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
Underwater Drone Course
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of underwater exploration and work. Learn everything from the fundamentals of ROV technology to its practical application in inspection, maintenance, research, and rescue. Master…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Underwater Drone Course?
The Comprehensive Underwater Drone (ROV) Course
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of underwater exploration and work. Learn everything from the fundamentals of ROV technology to its practical application in inspection, maintenance, research, and rescue. Master piloting, sensor and tool operation, and data analysis techniques to become a highly sought-after professional.
Differential Advantages
- Intensive Hands-on Training: piloting in a simulator and in a pool with real ROVs.
- Expert Knowledge: taught by professionals with extensive experience in the underwater industry.
- Maintenance and Repair: learn to diagnose and troubleshoot common ROV problems.
- Real-World Applications: case studies and practical projects in various sectors.
- Professional Certification: obtain a recognized certificate to boost your career.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
10-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Explore the Depths: Master underwater drone (ROV) technology and unlock a world of possibilities in inspection, research, and maintenance.
- Learn from Experts: Gain practical and theoretical knowledge from instructors with industry experience.
- Professional Certification: Receive a recognized certificate that validates your ROV operation and maintenance skills.
- Real-World Applications: Discover how underwater drones are used in sectors such as energy, aquaculture, marine exploration, and security.
- Intensive Hands-on Training: Participate in simulations and practical exercises to develop your skills in a safe and controlled environment.
- Boost your career and become a specialist in the emerging field of underwater drones.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Basics of unmanned submarine vehicles, UUV/ROV/AUV architectures and operation concepts
- Typologies of submarine drones: ROV, AUV, USV support and hybrid configurations according to mission
- Systems architecture: hull, frame, propulsion, control, energy, sensors and payload
- Applied Hydrodynamics Principles: Drag, Stability, Attitude Control and Low Speed Manoeuvreability
- Operational environment: Salinity, temperature, turbidity, currents, biofouling and limitations by depth
- Mission profiles and operations concept: inspection, search, mapping, sampling and security
02
Propulsion systems, movement control and stability in submarine manoeuvres
- Propellers and actuators: types, thrust curves, cavitation, sealing and particle protection
- Power Distribution and Speed Controllers: Topologies, Thermal Limitations and Electronic Protection
- Attitude and depth control: Inertial sensors, compensation, trim and buoyancy control
- Control models: PID, robust control, adaptive control, and multi-propelling thrust allocation
- Navigation in confined spaces: tolerances, fine control, collision prevention and relative positioning
03
Sensors, underwater image, sonar and data acquisition for inspection and cartography
- Cameras and underwater optics: lighting, white balance, filters, backscatter and improved visibility
- Sonar Applied: Imaging Sonar, Multibeam, Side-Scan and Selection Criteria by Stage
- Navigation and Environment Sensors: Depth, Altimeter, Compass, IMU, DVL and Compensations
- Payload integration: interfaces, sync, time-stamping and mission data management
- Data processing: mosaics, basic 3D reconstruction, underwater photogrammetry and quality control
04
Underwater communications, Tether link, telemetry and surface operation
- Umbilical/tether link: design, cable management, tension, buoyancy, reels and tangle prevention
- Acoustic communications and surface radio: range, latency, degradation and link planning
- Mission control station and software: operational interface, telemetry, alarms and event log
- Deployment and Recovery Procedures: Roles, Checklist, Safe Manoeuvre and Risk Control
- Operation from boat and dock: Stability, interference, crew coordination and local regulations
05
Professional Applications, Risk Management, Compliance and Operational Mission
- Inspection of marine infrastructures: hulls, docks, piles, emissaries, pipes and submerged structures
- Applied Oceanography and Environment: Sampling, Observation, Impact, Good Practices and Evidence
- Search and location: patterns, planning, uncertainty management and finding documentation
- Security and Permits: Restricted Areas, Coordination with Authority, Insurance, Responsibilities and Records
- Mission Risk Management: Criticality Matrix, Go/No-Go Thresholds and Contingency Plans
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
Marine engineers, technicians, and scientists looking to expand their capabilities in underwater inspection, research, and maintenance.Aquaculture and fisheries professionals interested in monitoring ecosystem health, assessing populations, and optimizing production.Marine rescue and safety teams needing tools for search and recovery in low-visibility or hazardous environments.Robotics and u
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
- 01Conduct detailed inspections and collect accurate data in hazardous underwater environments
- 02Mapping and modeling complex underwater environments in 3D
- 03Perform maintenance and repair tasks on remote underwater infrastructure
- 04Detect and neutralize underwater threats autonomously
- 05Respond quickly to underwater emergencies, such as leaks or accidents
- 06Optimize the exploration and extraction of underwater natural resources
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Underwater ROV Operator: Inspection, maintenance, and repair of underwater infrastructure (oil platforms, offshore wind farms, pipelines).
02Oceanographic Data Acquisition Technician: Collection of data with sensors on board the drone (temperature, salinity, currents), analysis, and interpretation of the information.
03Ship Hull Inspector: Evaluation of the condition of ship hulls without the need for dry docking, identification of damage and corrosion.
04Marine Researcher: Use of drones for seabed exploration, filming of fauna and flora, and environmental impact studies.
05Search and Rescue: Location of missing objects or people in the water, support for rescue operations.
06Marine Agriculture: Monitoring of marine crops (algae, oysters, mussels), control of environmental parameters.
07Underwater archaeology: Documentation of submerged archaeological remains, creation of 3D models of sites.
08Port security: Inspection of port infrastructure, detection of intruders or underwater threats.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Water.
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.
Longer dive times and access to environments that are dangerous or inaccessible to divers.
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 (Electronics, Mechatronics, Robotics, Naval Engineering), Oceanography, Marine Biology, or a related field; or demonstrable experience in the operation, maintenance, or development of underwater vehicles.Technical Knowledge:Fundamentals of robotics, electronics, control systems, navigation systems, underwater acoustics, and data processing. Basic knowledge of hydrodynamics and fluid mechanics.Specific Skills:Ability to troubleshoot technical problems, interpret manuals, and operate control and data
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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