Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Introduction to Marine Robots Course

This course introduces you to the world of marine robotics, from the theoretical foundations to its practical use across industries. You will learn how ROVs, AUVs, surface vehicles and gliders are designed, powered, controlled and connected, which sensors and payloads they carry, and how real operations are prepared, deployed, recovered and maintained for inspection, exploration and offshore work.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
Program diagnosis

Prior knowledge check

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You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.

About the program

What is the Introduction to Marine Robots Course?

This short course gives you a complete first view of marine robots and the way they are used at sea. You will study the main types of vehicles and their operating environments, industrial and scientific use cases, system architecture and the life cycle of an operation, basic hydrodynamics, propulsion and mechanical design for pressure and corrosion, navigation sensors and PID control, batteries, electrical architectures and onboard computing, underwater and surface communications, sonar, cameras, environmental and NDT sensors, payload integration and the preparation, deployment, risk management and maintenance of field campaigns.

What sets this course apart: a broad, structured overview that covers subsea and surface platforms rather than a single type of vehicle; a clear link between engineering principles and day-to-day operations; attention to the real constraints of the sea, such as pressure, biofouling, limited bandwidth and weather windows; an introduction to trends such as autonomy, artificial intelligence and robot fleets; and an integrative project that brings together planning, sensors and safe operation.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Every type of marine robot: ROVs, AUVs, USVs, gliders and landers.
  • Engineering basics: hydrodynamics, propulsion, sealing and materials for the sea.
  • Energy and communications: batteries, onboard electronics, acoustic and surface links.
  • Sensors and payloads: sonar, cameras, CTD and inspection (NDT) sensors.
  • Real operations: launch and recovery, risk management and basic maintenance.
  • Integrative project: an inspection, mapping or sampling mission from start to finish.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Introduction to Marine Robots Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Overview of marine robotics and the operational ecosystem in subsea and surface environments

  • 1.1. Types of marine robots: AUVs, ROVs, USVs, gliders and landers, with their uses and limitations
  • 1.2. Operating environments: coastal waters, continental shelf, slope and deep water, with their physical and oceanographic constraints
  • 1.3. Industrial and scientific use cases: inspection, mapping, sampling, security and offshore maintenance
  • 1.4. General system architecture: platform, payloads, links, energy and mission control
  • 1.5. Life cycle of an operation: planning, deployment, execution, recovery and post-processing
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Platforms, propulsion and motion control for subsea and surface vehicles

  • 2.1. Basic applied hydrodynamics: drag, buoyancy, stability and attitude control
  • 2.2. Actuators and propulsion: thrusters, propellers, jets, rudders and vector control systems
  • 2.3. Mechanical design for the sea: pressure, watertightness, corrosion, biofouling and material compatibility
  • 2.4. Navigation sensors: IMU, DVL, compass, altimeter and state estimation
  • 2.5. Control and piloting: PID loops, depth and heading control and assisted operating modes
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Energy, electronics and communications in marine robotics with range and bandwidth constraints

  • 3.1. Energy sources: batteries, charge management, endurance and power-to-weight trade-offs
  • 3.2. Electrical architectures: DC buses, distribution, protection, fuses and basic sizing
  • 3.3. Onboard computing: controllers, SBCs, time synchronization and telemetry logging
  • 3.4. Underwater communications: acoustics, physical limitations, latency and packet loss
  • 3.5. Surface links: radio, 4G/5G, satellite and mesh networks for fleets
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Sensors and payloads: perception, mapping and acquisition of oceanographic and industrial data

  • 4.1. Sonar and applied acoustics: multibeam, side-scan, profilers and selection criteria
  • 4.2. Cameras and lighting: underwater optics, turbidity, photogrammetry and visibility limitations
  • 4.3. Environmental sensors: CTD, oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll and operational calibration
  • 4.4. NDT and inspection: ultrasound, thickness, corrosion potential and defect detection
  • 4.5. Payload integration: interfaces, power consumption, mounting, vibration isolation and synchronization
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Real operations, logistics, safety and integrative introduction to marine robots project

  • 5.1. Campaign preparation: checklists, quayside tests, calibration and system acceptance
  • 5.2. Deployment and recovery: cranes, umbilicals, TMS/LARS and deck safety
  • 5.3. Risk management: operational assessment, weather windows, communications and emergency plans
  • 5.4. Basic maintenance: cleaning, seals, connectors, diagnostics and prevention of recurring failures
  • 5.5. Objective-driven operation: infrastructure inspection, area mapping and targeted sampling
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Introduction to Marine Robots 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 Introduction to Marine Robots Course

01Understand the architecture and key components of marine robots and how propulsion, control, energy and communication systems work together.
02Operate an ROV at a basic level, safely and following predefined procedures.
03Carry out simple underwater visual inspections, documenting anomalies, corrosion and damage with photos and video for technical reports.
04Solve simple faults and perform basic preventive maintenance following manufacturer manuals.
05Interpret basic sensor data such as depth, temperature, pressure and orientation to assess the environment and the vehicle's condition.
06Apply standard safety protocols, mitigating electrical, mechanical and hydraulic risks during operations.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Introduction to Marine Robots Course

01ROV/AUV operation and maintenance technicianinspection, repair and upkeep of underwater robots.
02ROV/AUV pilotremote operation of robots for inspection, search and offshore tasks.
03Underwater data analystprocessing and interpretation of images and sensor data collected by marine robots.
04Marine robotics software developerprogramming of control and autonomy algorithms, after further specialization.
05Marine robotics consultanttechnical advice for organizations adopting robotic solutions.
06Marine robotics sales specialistpromotion and technical sales of vehicles, components and payloads.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Introduction to Marine Robots Course

In coastal waters, on the continental shelf and slope and in deep water, as well as at the surface, each with its own physical and oceanographic constraints.

ROVs, AUVs, unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), gliders and landers, with their uses and limitations.

No. It is an introductory course; basic knowledge of electronics, mechanics or programming makes it easier to follow.

The course introduces control and onboard computing; in-depth programming is covered in our Underwater Robot Programming Course.

You plan a mission for inspection, mapping or sampling, choosing the platform, sensors, deployment method and safety measures.

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 and ends with an integrative project. 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 engineers and technicians who want to specialize in the design, operation and maintenance of ROVs and AUVs, engineering, robotics and marine science students, offshore oil, gas and renewable energy professionals who need to understand robotic inspection, repair and maintenance, marine researchers and scientists, and organizations planning to introduce robotic solutions into their operations; basic knowledge of robotics, electronics or mechanics, or experience in underwater operations or oceanography, is recommended.
  • 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 and a camera and microphone for live sessions and video conferences.
  • 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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