Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1600 h · 11 modules
Master's in Ocean Exploration Mission Management
Immerse yourself in the challenging world of marine research. Acquire the skills necessary to plan, lead, and execute successful ocean expeditions, from initial conception to final data analysis. Master the cutting-edge…
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Ocean Exploration Mission Management?
The Master in Ocean Exploration Mission Management
Immerse yourself in the challenging world of marine research. Acquire the skills necessary to plan, lead, and execute successful ocean expeditions, from initial conception to final data analysis. Master the cutting-edge technologies used in underwater exploration, including autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and advanced sonar systems. This program will provide you with a deep understanding of risk management, complex logistics, and interdisciplinary collaboration, key elements for success in this exciting field.
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Approach: Learn through real-world case studies and mission simulations.
- Leading Experts: Receive training from professionals with extensive experience in ocean exploration.
- Networking: Connect with researchers, engineers, and companies in the sector.
- Skills Development: Strengthen your skills in project management, data analysis, and scientific communication.
- Comprehensive Preparation: Acquire the necessary skills to lead future ocean explorations.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Start date
07-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Strategic Planning: Master the comprehensive management of missions, from conception to execution and results analysis.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Delve into the use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remote sensors, and global positioning systems (GPS) for ocean exploration.
- Oceanographic Data Analysis: Learn to interpret complex bathymetry, ocean current, and geochemical data for informed decision-making.
- Risk Management and Logistics: Develop skills for risk mitigation in hostile marine environments and the optimization of expedition logistics.
- Marine Law and Ethics: Understand the international legal framework and ethical principles that govern the sustainable exploration and exploitation of resources Oceanic.
- Boost your career at the forefront of ocean research, contributing to the understanding and conservation of our oceans.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of ocean exploration, platforms and research vessels
- History and evolution of the great global ocean exploration missions
- Typology and architecture of oceanographic research vessels (BIO) and polar ships
- Classification of floating platforms: drilling vessels, ROV support ships and fixed platforms
- Dynamic propulsion systems (DP1, DP2, DP3) and open sea position maintenance
- Design and distribution of labouratories on board: dry, wet, hyperbaric and control rooms
- Main deck equipment: Oceanographic machines, A-frames (A-Frames), cranes and electromechanical cables
- Systems for storage, refrigeration and preservation of scientific samples in transit
- Management of stability, manoeuvreability and operation of ships in extreme weather conditions
- On-board data network architecture and satellite connectivity for offshore missions
- Future exploration trends: autonomous ships, green propulsion and zero emission platforms
02
International legal framework, maritime permits and ocean governance
- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Convemar) and Maritime Jurisdiction Zones
- Regulation of Marine Scientific Research (MSR) in Territorial Waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (ZEE)
- International traffic and permits: authorizations through diplomatic channels
- The International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the Regulation of the Zone
- Polar Navigation Code (Polar Code) and Operating Regulations in the Arctic and Antarctica
- Agreements of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO): SOLAS, MARPOL and STCW applied to missions
- Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage: UNESCO Convention of 2001 in International Waters
- BBNJ Agreements: Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity in Areas Outside the National Jurisdiction
- Civil liability, hull and machinery insurance schemes, and accidental contamination coverage
- Intellectual property management, scientific data rights and access to marine genetic resources
03
Underwater robotics and exploration vehicles: ROVS, AUVs and Gliders
- Classification and operational capacity of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs): Observation class vs. work class
- Deepwater ROVS architecture: umbilical, cable management systems (TMS) and hydraulic power
- Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): Inertial Navigation, Pre-programmed Missions and Energy Autonomy
- Oceanic Submarine Gliders: Principles of Variable Buoyancy and Long-Term Monitoring
- Hybrid submarine vehicles (HROVs) and adaptive control systems for polar or low-ice missions
- Robotic manipulators and sampling tools: claws, aspiration hearters and cutters
- Sensors and instrumentation integrated in underwater robotics: 4K cameras, measuring lasers and LED lights
- Underwater power systems: lithium batteries, fuel cells and abyssal charging stations
- Preventive maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair of robotic systems in the control room
- Launch and Recovery Procedures (LARS) of Robotic Vehicles in Hectic Sea States
04
Oceanographic Instrumentation, Sensors and Underwater Acoustics
- Propagation of sound in the water: Sound velocity profile, sofar channel and thermo-halocline
- Deepwater Multi-Beam Echo sounders: Patch Test Calibration and Bathimeter Resolution
- Side Sweep Sonar (Side Scan Sonar) and Sub-Fund Profilers (Sub-Bottom Profiler)
- Underwater acoustic positioning systems: USBL, LBL and SBL for asset tracking
- Acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCP) and its deployment in rosettes or hulls
- Oceanographic Rosettes and CTD Probes: Measuring Conductivity, Temperature, Depth and Dissolved Oxygen
- Biogeochemical sensors: Nitrates, pH, PCO2, chlorophyll and high-sensitivity turbidimetres
- Sediment Traps, Continuous Plankton Samplers and Large Volume Rosettes
- Calibration, drift verification and maintenance of high-precision oceanographic sensors
- Fixed marine observatories networks, drift buoys (argo floats) and deep moorings (moorings)
05
Logistics planning, budgeting and fleet management
- Structure of the Expedition Master Plan: Phases of conceptualization, preparation, execution and demobilization
- Calculation of ship operating costs (Day Rates), fuel, consumables and personnel fees
- International Supply Chain Management: Customs, Consignee Agents and Air Freight/Maritime
- Supplying logistics, fresh water, industrial gases and critical spare parts
- Schedule of port stopovers, crew relays and emergency shipyard services
- Management of standardised scientific containers (ISO LABS) and its modular conditioning
- Methods of selection and contracting of support services: tugboats, helicopters and satellite telephony
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Budget Control During the Mission
- Financial contingency plans for weather delays, breakdowns or route detours
- Mission demobilization: equipment restitution, transportation of samples under cold chain and final inventory
06
Risk Management, Maritime Safety and Emergency Response
- Operational Risk Assessment (RAMS - Risk Assessment and Method Statement) in offshore missions
- Deck occupational safety protocols: cargo manoeuvres, confined space and use of protection elements
- Identification of hazards in operations with high-voltage cables, umbilical and hydraulic systems
- Preparation of the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) on board and coordination with MRCC centres
- Rescue protocols for submarine vehicles trapped or lost on the seafloor
- First Aid in Remote Areas, Marine Telemedicine and Medical Evacuation Management (Medevac)
- Safety and survival in polar and hyper-arid environments: mitigation of hypothermia and freezing
- Human factors analysis, leadership in stress situations and team dynamics on board
- Pollution Prevention Plans (SOPEP) and immediate response to hydrocarbon spills
- Maritime safety audits, OVID/CMID inspections and periodic drills before boarding
07
Ocean data management, cartography and geographic information systems (GIS)
- Oceanographic Data Workflow (Data Lifecycle): Acquisition, Processing, File and Distribution
- Control and assurance of data quality (QA/QC) on board in real time
- Multi-beam bathymetric data processing: noise elimination, tidal correction and digital models
- Oceanic Big Data Management: High Resolution Images, ROV 4K Videos and Continuous Sensor Records
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applied to the marine environment: QGIS and ArcGIS Pro tools
- International Marine Data Standards: IHMA, NetCDF, GeoTIFF and IHO/S-44 Directives
- Global Public Databases: Storage in NODC, eMODNet and Pangea repositories
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to the automatic classification of underwater images
- Three-dimensional reconstruction and photogrammetry of deep marine structures from robotic video
- Data Reporting (Data Reports) and Integration in Open Access Geospatial Platforms
08
Exploration strategies in specific ecosystems and resources of the seafloor
- Exploration in abyssal and fairy zones - technologies for oceanographic pits and ultra-pressure adaptations
- Missions in fields of hydrothermal sources and cold leaks: sampling of fluids and chemosynthetic ecosystems
- Prospecting of submarine mountains, cold water coral reefs and underwater canyons
- Methodologies for the evaluation of polymetallic nodules, ferromanganese crusts and massive sulfides
- Exploration strategies under sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctica basins
- Search and location missions of high-value historical shipments, aircraft and submerged objects
- Monitoring of marine garbage, microplastics and persistent contaminants in the deep water column
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Before, during and after exploration activities
- Renewable marine energy prospecting: sites for floating offshore wind and tidal energy
- Design of integrated marine monitoring networks for marine protected areas (AMP) on the high seas
09
Leadership, Scientific Communication and Stakeholder Relations
- Leadership of multicultural and multidisciplinary scientific and engineering teams on board
- Interface between navigation crew, robotic technical equipment and scientific staff
- Conflict management, prolonged coexistence in confinement and well-being of the crew
- Strategies for scientific dissemination and public communication of oceanic missions in real time
- Satellite transmission of live operations (telepresence) and interaction with schools and media
- Investor relations, private sponsors and international financing organisations
- Negotiation of Charter Party Contracts and Consortium Agreements
- Media crisis management and communication of environmental or technological incidents
- Preparation of competitive proposals for research funds (Horizon Europe, NSF, Schmidt Ocean)
- Technology transfer, training of developing countries and ocean scientific diplomacy
10
Capstone Project: Design and Master Planning of an Oceanographic Mission
- Definition of the scientific hypothesis or objective of the selected exploration mission
- Selection of the study area, analysis of the area of operations and historical metoceanic conditions
- Choice and justification of the research vessel, deck configuration and robotic systems
- Complete processing of the file of international permits, licences and regulatory aspects
- Detailed navigation path planning, sampling stations and robotic transects
- Design of the Risk Management Plan (RAMS), Emergency Response Protocols and Medical Plan
- Preparation of the master budget, breakdown of operating costs and execution schedule
- Acquisition plan, on-site processing and archive of oceanographic and cartographic data
- Public communication strategy, real-time disclosure and socio-environmental impact plan
- Oral presentation and defence of the Master Plan of the Mission before a Technical and Strategic Evaluation Court
11
Master’s Final Project in Ocean Exploration Mission Management
- Choice of topic and definition of the research problem
- Formulation of objectives, hypotheses and scope of work
- Review of the state of the art and specialised bibliography
- Analysis of the applicable regulatory and technical framework
- Design of the methodology and the work plan
- Data collection, processing and validation
- Technical development and analysis of results
- Discussion, conclusions and future lines of work
- Drafting of the memory in accordance with academic standards
- Presentation and public defence before the Court
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1600 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
Marine scientists and biologists seeking to lead research projects in deep-sea environments.Ocean and robotics engineers interested in designing and operating autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).Offshore energy industry professionals wishing to expand their knowledge of deep-sea resource exploration and management.Environmental policymakers and marine
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
- 01Leading multidisciplinary teams in hostile marine environments
- 02Develop innovative technologies for deep-sea exploration
- 03Interpreting complex oceanographic data for strategic decision-making
- 04Efficiently manage the financial and logistical resources of the missions
- 05Design risk mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of operations and personnel
- 06Establish effective collaborations with scientific and governmental institutions to advance ocean knowledge
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Ocean Exploration Project Manager: Planning, coordination, and execution of scientific and technological missions.
03Marine Data Scientist: Analysis and interpretation of oceanographic data for research and sustainable management.
04Marine Technology Consultant: Technical advice on the development and implementation of equipment and systems for ocean exploration.
05Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV/AUV) Operations Manager: Operation, maintenance, and management of remotely operated and autonomous vehicles.
06Marine Cartography and GIS Specialist: Creation and management of maps and geographic information systems for marine exploration and management.
07Marine Natural Resources Manager: Planning and sustainable management of the ocean's biological and geological resources.
08Science Educator/Communicator: Disseminating ocean science to the public and participating in educational programs.
09Marine Policy Decision-Maker: Developing policies and laws in public or private institutions related to the marine environment.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Management of ocean exploration missions, including planning, logistics, operations, and data analysis.
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.
Marine science and ocean exploration sector, including research companies, government agencies, NGOs and companies dedicated to the sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
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
```htmlAcademic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Marine Sciences, Oceanography, Marine Biology, Marine Geology, Engineering (various specializations) or related qualification; or demonstrable professional experience in maritime expeditions, underwater operations, or ocean research.Competencies and Skills:Solid knowledge of oceanography (physical, chemical, biological, geological), marine cartography, and navigation systems.Leadership skills, ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, and decision-making skills in challenging environments.Effective communic
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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