Satellite Maritime Surveillance and Dark Vessel Detection Course
Learn to use satellite data to detect vessels that switch off their AIS, combining satellite AIS, SAR radar and optical imagery. A private online professional programme with a Navalis Institute certificate.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Satellite Maritime Surveillance and Dark Vessel Detection Course?
The Satellite Maritime Surveillance and Dark Vessel Detection Course teaches you to use satellite data to understand what is happening at sea. You will learn to combine satellite AIS, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical imagery to detect vessels that switch off their transponder (dark vessels), monitor illegal fishing, control pollution and support maritime security.
What sets it apart: it applies space technology to real cases (illegal fishing, sanctions, pollution and security), uses accessible platforms and open data, and includes AI-based automatic ship detection. It trains a scarce profile that is in high demand among agencies, insurers and analysts.
Programme highlights
- Applied space technology: Satellite data in the service of maritime security.
- Real cases: Illegal fishing, sanctions, pollution and security.
- Accessible tools: Open platforms and open data.
- Artificial intelligence: Automatic detection of vessels in imagery.
- Scarce profile: Highly sought after by agencies, insurers and analysts.
- Deliver intelligence: Produce surveillance reports.
Syllabus of the Satellite Maritime Surveillance and Dark Vessel Detection Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Fundamentals of Maritime Surveillance
- 1.1. Maritime domain awareness
- 1.2. The AIS system and how it works
- 1.3. Satellite AIS
- 1.4. Limitations and manipulation of AIS
- 1.5. Open data sources
Satellite Remote Sensing
- 2.1. Optical satellites
- 2.2. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
- 2.3. Resolution and revisit frequency
- 2.4. The Copernicus programme and others
- 2.5. Radio frequency from space
Dark Vessel and Anomaly Detection
- 3.1. Cross-checking AIS and imagery
- 3.2. AIS switch-offs
- 3.3. Transhipments on the high seas
- 3.4. Identity spoofing
- 3.5. Behaviour patterns
Artificial Intelligence and Tools
- 4.1. Automatic ship detection
- 4.2. Classification by size and type
- 4.3. Analysis platforms
- 4.4. Integration of sources
- 4.5. Validation of results
Applications and Practical Case
- 5.1. Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
- 5.2. Sanctions compliance
- 5.3. Spill detection
- 5.4. Maritime safety and security
- 5.5. Practical case and surveillance report
Duration and format of the Satellite Maritime Surveillance and Dark Vessel Detection Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Satellite Maritime Surveillance and Dark Vessel Detection Course
Career opportunities after the Satellite Maritime Surveillance and Dark Vessel Detection Course
Questions about the Satellite Maritime Surveillance and Dark Vessel Detection Course
A vessel that does not transmit its AIS position, through a fault or deliberately, and that can be detected using satellite imagery.
No. Visual platforms and tools are used.
Yes, including open data from programmes such as Copernicus.
Security, fisheries, the environment, insurance, banking and trade.
Yes. You produce a complete surveillance report.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, recorded live sessions and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme has a workload of 300 hours. You can progress at your own pace within the calendar we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, which appears on this page and is confirmed by the admissions team when you request information.
More programmes in Safety and survival
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Profile: Technical, scientific, nautical or security background, or experience in the maritime sector or in analysis.
- Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow classes and materials; basic technical English is recommended, as much of the sector's regulation and documentation is published in English.
- Technical resources: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project defences.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enrol
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.