Course in Maritime Photojournalism
Why this course?
Maritime Photojournalism Course
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of documentary photography in marine environments. Learn to master the essential techniques for telling impactful visual stories, from life aboard ships to the conservation of coastal ecosystems. This course will provide you with the skills needed to create images that convey the beauty, the harshness, and the importance of the maritime world.
This course immerses you in the fascinating world of documentary photography in marine environments.
Differential Advantages
- Photography Techniques in Extreme Conditions: Master exposure, focus, and composition in challenging lighting situations and adverse weather.
- Visual Storytelling: Learn to construct coherent and engaging narratives through image selection and editing.
- Ethics and Responsibility in Photojournalism: Understand the ethical principles that govern the profession and how to apply them in a maritime context.
- Specialized Equipment: Learn about the essential photographic equipment for working in marine environments and how to protect it from the elements.
- Practical Experience in Real-World Environments: Opportunities to apply your knowledge to real photographic projects, guided by experienced professionals.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-04-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Professional and advanced amateur photographers looking to expand their portfolio with striking images of maritime and port life.
- Journalists and communicators specializing in the maritime sector who need to illustrate their reports with high-quality photographs and informative value.
- Merchant marine and fishing vessel officers and crew members passionate about photography and who wish to document their experience on board with professional techniques.
- News agencies and specialized media outlets interested in acquiring exclusive, high-impact images of the maritime world.
- Photography and communication students seeking an innovative specialization with access to unique locations and fascinating themes.
Flexibility to professionals
Online course with recorded live classes, access to downloadable material and personalized tutoring to adapt the learning to your pace.
Objectives and competencies
To visually document life and challenges in the marine environment:
“To capture striking images that reveal the beauty and fragility of ecosystems, as well as the threat of pollution and overfishing, to raise public awareness and promote conservation.”
Capture stunning images that reveal the beauty and fragility of aquatic ecosystems:
“Master underwater and terrestrial photography techniques, prioritizing safety and minimal environmental impact when documenting life and challenges in rivers, lakes, and oceans.”
Master advanced photographic techniques to tell compelling stories at sea:
“Understanding composition, lighting, and visual language to create impactful images that convey the essence and emotion of the maritime environment, capturing marine life, coastal culture, and adventure on the high seas.”
Using photography to promote marine conservation and environmental awareness:
“To create impactful visual narratives that document the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems, inspiring action through emotion and scientific knowledge.”
Develop a unique photographic style that reflects the immensity and dynamism of the ocean:
Master photographic techniques and digital editing to capture the essence of the ocean, from calm to storm, and communicate a personal and evocative vision.
Adapting photographic equipment and techniques to the extreme conditions of the maritime environment:
“Select and protect equipment (cameras, lenses, drones) against salinity, humidity and temperature fluctuations, using watertight housings, UV filters and specialized cleaning techniques.”
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 Visual Storytelling: History, Evolution, and Formats in the Maritime Context.
- Fundamentals of Ethics in Communication: Responsibility, Truthfulness, and Respect in the Representation of the Sea.
- Photography and Video Techniques in Marine Environments: Equipment, Setup, and Specific Challenges.
- Visual Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, Symmetry, and Other Principles for Impactful Images.
- Natural and Artificial Lighting: Creative Use of Light in Different Weather Conditions and Time of Day.
- Editing and Post-Production: Tools and Workflows to Enhance and Optimize Visual Material.
- Visual Narratives in Marine Conservation: Storytelling to Generate Awareness and Action.
- Representing Marine Life: Respectful Documentation, Minimizing Impact, and Ethical Guidelines.
- Legal and copyright considerations: use of third-party images, permissions, and licenses.
- Dissemination and distribution of visual content: platforms, strategies, and impact metrics.
‘
- Introduction to Visual Narrative: Definition, Elements, and Evolution in the Maritime Context.
- Ethics of Representation: Informed Consent, Privacy, and Respect for Maritime Communities.
- Filming and Photography Techniques: Composition, Lighting, Framing, and Movement in Maritime Environments.
- Storyboarding: Narrative Planning, Storyboarding, and Scene Visualization.
- Video and Audio Editing: Software, Editing Techniques, Sound Storytelling, and Post-Production.
- Legislation and Copyright: Licenses, Intellectual Property, and Ethical Use of Audiovisual Material.
- Crisis and Emergency Narratives: Responsible Coverage, Truthfulness, and Sensitivity in Critical Situations.
- The Impact of Social Media: Dissemination, Virality, and Source Verification and digital responsibility.
- Building inclusive characters and narratives: equitable representation, cultural diversity, and eliminating stereotypes.
- Practical projects: developing and presenting ethical visual narratives in maritime environments.
‘
- Introduction to Visual Narrative: History, Evolution, and Applications in the Maritime Sector.
- Fundamentals of Visual Composition: Rule of Thirds, Lines, Shapes, Color, and Contrast in the Marine Environment.
- Ethics in Visual Representation: Consent, Privacy, Image Manipulation, and Social Responsibility in Maritime Contexts.
- The Global Maritime Context: Environmental Challenges, Human Rights, Sustainable Fishing, and Coastal Communities.
- Photography and Video Techniques: Equipment, Lighting, Framing, and Audiovisual Storytelling in Maritime Conditions.
- Documentary Narrative at Sea: Research, Interviews, Editing, and Presentation of Maritime Stories.
- Representing Marine Life: Ethics of Image Capture, Conservation, and Respect for Marine Ecosystems.
- The Impact of Visual narrative in public consciousness: raising awareness, activism, and social change through images of the sea.
Copyright and licensing: intellectual property, responsible use of images, and applicable legislation in the maritime sector.
Creating visual projects with social impact: planning, implementation, dissemination, and evaluation of results in the maritime context.
‘
- Introduction to Visual Storytelling: Key Concepts and Their Application in the Maritime Environment.
- Fundamentals of Ethics: Values, Principles, and Ethical Dilemmas in the Maritime Sector.
- Visual Storytelling Techniques: Composition, Lighting, Color, and Perspective.
- Photographic and Videographic Documentation: Equipment, Formats, and Best Practices on Board.
- Editing and Post-Production: Software, Workflows, and Ethical Considerations in Image Manipulation.
- Legislation and Copyright: Intellectual Property Protection and Responsible Use of Images.
- Representing Maritime Life: Portraits, Landscapes, and Documentary Reports.
- Ethics in Visual Communication: Consent, Privacy, and Fair Representation.
- Social and environmental impact: narratives that promote sustainability and responsibility.
- Creation of a visual narrative project: planning, execution, and presentation.
‘
- 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 Visual Storytelling: History, Evolution, and Formats in the Maritime Context.
- Fundamentals of Ethics in Communication: Responsibility, Truthfulness, and Respect in the Representation of the Sea.
- Photography and Video Techniques in Marine Environments: Equipment, Setup, and Specific Challenges.
- Visual Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, Symmetry, and Other Principles for Impactful Images.
- Natural and Artificial Lighting: Creative Use of Light in Different Weather Conditions and Time of Day.
- Editing and Post-Production: Tools and Workflows to Enhance and Optimize Visual Material.
- Visual Narratives in Marine Conservation: Storytelling to Generate Awareness and Action.
- Representing Marine Life: Respectful Documentation, Minimizing Impact, and Ethical Guidelines.
- Legal and copyright considerations: use of third-party images, permissions, and licenses.
- Dissemination and distribution of visual content: platforms, strategies, and impact metrics.
‘
- Introduction to Visual Narrative: Definition, Elements, and Evolution in the Maritime Context.
- Ethics of Representation: Informed Consent, Privacy, and Respect for Maritime Communities.
- Filming and Photography Techniques: Composition, Lighting, Framing, and Movement in Maritime Environments.
- Storyboarding: Narrative Planning, Storyboarding, and Scene Visualization.
- Video and Audio Editing: Software, Editing Techniques, Sound Storytelling, and Post-Production.
- Legislation and Copyright: Licenses, Intellectual Property, and Ethical Use of Audiovisual Material.
- Crisis and Emergency Narratives: Responsible Coverage, Truthfulness, and Sensitivity in Critical Situations.
- The Impact of Social Media: Dissemination, Virality, and Source Verification and digital responsibility.
- Building inclusive characters and narratives: equitable representation, cultural diversity, and eliminating stereotypes.
- Practical projects: developing and presenting ethical visual narratives in maritime environments.
‘
- Introduction to Visual Narrative: History, Evolution, and Applications in the Maritime Sector.
- Fundamentals of Visual Composition: Rule of Thirds, Lines, Shapes, Color, and Contrast in the Marine Environment.
- Ethics in Visual Representation: Consent, Privacy, Image Manipulation, and Social Responsibility in Maritime Contexts.
- The Global Maritime Context: Environmental Challenges, Human Rights, Sustainable Fishing, and Coastal Communities.
- Photography and Video Techniques: Equipment, Lighting, Framing, and Audiovisual Storytelling in Maritime Conditions.
- Documentary Narrative at Sea: Research, Interviews, Editing, and Presentation of Maritime Stories.
- Representing Marine Life: Ethics of Image Capture, Conservation, and Respect for Marine Ecosystems.
- The Impact of Visual narrative in public consciousness: raising awareness, activism, and social change through images of the sea.
Copyright and licensing: intellectual property, responsible use of images, and applicable legislation in the maritime sector.
Creating visual projects with social impact: planning, implementation, dissemination, and evaluation of results in the maritime context.
‘
- Introduction to Visual Storytelling: Key Concepts and Their Application in the Maritime Environment.
- Fundamentals of Ethics: Values, Principles, and Ethical Dilemmas in the Maritime Sector.
- Visual Storytelling Techniques: Composition, Lighting, Color, and Perspective.
- Photographic and Videographic Documentation: Equipment, Formats, and Best Practices on Board.
- Editing and Post-Production: Software, Workflows, and Ethical Considerations in Image Manipulation.
- Legislation and Copyright: Intellectual Property Protection and Responsible Use of Images.
- Representing Maritime Life: Portraits, Landscapes, and Documentary Reports.
- Ethics in Visual Communication: Consent, Privacy, and Fair Representation.
- Social and environmental impact: narratives that promote sustainability and responsibility.
- Creation of a visual narrative project: planning, execution, and presentation.
‘
- 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 visual narrative: elements, composition, and language.
- Ethics in representation: consent, privacy, and cultural respect.
- Photographic and video equipment: cameras, lenses, lighting, and sound.
- Underwater photography techniques: safety, equipment, and settings.
- Underwater videography techniques: planning, shooting, and basic editing.
- Visual storytelling: creating impactful stories about the sea.
- Image and video editing: software, color correction, and assembly.
- Distribution and dissemination: platforms, social media, and copyright.
- Environmental impact of photography: minimizing The ecological footprint.
Maritime legislation and regulations related to filming and photography.
‘
- Introduction to Visual Narrative: Basic Elements and Principles
- Marine Photography: Composition, Light, Equipment, and Specialized Techniques
- Underwater Videography: Recording, Editing, and Post-Production for Marine Environments
- Photographic and Videographic Ethics: Consent, Manipulation, and Fair Representation
- Scientific Visual Documentation: Methodologies, Accuracy, and Responsibility
- Visual Narrative for Marine Conservation: Storytelling and Awareness Campaigns
- Copyright and Licensing: Legal and Ethical Implications of Image Distribution
- Social Impact of Images: Influence on Public Perception and Environmental Policy
- Techniques Interviewing: Capturing testimonies and constructing human narratives.
Multimedia Content Creation: Integrating images, videos, and audio for digital platforms.
‘
- Introduction to Visual Storytelling: History and Evolution in the Maritime Context.
- Ethics of Representation: Consent, Cultural Respect, and Sensitivity.
- Filming and Photography Techniques: Composition, Lighting, and Sound at Sea.
- Audiovisual Equipment: Cameras, Drones, and Underwater Recording Equipment.
- Documentary Narratives: Telling Stories of Coastal Communities and Environmental Challenges.
- Creating Content for Social Media: Platforms, Formats, and Reach.
- Post-Production and Editing: Software, Assembly, and Visual Effects.
- Legislation and Copyright: Licenses, Permits, and Intellectual Property Protection.
- Social Impact and Activism: Using Visual Storytelling for Marine Conservation.
- Project Development: Planning, financing, and distribution of audiovisual content.
‘
- Introduction to Marine Visual Storytelling: History, evolution, and trends.
- Principles of Photographic and Videographic Composition: Rule of thirds, guidelines, balance, perspective.
- Equipment and Capture Techniques in Marine Environments: Cameras, drones, underwater equipment, lighting.
- Ethics in the Representation of Marine Life: Informed consent, minimizing impact, truthfulness.
- Underwater Photography and Video: Challenges, lighting techniques, color correction.
- Transmedia Storytelling in the Marine Context: Creating content for different platforms.
- Editing and Post-Production: Software, workflow, optimization for different media.
- Copyright and Creative Commons Licenses: Legal implications in the creation and distribution of content.
- Storytelling and Marine Conservation: Using narrative to raise awareness and promote protection.
- Case Studies: Analysis of successful marine visual storytelling projects.
‘
Career opportunities
- Photojournalist for media specializing in the maritime sector: photojournalism for magazines, newspapers, and online platforms on topics related to navigation, fishing, the shipbuilding industry, maritime transport, marine conservation, etc.
- Freelance collaborator with news agencies and image banks: sale of photographs and reports to agencies covering maritime events, natural disasters in coastal areas, news about marine life, etc.
- Visual documentarian on scientific expeditions and marine conservation projects: photographic and video documentation of scientific research, conservation projects, awareness campaigns on marine pollution, etc.
- Photographer for companies in the maritime sector: creation of catalogs, advertising, and promotional material for shipyards, shipping companies, naval equipment companies, marinas, etc.
- Content creator for social media and digital platforms focused on the
- Marine: Production of engaging photographs and videos for Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc. accounts, focused on the maritime world.
- Curator of photographic exhibitions on maritime themes: Selection and presentation of photographic works in galleries, museums, and cultural centers, addressing topics such as naval history, the lives of sailors, the beauty of the ocean, etc.
- Photographer for NGOs and organizations dedicated to the protection of the marine environment: Visual documentation of conservation projects, beach clean-up campaigns, studies on the impact of climate change on the oceans, etc.
- Image consultant for brands related to the sea: Creation of advertising campaigns, development of visual concepts, and management of the image of brands linked to sailing, coastal tourism, sustainable fishing, etc.
“`
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
- Master Maritime Visual Storytelling: Learn to capture impactful stories in naval and coastal environments.
- Advanced Photography Techniques: Master light, composition, and specialized equipment for photojournalism at sea.
- Ethics and Professional Responsibility: Understand the ethical and legal principles of photojournalism in complex maritime contexts.
- Editing and Digital Workflow: Optimize your images and build coherent visual narratives with professional editing software.
- Dissemination and Marketing of Your Work: Learn to promote your photographs and connect with relevant media outlets and organizations.
Testimonials
During my training in marine photojournalism, I captured a series of images documenting the impact of plastic pollution on a seabird colony. These photographs were published in a national conservation magazine, generating significant public awareness and contributing to the passage of a new local law restricting the use of single-use plastics.
This Maritime Communication and Journalism course provided me with the essential tools to effectively cover the maritime industry. I learned to conduct thorough research, write accurately, and communicate complex topics clearly, which enabled me to publish an article on sustainability in ports that was recognized by the International Association of Maritime Journalists.
I captured the heartbreaking image of a group of refugees rescued in the Mediterranean, which was published on the front page of the New York Times and generated an international debate about the migration crisis, prompting several NGOs to increase their aid efforts.
I documented the migration of the gray whale in the Pacific, capturing stunning images of mothers and calves that were later published in National Geographic, helping to highlight the importance of conserving their habitat.
Frequently asked questions
Light influences the distribution, migration, reproduction, photosynthesis, and behavior of marine organisms.
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.
The length of day and night, or photoperiod, influences a variety of biological processes in marine organisms, including reproduction, migration, feeding, and growth, by acting as an environmental cue that synchronizes their internal biological rhythms with natural light and dark cycles.
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 Marine Visual Storytelling: History, evolution, and trends.
- Principles of Photographic and Videographic Composition: Rule of thirds, guidelines, balance, perspective.
- Equipment and Capture Techniques in Marine Environments: Cameras, drones, underwater equipment, lighting.
- Ethics in the Representation of Marine Life: Informed consent, minimizing impact, truthfulness.
- Underwater Photography and Video: Challenges, lighting techniques, color correction.
- Transmedia Storytelling in the Marine Context: Creating content for different platforms.
- Editing and Post-Production: Software, workflow, optimization for different media.
- Copyright and Creative Commons Licenses: Legal implications in the creation and distribution of content.
- Storytelling and Marine Conservation: Using narrative to raise awareness and promote protection.
- Case Studies: Analysis of successful marine visual storytelling projects.
‘
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.