone Solutions Consultant: Advising companies and institutions on the implementation of drones in their maritime operations.
05New Application Researcher/Developer: Development of new technologies and applications for drones in the maritime sector (sensors, software, etc.).
06Maritime Safety Inspector: Use of drones for the inspection of ships and facilities. Port and other maritime infrastructure, identifying risks and deficiencies.
07Fisheries surveillance and control: Monitoring illegal fishing activities, protecting marine protected areas, and controlling quotas.
08Maritime mapping and topographic surveying: Creating maps and 3D models of coastal areas and seabeds using drones equipped with specialized sensors.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Broad coverage and improved surveillance at a lower cost than traditional methods.
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.
Images, videos, positioning data, weather information, oceanographic data (temperature, salinity, currents), vessel identification, oil spill detection, and marine fauna behavior.
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 Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate degree in Engineering (Aeronautical, Telematics, Industrial, etc.), Environmental Sciences, Marine Biology; or demonstrable experience in maritime operations, coastal surveillance, or drone piloting.Technical Knowledge:Solid knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/RPAS), onboard sensors (cameras, radars, etc.), geospatial data processing, and aviation regulations. Drone pilot certification (AESA or competent body) is desirable.Specific Competencies:Data analysis skills, aerial image interpretation, route and missio
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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