Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Deep-Sea Exploration Innovations Course

This intensive course introduces you to the technologies and methods that are transforming deep exploration in science and industry. You will study autonomous underwater vehicles, high-resolution sensors and geospatial data processing, and learn strategies for planning complex missions and interpreting geophysical data, so that you are ready to take part in and lead cutting-edge exploration projects.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
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About the program

What is the Deep-Sea Exploration Innovations Course?

This short course prepares you to understand and plan exploration missions in the deepest parts of the ocean. You will learn how abyssal and hadal environments constrain vehicles and missions and which platforms are used, from AUVs, ROVs and crewed submersibles to landers and gliders, how advanced materials, hull architectures and sealing withstand extreme pressure, how energy, propulsion and thermal management sustain long missions, how next-generation navigation sensors, sonar, low-light imaging and geochemical sensors observe the seabed, and how communications, data governance, risk management and permits come together in a deep-exploration campaign.

What sets this course apart: hands-on work with AUV simulations and real-time data analysis; real case studies of exploration projects and the challenges they overcame; practical skills with specialized software and analysis tools; a complete view of the deep-exploration chain, from vehicle design to data management; and attention to operational safety and compliance in offshore campaigns.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Current technology: AUV simulations and real-time data analysis.
  • Extreme environments: design requirements for abyssal and hadal depths.
  • Pressure engineering: advanced materials, hull architectures and pressure testing.
  • Endurance: energy, propulsion and thermal management for long missions.
  • Seabed observation: high-resolution sonar, low-light imaging and geochemical sensors.
  • Real case studies: successful exploration projects and lessons learned.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Deep-Sea Exploration Innovations Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Technological context of deep exploration and mission operational requirements

  • 1.1. Hadal and abyssal environments: extreme pressure, darkness, deep currents and physical limits of the system
  • 1.2. Types of deep-exploration mission: mapping, inspection, sampling, intervention and technical search
  • 1.3. Design requirements by depth: safety margins, redundancy, fault tolerance and degraded modes
  • 1.4. Exploration platforms: AUVs, ROVs, HOVs, landers, gliders and hybrid systems with surface support
  • 1.5. Offshore logistics and operations: metocean windows, launch and recovery and deck coordination
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Advanced materials, hull architectures and pressure-resistance technologies for ultra-deep operations

  • 2.1. High-performance materials: titanium, special steels, ceramics, composites and electrochemical compatibility
  • 2.2. Structural design for pressure: spherical hulls, reinforced cylinders, frames and buckling control
  • 2.3. Sealing and connectivity: wet and dry connectors, joints, glands and watertightness strategies
  • 2.4. Corrosion and galvanic effects: anodes, coatings, insulation and preservation during long campaigns
  • 2.5. Pressure testing and verification: hyperbaric chambers, acceptance criteria and test traceability
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Energy, propulsion and thermal management for extended operation at abyssal depths

  • 3.1. Energy architectures: advanced batteries, BMS, distribution, protection and sizing by mission profile
  • 3.2. High-efficiency propulsion: thrusters, thrust curves, vector control and mitigation of cavitation and particles
  • 3.3. Thermal management at depth: heat dissipation, insulation, electronics limits and operational stability
  • 3.4. Endurance and energy budget: duty cycles, load prioritization and planning a safe return
  • 3.5. Energy safety: charging, transport and storage protocols and response to thermal events
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Next-generation sensing, high-resolution sonar and scientific and technical observation of the seabed

  • 4.1. Deep navigation sensors: IMU, DVL, altimeters, pressure sensors and drift compensation
  • 4.2. Advanced sonar: multibeam, side-scan and imaging sonar and selection by turbidity, range and target
  • 4.3. Low-light underwater imaging: lighting, backscatter, optics and visibility enhancement techniques
  • 4.4. Geochemical and biogeochemical sensors: CTD, oxygen, pH and ORP, turbidity and biofouling control
  • 4.5. Data acquisition and synchronization: time-stamping, calibration, metadata and quality control
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Communications, data management, operational safety and integrative deep-exploration project

  • 5.1. Underwater communications: acoustics, delayed links, compression and window-based transfer strategies
  • 5.2. Control station and telemetry: alarms, logging, packet integrity and link continuity
  • 5.3. Data governance: repositories, versioning, lineage, retention and evidence for scientific and technical audit
  • 5.4. Risk and safety management: risk matrices, go/no-go thresholds, emergencies and inter-team coordination
  • 5.5. Compliance and operational permits: restricted areas, coordination with the authorities and campaign documentation
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Deep-Sea Exploration Innovations Course

It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
6
months to finish
25 weeks
weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Deep-Sea Exploration Innovations Course

01Understand the advanced seismic and geophysical technologies used to characterize the deep seabed and subsurface.
02Develop predictive models for identifying targets of interest, applying machine learning and suitable accuracy metrics.
03Integrate geospatial data analysis and machine learning into deep-exploration workflows.
04Assess and mitigate geological, geotechnical and operational risks in complex deep environments.
05Plan exploration activities that minimize environmental impact, including the management of waste and discharges.
06Manage exploration projects efficiently, controlling costs and timelines without compromising safety or data quality.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Deep-Sea Exploration Innovations Course

01Exploration geologistidentification and assessment of deep resources and seabed features.
02Geophysicistanalysis of seismic, gravimetric and magnetic data to characterize the subsurface.
03Geospatial data scientistprocessing and analysis of large datasets for seabed modeling.
04Deep-sea vehicle operations specialistplanning and support of AUV and ROV missions.
05Exploration technology researcherdevelopment of new tools and techniques for deep observation.
06Deep-exploration consultanttechnical and strategic advice on deep-sea projects.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Deep-Sea Exploration Innovations Course

The extreme pressure and hostile conditions of the deep environment, which affect every part of a vehicle and its mission.

Darkness, deep currents, limited communications and energy constraints make it hard to design reliable technology and to operate safely.

AUVs, ROVs, crewed submersibles, landers, gliders and hybrid systems, and how to choose between them for each type of mission.

The course includes AUV simulations and data analysis exercises with specialized software, together with real case studies.

Both. It suits engineers, geoscientists and marine scientists who need to understand how deep-exploration missions are designed and run.

Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.

The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: aimed at geologists and geophysicists, oil, gas and energy engineers, marine scientists and oceanographers, marine renewable energy specialists and subsea industry professionals working with ROVs and AUVs; a degree in geology, geophysics, mining engineering, ocean engineering or a related field, or professional experience in geological or marine exploration, is recommended, and basic knowledge of geological or seismic modeling software is an advantage.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser, data visualization software and a camera and microphone for live sessions and project presentations.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $172 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

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