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
Introduction to Marine Robots Course
courseImmerses you in the fascinating world of underwater robotics, covering everything from theoretical foundations to practical applications in various industries. You will learn about design, control, and programming of ROVs…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts14 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Introduction to Marine Robots Course?
The Introduction to Marine Robots
course
Immerses you in the fascinating world of underwater robotics, covering everything from theoretical foundations to practical applications in various industries. You will learn about design, control, and programming of ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) and AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles), with an emphasis on their use for inspection, exploration, and maintenance in marine environments.
Key Benefits
- Essential Knowledge: Architecture, sensors, actuators, and communication systems of marine robots.
- Practical Skills: Simulation, control, and basic programming of ROVs and AUVs.
- Real-World Applications: Inspection of underwater infrastructure, ocean exploration, and rescue operations.
- Future Trends: Collaborative robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous vehicles in the marine environment.
- Career Opportunities: Career development in energy, oceanographic research, and defense companies.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Marine Robotics Fundamentals: Master the basic principles of ROV and AUV design, propulsion, and control.
- Sensors and Navigation: Learn to integrate and calibrate essential sensors for underwater navigation, such as IMUs, sonar, and cameras.
- Underwater Communications: Explore acoustic and optical communication techniques used for data transmission in marine environments.
- Practical Applications: Discover real-world applications of marine robots in infrastructure inspection, oceanographic research, and resource exploration.
- Simulations and Modeling: Use simulation tools to design, test, and optimize the performance of marine robots under various conditions.
- Acquire the skills necessary to design, operate, and maintain robots mariners at the forefront of technology.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Overview of marine robotics and operating ecosystem in underwater and surface environments
- Typologies of marine robots: AUV, ROV, USV, Gliders and Landers with uses and limitations
- Operating environments: coastline, platform, slope and deep water with physical-ocean conditioning conditions
- Industrial and scientific use cases - inspection, cartography, sampling, safety and maintenance Offshore
- General Systems Architecture: Platform, Payloads, Links, Energy and Mission Control
- Operation Lifecycle: Planning, Deployment, Execution, Recovery and Post-Processing
02
Platforms, propulsion and movement control for underwater and surface vehicles
- Applied basic hydrodynamics: drag, buoyancy, stability and attitude control
- Actuators and propulsion: Thrusters, Propellers, Jets, rudders and control systems Vector
- Mechanical design for the sea: pressure, tightness, corrosion, biofouling and material compatibility
- Navigation Sensors: IMU, DVL, Compass, Altimeter and Status Estimate
- Control and piloting: PID loops, depth/crow control and operation assisted modes
03
Energy, electronics and communications in marine robotics with restrictions on range and bandwidth
- Power sources: batteries, charge management, autonomy and commitments power-weight
- Electrical architectures - DC buses, distribution, protection, fuses and basic sizing
- On-board computing: Controllers, SBCS, temporary synchronisation and telemetry registration
- Underwater communications: acoustics, physical limitations, latency and packet loss
- Surface Links: Radio, 4G/5G, Satellite and Mesh Networks for Fleets
04
Sensors and payloads: perception, cartography and acquisition of oceanographic and industrial data
- Sonar and applied acoustics: multibeam, side-scan, profilers and selection criteria
- Cameras and lighting: underwater optics, turbidity, photogrammetry and visibility limitations
- Environmental sensors: CTD, oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll and operational calibration
- NDT and Inspection: Ultrasound, Thickness, Corrosion Potential and Defect Detection
- Payload integration: interfaces, consumption, assembly, vibration isolation and synchronisation
05
Real operations, logistics, security and capstone project of introduction to marine robots
- Campaign Preparation: Checklist, Dock Testing, Calibrations and System Acceptance
- Deployment and Recovery: Cranes, Umbilical, TMS/LARS and Deck Security
- Risk management: operational evaluation, weather windows, communications and emergency plans
- Basic Maintenance: Cleaning, Seals, Connectors, Diagnostics and Prevention of Recurring Failures
- Goal-oriented operation: Infrastructure Inspection, Zone Mapping and Targeted Sampling
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
Engineers and technicians looking to specialize in the design, operation, and maintenance of underwater robots (ROVs and AUVs).Engineering, robotics, or marine science students interested in exploring robotics applications in the ocean environment.Offshore industry professionals (oil, gas, renewable energy) who want to understand the use of marine robots for inspection, repair, and maintenance
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
- 01Understanding the architecture and key components of ROVs
- 02Operating ROVs in a basic and safe manner
- 03Perform underwater visual inspections using ROVs
- 04Troubleshooting simple problems and performing basic preventative maintenance on ROVs
- 05Interpreting basic data collected by ROV sensors
- 06Apply standard safety protocols during ROV operation
Careers
Career Opportunities
01ROV/AUV Operation and Maintenance Technician: Inspection, repair, and maintenance of underwater robots.
02ROV/AUV Pilot: Remote operation of robots for various underwater tasks (inspection, rescue, etc.).
03Underwater Data Analyst: Processing and interpretation of data collected by marine robots (images, sensors, etc.).
04Marine Robot Software Developer: Programming and development of algorithms for robot control and autonomy.
05Marine Robotics Researcher: Development of new technologies and applications for underwater robots.
06Underwater Robotics Consultant: Technical advice for companies and organizations that use marine robots.
07Robotics Instructor
08Marine: Training of personnel in the operation and maintenance of underwater robots.
09Sales and marketing of marine robotic equipment: Promotion and sale of ROVs/AUVs and their components.
Questions
Entry Requirements
The ocean.
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 ocean.
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:Basic knowledge of robotics, electronics, or mechanics; or experience in underwater operations, oceanography, or related fields.Technical Skills:Familiarity with operating systems, basic programming, and electronics concepts. Desirable knowledge of hydraulics and underwater communications.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree (if applicable), cover letter detailing interest in marine robots.Technical Requirements (for online):Computer with camera/microphone, stable internet connection for video viewing and participation in videoconferenc
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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