Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Bio-Inspired Antifouling Coatings
The Diploma in Bio-Inspired Antifouling Coatings Prepares you to understand and apply the new generation of solutions to marine biofouling. You will study how fouling develops, how organisms such as sharks, dolphins and molluscs d
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Bio-Inspired Antifouling Coatings?
The Diploma in Bio-Inspired Antifouling Coatings
Prepares you to understand and apply the new generation of solutions to marine biofouling. You will study how fouling develops, how organisms such as sharks, dolphins and molluscs defend themselves against it, and how those strategies are translated into biocide-free coatings, low-adhesion surfaces and microtextures. You will also cover the framework of the IMO AFS Convention, testing methods and the criteria for selecting coatings for ships and structures.
Key advantages
- A highly topical subject: Biofouling affects fuel consumption and biosecurity.
- Bio-inspired approach: Defence strategies of marine organisms applied to surfaces.
- Regulatory perspective: The international framework for anti-fouling systems.
- Practical application: Ships, aquaculture, marine energy and sensors.
- Case study: Selecting an antifouling system for a real asset.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Programme highlights
- Understand biofouling: Learn the stages of biofouling and their effects.
- Learn from nature: Analyse the natural defences of marine organisms.
- Know the technologies: Compare biocidal, fouling-release and textured coatings.
- Assess: Design efficacy tests in the lab and at sea.
- Boost your career: Open doors to paint manufacturers, shipyards and technology centres.
- Train to protect ships and structures with cleaner, more sustainable surfaces.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Marine Biofouling
- What biofouling is
- Conditioning film and biofilm
- Microfouling and macrofouling
- Main fouling organisms
- Environmental factors
- Effects on hull resistance
- Fuel consumption and emissions
- Invasive species and biosecurity
02
Antifouling Strategies in Nature
- Sharkskin and microtopography
- Cetacean skin and renewal
- Mollusc shells and periostracum
- Chemical defences of seaweeds
- Compounds from sponges and corals
- Crab and echinoderm surfaces
- Mucus and secretions
- Limits of imitation
03
History and Conventional Technologies
- Early antifouling systems
- Copper-based paints
- The TBT problem
- Self-polishing paints
- Booster biocides
- Soluble matrix paints
- Fouling-release coatings
- Performance comparison
04
Biocide-Free Bio-Inspired Coatings
- Low surface energy materials
- Silicones and fluoropolymers
- Hydrogels and hydrated surfaces
- Amphiphilic coatings
- Sharkskin-inspired microtextures
- Dynamic and deformable surfaces
- Natural antifouling compounds
- Technologies in development
05
Formulation and Application
- Components of a marine paint
- Surface preparation
- Primer systems
- Application methods
- Film thickness and curing
- Inter-coat compatibility
- Repair and repainting
- Safety during application
06
Regulation and Biofouling Management
- The IMO AFS Convention
- IMO biofouling guidelines
- Biofouling management plans
- Biocide registration
- In-water hull cleaning
- Managing cleaning waste
- Surveys and certificates
- Regulatory trends
07
Testing and Efficacy Assessment
- Laboratory biofilm tests
- Larval settlement assays
- Flow-based release tests
- Static immersion panels
- Dynamic testing
- Ship trials
- Measuring hull performance
- Interpreting results
08
Case Study: Selecting an Antifouling System
- Describing the asset and its operation
- Biofouling risk profile analysis
- Applicable regulatory requirements
- Technology alternatives
- Performance evaluation
- Cost and savings analysis
- Biofouling management plan
- Presenting the proposal
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 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
Chemists and materials engineers: working on coatings and surfaces Shipyard staff and shipowners: responsible for hull maintenance Aquaculture and marine energy professionals: dealing with fouling on their equipment Marine biologists: interested in applying their knowledge Environmental consultants: advising on biocides and invasive species
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
- 01Understand biofouling
- 02Analyse natural strategies
- 03Know the technologies
- 04Apply the regulations
- 05Evaluate coatings
- 06Select solutions
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Marine coatings technician: Development and application at paint manufacturers.
02Hull and surface inspector: Inspection and maintenance at shipyards and shipping companies.
03R&D technician: New surfaces at technology centres.
04Biofouling manager: Management plans for fleets and marine assets.
05Environmental consultant: Advice on biocides and biosecurity.
06Technical sales specialist: Specifying antifouling systems.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Some, such as fouling-release coatings, are used commercially; others, such as advanced microtextures, are still in development.
Yes. You study the AFS Convention and the IMO guidelines for the control and management of biofouling.
Yes. Fouling on nets and structures is a significant problem and its solutions are analysed.
No. The programme does not replace professional coating inspection certifications.
You select and justify an antifouling system for a specific ship or structure.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 800 hours of study. You can work at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by our admissions team when you enquire.
On completing the programme you receive the Diploma in Bio-Inspired Antifouling Coatings qualification awarded by Navalis Magna Institute.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Entry profile: A degree in chemistry, materials, naval or industrial engineering, biology, marine science or a related field; or experience in shipyards, coatings or marine maintenance. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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