Marine Documentary Production Course
Why this course?
The Marine Documentary Production Course
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of underwater audiovisual creation. Learn to master filming techniques in aquatic environments, from planning and scriptwriting to editing and post-production. Discover how to tell impactful stories about marine life, ocean conservation, and the exploration of the seabed, with a focus on visual storytelling and the responsible use of technology.
Differentiating Advantages
- Hands-on Experience: Real filming in marine environments with professional equipment.
- Expert Mentors: Learn from internationally renowned filmmakers and marine biologists.
- Technical Mastery: Operation of underwater cameras, lighting, sound, and editing software.
- Scientific Knowledge: Biological and ecological foundations for telling stories with rigor and credibility.
- Networking: Connection with the audiovisual industry and marine conservation organizations.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 24-10-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Filmmakers and documentary filmmakers with a passion for the ocean, who seek to master specialized techniques of marine filmmaking and visual storytelling.
- Marine biologists and oceanographers interested in communicating their research to the public through impactful and informative documentaries.
- Students of audiovisual communication and marine sciences who wish to combine their knowledge and explore a career in marine content production.
- Audiovisual production companies and environmental organizations seeking to create high-quality content to raise awareness about marine conservation.
- Enthusiasts of the marine world with editing and storytelling skills, who aspire to professionalize their passion and tell stories of the ocean.
Flexibility Creative
Adapted for professionals and enthusiasts: on-demand asynchronous modules, practical exercises with personalized feedback, and individual project guidance.
Objectives and competencies
Capture high-quality underwater images:
“Adjust lighting, white balance, and exposure to achieve vibrant colors and sharp details, even in low-visibility conditions.”
Tell compelling and educational sea stories:
“Using oceanographic, meteorological, and historical data to create immersive narratives about marine life, exploration, and environmental challenges.”
Editing and post-producing visually stunning marine documentaries:
“Master DaVinci Resolve/Premiere for color correction, creative color grading, and narrative optimization.”
Managing and optimizing resources for efficient underwater production:
Implement predictive and corrective maintenance strategies based on data analysis and operational experience, minimizing downtime and optimizing the life cycle of underwater equipment.
Design filming strategies that minimize the environmental impact on marine ecosystems:
“Implement non-invasive filming protocols: passive acoustics, minimally intrusive ROVs, avoid powerful lights and film from a safe distance.”
Operate specialized underwater filming equipment safely and accurately:
“Following established safety protocols and demonstrating skill in handling ROVs, cameras, and lighting systems in complex underwater environments.”
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 marine documentation: history, ethics, and current trends
- Visual storytelling in the ocean: composition, light, color, and movement
- Underwater filming equipment: cameras, housings, lighting, and audio
- Safety at sea for documentary filmmakers: protocols, risks, and emergencies
- Planning marine shoots: logistics, permits, and resource management
- Diving techniques for filming: safety, communication, and stability
- Underwater audio recording: microphones, isolation, and ambient sound
- Editing and post-production of marine documentaries: software, effects, and narrative
- Distribution and promotion of marine documentaries: Festivals, platforms, and audiences
Marine conservation and the role of documentary filmmaking: impact, ethics, and activism
‘
- Introduction to Marine Documentary Narrative: History and Evolution
- Fundamentals of Marine Biology: Ecosystems, Species, and Conservation
- Planning and Pre-Production: Research, Scriptwriting, Storyboarding, and Logistics
- Underwater Audiovisual Equipment: Cameras, Lighting, Audio, and ROVs
- Underwater Filming Techniques: Composition, Movement, and Focus in Aquatic Environments
- Safety in Marine Filming: Diving, Vessels, Weather, and First Aid
- Audiovisual Post-Production: Editing, Assembly, Color Grading, and Sound
- Ethics and Environmental Responsibility: Impact of Production on the Marine Environment
- Distribution and Dissemination: Festivals, platforms, and marketing strategies.
- Case Studies: Analysis of successful marine documentaries.
‘
- Introduction to Marine Visual Storytelling: Ethics, Impact, and Conservation
- Fundamentals of Marine Biology: Ecosystems, Keystone Species, and Threats
- Underwater and Terrestrial Filming Equipment: Cameras, Lenses, Lights, and Audio
- Underwater Filming Techniques: Safety, Diving, and Environmental Conditions
- Scriptwriting and Pre-production: Research, Permits, and Logistics
- Cinematography: Composition, Lighting, and Color in the Ocean
- Video Editing: Software, Narration, Music, and Sound Effects
- Audio Post-Production: Cleanup, Sound Design, and Mixing
- Distribution and Promotion: Festivals, Online Platforms, and Social Media
- Environmental Legislation and Rights of Author: Legal and ethical considerations.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Visual Narratives: History and Evolution
- Fundamentals of Underwater Imagery: Light, Color, Composition
- The Underwater Script: Idea Development, Narrative Structure, and Characters
- Underwater Audiovisual Equipment: Cameras, Lighting, Housings
- Underwater Filming Techniques: Shots, Camera Movements, and Focusing
- Safety in Underwater Filming: Protocols, Risks, and Prevention
- Underwater Cinematography: Aesthetics, Atmosphere, and Visual Narrative
- Underwater Video Editing and Post-Production: Color Grading, Sound, and Visual Effects
- Ethics in Underwater Filming: Respect for the Environment and Marine Life
- Distribution and exhibition of underwater visual narratives: festivals, platforms and media
‘
- 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.
Plan de estudio - Módulos
- 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 marine documentation: history, ethics, and current trends
- Visual storytelling in the ocean: composition, light, color, and movement
- Underwater filming equipment: cameras, housings, lighting, and audio
- Safety at sea for documentary filmmakers: protocols, risks, and emergencies
- Planning marine shoots: logistics, permits, and resource management
- Diving techniques for filming: safety, communication, and stability
- Underwater audio recording: microphones, isolation, and ambient sound
- Editing and post-production of marine documentaries: software, effects, and narrative
- Distribution and promotion of marine documentaries: Festivals, platforms, and audiences
Marine conservation and the role of documentary filmmaking: impact, ethics, and activism
‘
- Introduction to Marine Documentary Narrative: History and Evolution
- Fundamentals of Marine Biology: Ecosystems, Species, and Conservation
- Planning and Pre-Production: Research, Scriptwriting, Storyboarding, and Logistics
- Underwater Audiovisual Equipment: Cameras, Lighting, Audio, and ROVs
- Underwater Filming Techniques: Composition, Movement, and Focus in Aquatic Environments
- Safety in Marine Filming: Diving, Vessels, Weather, and First Aid
- Audiovisual Post-Production: Editing, Assembly, Color Grading, and Sound
- Ethics and Environmental Responsibility: Impact of Production on the Marine Environment
- Distribution and Dissemination: Festivals, platforms, and marketing strategies.
- Case Studies: Analysis of successful marine documentaries.
‘
- Introduction to Marine Visual Storytelling: Ethics, Impact, and Conservation
- Fundamentals of Marine Biology: Ecosystems, Keystone Species, and Threats
- Underwater and Terrestrial Filming Equipment: Cameras, Lenses, Lights, and Audio
- Underwater Filming Techniques: Safety, Diving, and Environmental Conditions
- Scriptwriting and Pre-production: Research, Permits, and Logistics
- Cinematography: Composition, Lighting, and Color in the Ocean
- Video Editing: Software, Narration, Music, and Sound Effects
- Audio Post-Production: Cleanup, Sound Design, and Mixing
- Distribution and Promotion: Festivals, Online Platforms, and Social Media
- Environmental Legislation and Rights of Author: Legal and ethical considerations.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Visual Narratives: History and Evolution
- Fundamentals of Underwater Imagery: Light, Color, Composition
- The Underwater Script: Idea Development, Narrative Structure, and Characters
- Underwater Audiovisual Equipment: Cameras, Lighting, Housings
- Underwater Filming Techniques: Shots, Camera Movements, and Focusing
- Safety in Underwater Filming: Protocols, Risks, and Prevention
- Underwater Cinematography: Aesthetics, Atmosphere, and Visual Narrative
- Underwater Video Editing and Post-Production: Color Grading, Sound, and Visual Effects
- Ethics in Underwater Filming: Respect for the Environment and Marine Life
- Distribution and exhibition of underwater visual narratives: festivals, platforms and media
‘
- 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 Underwater Visual Storytelling: History, Evolution, and Trends
- Underwater Filming Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lighting, Audio
- Principles of Underwater Photography: Exposure, Focus, Composition
- Underwater Video Techniques: Stabilization, Camera Movement, Visual Storytelling
- Diving Safety for Filming: Planning, Procedures, Risks
- Environmental Ethics in Underwater Filming: Respect for Marine Life, Non-Intrusion
- Screenwriting and Pre-Production: Idea Development, Storyboarding, Logistics
- Post-Production: Editing, Color Correction, Sound, Visual Effects
- Distribution and Exhibition: Festivals, Platforms, Channels television
- Case studies: analysis of successful documentaries and underwater films
‘
- Introduction to Marine Visual Narratives: Ethics, Impact, and Conservation
- Fundamentals of Marine Documentation: History, Evolution, and Current Trends
- Essential Equipment for Underwater Filming: Cameras, Housings, Lighting, and Sound
- The Science of Color Underwater: Color Correction and White Balance in Marine Environments
- Advanced Underwater Filming Techniques: Stable Shots, Creative Movements, and Complex Sequences
- Narrative and Screenwriting for Marine Documentaries: Structure, Characters, and Key Messages
- Pre-Dive Production: Logistics Planning, Permits, Safety, and Diving.
Conservation Strategies and Ethics in Marine Filming: Minimizing Environmental Impact and Respecting Marine Life.
Post-Production of Marine Documentaries: Editing, Sound, Music, and Graphics.
Distribution and Promotion of Marine Documentaries: Festivals, Streaming Platforms, and Social Media.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Visual Storytelling: History, evolution, and iconic examples.
- Underwater Filming Equipment: Cameras, housings, lighting, and support systems.
- Fundamentals of Underwater Photography: Exposure, focus, composition, and white balance underwater.
- Underwater Lighting Techniques: Using artificial lights to highlight subjects and create atmosphere.
- Underwater Visual Composition: Composition rules adapted to the aquatic environment: guidelines, rule of thirds, symmetry.
- Dive Safety: Safe diving protocols for filming, risk management, and first aid.
- Planning a Filming Dive: Storyboarding, shot lists, and logistics Underwater.
- Underwater Art Direction: Creation of natural and artificial sets to enrich the narrative.
- Underwater Footage Editing and Post-Production: Color correction, noise removal, and video assembly.
- Ethics and Conservation in Underwater Filming: Minimizing environmental impact and promoting marine awareness.
‘
- Introduction to Ocean Narratives: History and evolution of the marine documentary.
- Fundamentals of Marine Biology: Ecosystems, keystone species, and conservation.
- Screenwriting for Marine Documentaries: Narrative structure, characters, and conflict.
- Underwater Filming Techniques: Equipment, lighting, and safety.
- Audio and Video Editing and Post-Production: Software, color correction, and sound design.
- Legislation and Ethics in Marine Filming: Permits, environmental impact, and respect for local cultures.
- Production Design: Budgeting, logistics, and expedition planning.
- Marketing and Distribution: Festivals, streaming platforms, and rights author.
- Innovative Narratives: Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Interactivity in Marine Documentaries.
- The Future of Marine Documentaries: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities.
‘
Career opportunities
- Independent Marine Documentary Producer: Creation, financing, and distribution of original projects.
- Underwater Camera Operator/Marine Videographer: Capturing images in marine environments for documentaries, news, or research.
- Video Editor specializing in Marine Content: Post-production, editing, and visual effects for marine documentaries.
- Screenwriter/Researcher for Marine Documentaries: Story development, scientific research, and scriptwriting.
- Production Assistant on Marine Projects: Logistical support, organization, and resource management during filming.
- Scientific Consultant/Environmental Advisor for Documentaries: Fact-checking, advice on marine conservation and animal behavior.
- Distribution and Marketing of Marine Documentaries: Promotion, sales, and licensing management of Distribution.
- Marine education and outreach through documentaries: Using documentaries as an educational tool in schools, museums, and research centers.
“`
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.
5. Induction
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 the art of marine documentary: Learn from the concept to the final post-production.
- Underwater filming techniques: Discover the specialized equipment and best practices for capturing stunning images.
- Effective visual storytelling: Learn how to build captivating stories that generate awareness and passion for the ocean.
- Professional editing and assembly: Master the tools and workflows to bring your documentary to life with a flawless finish.
- Distribution and promotion: Learn how to get your documentary to audiences through festivals, online platforms, and other channels.
Testimonials
During my marine documentary production training, I led a team that produced a short film about biodiversity in coral reefs. The documentary was selected for the International Underwater Film Festival, receiving praise for its innovative cinematography and its moving message about conservation. This experience solidified my skills in pre-production, underwater filming, editing, and post-production, preparing me for a successful career in the industry.
Mastering underwater photography and video techniques in this course allowed me to capture the ocean’s hidden beauty with stunning clarity and storytelling. Now, my images not only document marine life but also convey the emotion and fragility of these ecosystems, which has propelled my career as a conservation photographer.
I managed to capture the emotional story of an emperor penguin colony during its reproductive cycle in Antarctica, overcoming the difficulties of the extreme climate and obtaining unprecedented images of their social and adaptation behaviors, material that was key for a documentary that was internationally awarded for its scientific and cinematic value.
I managed to capture the moving story of an endangered seahorse colony, documenting its life cycle and the threats to its habitat. This work, praised for its sensitivity and scientific rigor, contributed to the creation of a marine protected area for its conservation, demonstrating the power of documentary to generate real impact.
Frequently asked questions
Educating and raising awareness about the oceans, marine life, and the importance of conservation.
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.
Underwater cameras, drones, hydrophones and specialized lighting systems.
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 Ocean Narratives: History and evolution of the marine documentary.
- Fundamentals of Marine Biology: Ecosystems, keystone species, and conservation.
- Screenwriting for Marine Documentaries: Narrative structure, characters, and conflict.
- Underwater Filming Techniques: Equipment, lighting, and safety.
- Audio and Video Editing and Post-Production: Software, color correction, and sound design.
- Legislation and Ethics in Marine Filming: Permits, environmental impact, and respect for local cultures.
- Production Design: Budgeting, logistics, and expedition planning.
- Marketing and Distribution: Festivals, streaming platforms, and rights author.
- Innovative Narratives: Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Interactivity in Marine Documentaries.
- The Future of Marine Documentaries: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities.
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
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.