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
Course on the use of underwater cameras and drones
courseImmerse yourself in the exciting world of underwater exploration and documentation. Master the essential techniques and tools for capturing high-quality underwater images and videos, from selecting the right equipment to…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course on the use of underwater cameras and drones?
The "Using Underwater Cameras and Drones"
course
Immerse yourself in the exciting world of underwater exploration and documentation. Master the essential techniques and tools for capturing high-quality underwater images and videos, from selecting the right equipment to professional post-production.
You will learn to:
- Operate underwater cameras: Setup, white balance, focus, and lighting techniques.
- Pilot underwater drones: Safe handling, navigation, image capture, and basic maintenance.
- Master composition: Creating impactful images with a focus on marine life and underwater environments.
- Edit and post-produce: Optimizing videos and photographs for professional results.
- Practical applications: Underwater inspection, scientific research, documentary filmmaking, and much more.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Master Underwater Filming: Learn to operate underwater cameras and drones to capture stunning footage.
- Professional Filming Techniques: Discover the secrets of underwater lighting, framing, and stabilization.
- Maintenance and Safety: Learn best practices for the care and safe operation of your equipment.
- Post-Production and Editing: Transform your footage into masterpieces with specialized editing tools.
- Practical Applications: Explore opportunities in research, conservation, tourism, and audiovisual production.
- Boost your career or hobby with cutting-edge skills in the underwater world.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Introduction to photography and aquatic videography with cameras and drones
- Basics of Underwater Photography and Videography: Challenges, Equipment and Specific Techniques
- Aquatic cameras: characteristics, types and choice according to the environment and type of photography
- Introduction to aquatic drones: basic operation, applications and advantages over traditional cameras
- Payload and aquatic drone capabilities: cameras, sensors, lighting and other recording tools
- Equipment Preparation: Configuration, Maintenance and Verification Before Operation
02
Underwater photography techniques with cameras and drones
- Camera settings for aquatic photography: exposure settings, white balance and focus
- Underwater photography techniques with cameras: light control, composition and handling at different depths
- Marine wildlife photography: how to capture images of animals in their natural habitat without disturbances
- Use of drones for aerial photography of aquatic environments: capture of landscapes, bodies of water and fauna from the air
- Techniques of photography in murky or low visibility water: Overcoming challenges with lighting and filters
03
Underwater videography with cameras and drones
- Basic techniques of underwater videography: stable recording, lighting control and camera management
- Use of drones for aerial recording of water bodies: planning routes, panoramic shots and sequences
- Image stabilisation in underwater recordings: techniques and devices to prevent distortion and excessive movement
- Underwater colour and light control: parameter adjustment and use of filters to improve video quality
- Management of depth and angles in underwater videography: shot planning, movement and visual effects
04
Operation and control of aquatic drones
- Water Drone Operation Fundamentals: Flight Control, Stabilization and Water Navigation
- Route and mission planning: automatic flight design and manual control for data capture
- Operational challenges: currents, wind, water temperature and resistance to immersion
- Use of additional sensors and cameras in drones: radars, sonars, thermographers and high-resolution cameras
- Preventive maintenance and care of aquatic drones: battery check, casing sealing, cleaning and protection
05
Final project and skills development in aquatic drones and chambers
- Design of a water photography and videography project: objectives, planning and selection of suitable equipment
- Practical operation of aquatic drones: control, route management and capture images and video
- Analysis and post-production: editing images and videos, colour correction and quality adjustments
- Presentation and evaluation of the final project: Creating a professional presentation to exhibit the project carried out
- Review of project results: feedback, adjustments and lessons learned
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 biologists and oceanographers looking to expand their research capabilities with state-of-the-art underwater observation tools.Underwater filmmakers and photographers who want to master advanced techniques to capture stunning images in challenging aquatic environments.Underwater infrastructure inspectors (ports, pipelines, wind farms) who need to conduct accurate and efficient assessmen
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
- 01Capture high-quality underwater images and videos
- 02Operate and maintain underwater filming equipment
- 03Interpreting data and behaviors in aquatic environments
- 04Assessing the feasibility and risks of underwater filming projects
- 05Apply navigation and positioning techniques in aquatic environments
- 06Editing and post-producing aquatic audiovisual material
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Underwater Infrastructure Inspection: Ports, oil platforms, offshore wind farms, underwater pipelines, and dams.
02Marine and Oceanographic Research: Monitoring of marine life, environmental impact studies, seabed mapping, and sediment analysis.
03Aquaculture: Inspection of cages, monitoring of fish health, and optimization of feeding.
04Search and Rescue: Search for missing persons, inspection of shipwrecks, and damage assessment.
05Underwater Archaeology: Documentation of submerged archaeological sites and recovery of artifacts.
06Audiovisual Production: Filming of documentaries, movies, and television series with underwater and aerial footage.
07Tourism and Recreation: Offering unique underwater and coastal exploration experiences.
08Naval Maintenance and Repair: Inspection of ship hulls, propellers, and other submerged structures.
09Maritime Security and Surveillance: Monitoring illegal activities, border control, and protection of critical infrastructure.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Access to areas that are dangerous or inaccessible to divers.
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.
Inspection of underwater infrastructure, such as bridges, oil platforms and pipelines.
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:Demonstrable experience in professional or recreational diving; or Drone pilot certification; or Training in marine biology, oceanography, or related fields.Technical Skills:Basic knowledge of underwater photography and videography; Familiarity with the maintenance and operation of underwater filming equipment; or Drone navigation and control skills.Documentation:Updated CV, diving or drone pilot certifications (if applicable), ID/Passport, liability insurance (optional).Physical Requirements:Fit for diving (if using underwater cameras); Good
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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