Diploma in Underwater Robotics
Why this certificate program?
The Diploma in Underwater Robotics
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of underwater exploration and work. Learn to design, build, and operate ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles), the key tools for the inspection, repair, and maintenance of underwater infrastructure. Master the electronics, hydraulics, and control necessary to create efficient and reliable underwater robots, preparing you for a constantly growing job market. This program combines theory and practice, with real-world projects and simulations, giving you the skills demanded by the offshore, scientific, and military industries.
Differential Advantages
- Design and Manufacturing: Learn to design custom ROVs, selecting appropriate components and materials.
- Electronics and Control: Master the electronics, programming, and control of ROVs, including navigation systems and sensors.
- Underwater Hydraulics: Understand the hydraulic systems used in ROVs for manipulation and movement.
- Operation and Maintenance: Learn to operate ROVs safely and efficiently, performing preventive and corrective maintenance.
- Practical Applications: Participate in real-world projects involving the inspection, repair, and maintenance of underwater structures.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Diplomado
- Hours: 800 H
- Start date: 29-09-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Engineers and technicians looking to specialize in the design, operation, and maintenance of ROVs and AUVs.
- Marine biologists and oceanographers interested in expanding their research capabilities with advanced robotic tools.
- Offshore professionals (oil, gas, renewable energy) who need to knowledge of the latest technologies in underwater inspection and repair.
- Engineering, marine science, or robotics students who want to acquire a competitive profile in the field of underwater robotics.
- Treasure hunters and explorers who want to knowledge the robotics and operation of underwater robotic equipment.
Flexibility of Study:
Designed for professionals and students: live recorded classes, 24/7 access to materials and personalized support throughout the diploma program.
Objectives and competencies
Design and operate autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs):
Managing autonomous navigation, optimizing energy consumption and adapting to ocean currents, for the efficient collection of oceanographic data.
Develop navigation and control systems for underwater robots:
Implement robust SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithms for real-time 3D mapping and autonomous trajectory planning in complex underwater environments.
Interpreting and analyzing data collected by underwater sensors:
“With precision and scientific criteria, identifying anomalies, validating the quality of the data and drawing conclusions relevant to the specific research or application.”
Implement safety protocols in underwater robotic operations:
“Establish encrypted communication procedures and robust authentication for remote control and data transmission, minimizing the risk of interception or manipulation by third parties.”
Maintaining and repairing underwater robotic equipment:
“Diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic failures using technical manuals and specialized tools.”
Solving complex technical problems in underwater environments:
“Diagnosing faults, carrying out repairs and adapting innovative solutions using specialized tools and equipment, guaranteeing the safety and efficiency of underwater operations.”
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 ROVs: History, Types, and Applications
- ROV Physics: Buoyancy, Stability, Drag, and Hydrodynamics
- Propulsion Systems: Types of Thrusters, Configuration, and Control
- Electricity and Electronics: Umbilical Cables, Power Sources, and Distribution
- Sensors and Navigation: IMUs, DVLs, Echosounders, and Positioning Systems
- Cameras and Vision Systems: Types of Cameras, Lighting, and Image Processing
- Manipulators and Tools: Types of Manipulators, Actuators, and Specialized Tools
- Communications: Communication Protocols, Data Transmission, and Video
- Systems Integration: Systems Architecture, Interfaces, and Integrated Control
- Preventive Maintenance: Procedures, Inspections, and Troubleshooting Common Problems
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- Introduction to ROVs: Types, applications, and main components.
- Basic hydraulics: Principles, components, and hydraulic systems in ROVs.
- Electricity and electronics: Fundamentals, wiring, sensors, and control systems.
- Underwater communications: Umbilical cables, fiber optics, and data transmission.
- Navigation and positioning: Acoustic, inertial, and underwater GPS systems.
- Sensors and tools: Cameras, sonar, manipulators, and measuring equipment.
- ROV mission planning: Risk assessment, procedures, and protocols.
- ROV operation: Deployment, control, navigation, and recovery.
- Preventive and corrective maintenance: Inspection, repair, and replacement of components.
- ROV operational safety: Emergency procedures, electrical safety, and safety protocols.
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- Introduction to ROVs: History, Types, Applications, and Market
- Main Components of an ROV: Structure, Buoyancy, Propulsion, Umbilical
- Control Systems: Architecture, Sensors, User Interface, Telemetry
- Electricity and Electronics: Fundamentals, Wiring, Power Supplies, Safety
- Hydraulics: Basic Principles, Pumps, Valves, Actuators, Fluids
- Cameras and Vision Systems: Types, Lenses, Lighting, Recording, and Transmission
- Sensors and Navigation: Depth, Attitude, Position, Sonar, USBL, DVL
- Tools and Manipulators: Types, Operation, Specific Applications
- Maintenance
Preventive and corrective maintenance: procedures, checklists, troubleshooting
Regulations and safety in ROV operations: standards, risks, emergency procedures
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- Introduction to ROVs: Types, applications, and main components.
- Basic hydraulics for ROVs: Principles, components, and power systems.
- Electricity and electronics in ROVs: Umbilical cables, power supplies, and control systems.
- Sensors and navigation systems: DVL, IMU, echo sounders, and cameras.
- Underwater communications: Acoustics, fiber optics, and transmission protocols.
- Structural design and materials: Pressure, corrosion, and weight considerations.
- Control and maneuverability: Actuators, stability, and control algorithms.
- Software and programming for ROVs: User interfaces and control systems Autonomous.
- Preventive and corrective maintenance: Inspection, repair, and testing.
- Safety procedures and best practices in ROV operations.
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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.
- Introduction to ROVs: History, types, industrial and scientific applications.
- Principles of Hydrodynamics and Buoyancy: Acting forces, stability, trim.
- Materials and Manufacturing: Material selection, construction techniques, weight and corrosion considerations.
- Propulsion Systems: Types of thrusters, configuration, control, and performance.
- Power and Electrical Systems: Power supplies, power distribution, umbilical cable.
- Sensors and Instrumentation: Cameras, sonar, depth sensors, IMUs, underwater GPS.
- Control and Navigation Systems: Control architecture, telemetry, human-machine interface (HMI).
- Submarine Communication: Communication methods, bandwidth, latency, protocols.
- Preventive and Corrective Maintenance: Inspections, lubrication, component replacement, troubleshooting.
- Operational Safety and Regulations: Safety procedures, regulations, industry standards.
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Career opportunities
- ROV Operation and Maintenance Technician: Inspection, repair, and remote manipulation in underwater environments.
- Underwater Project Engineer: Design, development, and management of projects related to underwater robotics.
- Marine Robotics Researcher: Development of new technologies and applications for underwater robots.
- Sonar and Underwater Navigation Systems Operator: Operation of equipment for locating and mapping the seabed.
- Maritime Salvage and Rescue Technician: Use of ROVs in search and recovery operations.
- Underwater Infrastructure Inspector: Inspection of pipelines, cables, and oil platforms using underwater robots.
- Underwater Robotics Consultant: Technical and strategic advice in Projects related to the underwater field.
- Underwater Robotics Trainer: Instructor in the operation and maintenance of ROVs and underwater systems.
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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
- Master Underwater Robotics: Learn to design, build, and operate ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) for underwater exploration and inspection.
- Electronics and Control: Delve into the control systems, sensors, and actuators essential for underwater robotics.
- Underwater Hydraulics and Mechanics: Acquire specialized knowledge in hydraulic systems and mechanical design adapted to marine environments.
- Underwater Navigation and Positioning: Master ROV navigation and positioning techniques using cutting-edge technologies.
- Practical Applications: Participate in simulations and real-world projects to apply your knowledge in underwater industry scenarios.
Testimonials
The Diploma in Underwater Robotics exceeded my expectations. I gained a solid understanding of ROV design, control, and operation, including mission planning and data analysis. The hands-on experience in both simulated and real-world environments allowed me to apply theory and develop practical skills to succeed in this field. Thanks to the training I received, I secured a position as a technician at an underwater inspection company.
The Diploma in Underwater Operations exceeded my expectations. I acquired solid theoretical and practical knowledge in navigation, life support systems, rescue, and emergency procedures, which have allowed me to perform safely and efficiently in my current role as an ROV pilot. The quality of the faculty and the technology available during the training were exceptional.
The Diploma in Underwater Robotics exceeded my expectations. I gained a solid foundation in the design, control, and operation of ROVs, including mission planning and data analysis. The hands-on experience in simulated and real-world environments provided me with the necessary skills to tackle the challenges of this field, and the final project allowed me to apply everything I had learned in a complex and rewarding situation, preparing me for a career in the industry.
This diploma program exceeded my expectations. I gained a solid understanding of the design, control, and navigation of underwater robots, applying theory through simulations and practical exercises with ROVs. Thanks to the training, I was able to develop a control system for an inspection ROV, a project that opened doors to new professional opportunities in the offshore sector.
Frequently asked questions
Underwater environments, including oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers.
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.
Remotely operated robots (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and, in some cases, hybrid robots.
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.
- Introduction to ROVs: Types, applications, and main components.
- Basic Hydrodynamics: Buoyancy, drag, and stability of ROVs.
- Materials and Construction: Selection, properties, and considerations for marine environments.
- Structural Design: Frames, enclosures, and mountings for electronic components.
- Propulsion Selection: Types, performance, and configuration for different applications.
- Umbilical Cables: Types, characteristics, strength, and management.
- Communication Systems: Protocols, bandwidth, and data transmission.
- Sensors and Actuators: Integration of cameras, sonar, manipulators, and other devices.
- Electronics of Control: Microcontrollers, motor drivers, and power supply systems.
- Preliminary ROV design: Specifications, component selection, and basic simulation.
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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.