Diploma in Spill and Pollution Control on Board
Why this certificate program?
The Diploma in Onboard Spill and Pollution Control
This program provides you with the essential tools to manage and prevent marine pollution from ships, complying with the most demanding national and international regulations. You will learn to implement waste management plans, operate wastewater and bilge treatment systems, and respond effectively to pollution incidents involving hydrocarbons or other harmful substances. This program will prepare you to be a key professional in the protection of the marine environment.
This program provides you with the essential tools to manage and prevent marine pollution from ships, complying with the most demanding national and international regulations.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Approach: real-world case studies and emergency simulations.
- Up-to-date Regulatory Knowledge: MARPOL, international conventions, and applicable national legislation.
- Environmental Management Tools: development of contingency plans and risk assessment.
- Sustainability: strategies for reducing the environmental footprint of maritime operations.
- Professional Certification: validates your knowledge and skills in the field of marine pollution control.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Diplomado
- Hours: 800 H
- Start date: 19-06-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Environmental engineers, merchant marine officers, and port operations supervisors seeking to master regulations and technologies for spill prevention and management.
- HSEQ managers in shipping companies and terminals who need to implement and audit environmental management systems in accordance with international standards.
- Environmental consultants and auditors requiring specialized knowledge in marine pollution control to offer high-quality services.
- Offshore and energy industry professionals interested in minimizing the environmental impact of their operations and complying with sustainability standards.
- Graduates of related fields (marine biology, oceanography, etc.) seeking practical specialization to enter the workforce with advantages competitive.
Academic Flexibility
Adapted to professionals with demanding schedules: live online classes, asynchronous resources available 24/7, and personalized tutoring for effective learning.
Objectives and competencies
Implement effective spill prevention and management strategies:
“Develop and implement specific contingency plans for each type of potential spill, including rapid response protocols, assignment of responsibilities, and coordination with local and port authorities.”
Manage and optimize wastewater and ballast treatment systems:
“Operate the treatment plant efficiently, complying with environmental regulations and optimizing energy consumption, documenting incidents and performing basic preventive maintenance.”
Apply international and national regulations on spill control:
“Identify permissible limits, monitor the quality of the discharge and document regulatory compliance, minimizing the environmental impact.”
Assess and mitigate the risks of marine pollution associated with the vessel's operations:
“Implement ballast and bilge water management procedures, complying with MARPOL and local regulations.”
Lead and coordinate emergency response drills and training exercises for pollution:
“Plan, execute and evaluate realistic drills, involving multidisciplinary teams and using scenarios based on specific pollution risks, to improve response capacity and effective communication.”
Monitor and ensure the proper functioning of pollution control equipment:
“Implement and maintain calibration, preventive and corrective maintenance procedures, ensuring the availability and accuracy of the equipment.”
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 the chemistry of water: properties, composition, and hydrological cycle.
- Water contaminants: types, sources, and effects on health and the environment.
- Fundamentals of water sampling: objectives, sample types, planning, and preparation.
- Sampling techniques: surface water, groundwater, wastewater, and drinking water.
- Sample preservation and transport: containers, additives, chain of custody, and regulations.
- Basic physicochemical analyses: pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature.
- Drinking water treatment: coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
- Wastewater treatment: processes Primary, secondary, and tertiary.
- Environmental regulations and legislation: water quality, discharge limits, and pollution control.
- Interpretation of analytical results and water quality assessment.
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- Introduction to Waste Management: International and National Legal Framework
- Types of Waste Generated on Board: Classification and Characterization
- MARPOL Annex V: Regulations on Discharge of Waste into the Sea
- Waste Management Equipment: Compactors, Incinerators, Containers
- Bilge Management: Source, Treatment, and Permitted Discharge
- Bilge Water Treatment Systems: Oil/Water Separators, Filters
- Greywater: Sources, Characteristics, and Treatment Options
- Greywater Treatment Systems: Biological, Physicochemical, Membranes
- Storage and Recording of Waste, Bilges, and Greywater
- Emergency and Spill Procedures: Contingency Plans and answer
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- Introduction to Petroleum Chemistry: composition, classification, and properties.
- Petroleum Refining Processes: distillation, cracking, reforming, and alkylation.
- Ballast Water: origin, types, environmental and biological risks.
- Ballast Water Treatment: physical, chemical, and biological methods.
- BWM Convention (International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water): regulations and compliance.
- Bilge Water: origin, composition, environmental risks, and regulations.
- Bilge Water Treatment Systems: oil/water separators, filters, and advanced technologies.
- Discharge Monitoring and Control: sensors, logs, and early warning systems.
- Chemicals used in water treatment: dosage, safety, and environmental management.
- Marine environmental legislation: national and international regulations on ship discharges.
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- Legal and Regulatory Framework: International, national, and local legislation on waste.
- Types of Waste: Classification, characteristics, and hazards of municipal solid waste, industrial waste, hazardous waste, and special waste.
- Waste Management Hierarchy: Prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal.
- Prevention Strategies: Minimization at the source, eco-design, responsible consumption.
- Collection and Transport: Selective collection systems, optimized routes, appropriate vehicles, and applicable regulations.
- Sorting and Treatment Plants: Separation technologies, composting, anaerobic digestion, incineration with energy recovery.
- Landfills: Design, construction, operation, closure, and Post-closure; leachate and biogas control.
- Waste Recovery: Energy production, recycled materials, and refuse-derived fuels (RDF).
- Hazardous Waste Management: Identification, packaging, labeling, storage, transport, and specific treatment.
- Communication and Public Awareness: Awareness campaigns, environmental education, citizen participation, and best practices.
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- 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.
- International and national legal framework on waste management
- Types of waste generated on board: classification and characterization
- Bilges: origin, primary treatment, and discharge regulations
- Greywater: composition, treatment, and reuse options
- Wastewater treatment technologies on board (MARPOL Annex IV)
- Waste management equipment and systems: compactors, incinerators, etc.
- Garbage Management Plans: development and implementation
- Procedures for waste discharge in port and bilge reception
- Environmental impact of illegal discharges and prevention measures
- Audits and controls for regulatory compliance in waste management waste
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Career opportunities
- Spill Control Technician: Monitoring, analysis, and management of accidental and routine spills on board ships.
- Environmental Compliance Officer: Ensuring compliance with national and international regulations on marine pollution.
- Maritime Environmental Auditor: Evaluation of environmental management systems on board ships and in port facilities.
- Environmental Consultant in the Maritime Sector: Advising shipping companies and ports on the implementation of best environmental practices.
- Pollution Control Inspector: Inspection of ships to verify compliance with regulations on spills and pollution.
- Onboard Waste Manager: Planning and execution of the proper management of waste generated on ships.
- Waste Treatment Technician Wastewater Treatment: Operation and maintenance of onboard wastewater treatment systems.
Oil Pollution Prevention Specialist: Implementation of preventive measures and contingency plans for oil spills.
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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.
Documentation:
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
- Regulatory Mastery: Delve into maritime environmental legislation and international regulations on discharges and pollution.
- Control Techniques: Learn best practices and technologies for pollution prevention and management on board.
- Risk Management: Develop skills for identifying and assessing environmental risks associated with shipping operations.
- Contingency Plans: Acquire the ability to design and implement effective response plans for pollution incidents.
- Professional Certification: Obtain a recognized credential that validates your knowledge and skills in pollution control. spills.
Testimonials
This diploma provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively implement an onboard waste management system, minimizing our environmental impact. Thanks to the training I received, I was able to reduce illegal dumping by 20% in my last contract, optimizing waste segregation, storage, and unloading processes, and complying with MARPOL regulations.
The Diploma in Security & Emergencies provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively lead critical situations. I applied the protocols I learned during a real incident at my workplace, achieving an orderly and safe evacuation that minimized risk for everyone involved. This success reinforced the importance of the training I received and positioned me as a safety leader within my organization.
This diploma program provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively implement international regulations for spill control in my work on board. Thanks to the practical and theoretical training, I was able to optimize our procedures, minimizing the environmental impact of our operations and ensuring compliance with MARPOL. This resulted in a flawless external audit and recognition from the company for my contribution to environmental sustainability.
This diploma program provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively implement a waste management plan on my vessel. Thanks to the training I received, we significantly reduced our discharges into the sea and optimized our recycling procedures, achieving compliance with current regulations and even exceeding the company’s expectations in terms of environmental sustainability.
Frequently asked questions
Marine pollution from ships.
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 maritime industry, including shipping companies, ship operators, and onboard personnel.
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.
- Environmental Legislation: MARPOL, international conventions, local regulations
- Types of waste generated on board: classification and differentiated management
- Waste management equipment: compactors, incinerators, storage tanks
- Waste collection, segregation, and storage procedures
- Bilge management: oil and water separation, treatment, legal discharge
- Waste transfer systems: pipes, pumps, connections
- Waste transfer operations to shore: coordination, documentation, protocols
- Onboard waste management plans: development, implementation, monitoring
- Recording and documentation of waste management operations
- Emergencies and spills: response, containment, notification
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Request information
Complete the Application Form.
Attach your CV/degree certificate (if you have it to hand).
Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you would like the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
An academic advisor will contact you within 24–48 hours to guide you through the admission process, scholarships, and compatibility with your professional schedule.
Faculty
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.