Marine Discharge Management Course
This course prepares you to plan, control and minimize land-based discharges to the sea: urban wastewater, industrial effluents and desalination brine. You will study effluent behavior, outfall and diffuser design, dilution modeling, environmental monitoring and the legal framework.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program 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 program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Marine Discharge Management Course?
This course prepares you to plan, control and minimize land-based discharges to the sea: urban wastewater, industrial effluents and desalination brine. You will study how buoyant and dense effluents behave in coastal waters, the design of submarine outfalls and diffusers, near-field and far-field dilution modeling, environmental monitoring programs and the international, regional and national rules that govern these activities.
What sets this course apart: a complete view that brings urban, industrial and brine discharges together in one course; a solid technical basis in effluent behavior and outfall design; modeling tools to estimate dilution and the mixing zone; guidance on designing effective environmental monitoring programs; and a practical case in which you draw up a management plan for a real or simulated discharge.
Program highlights
- Complete view: urban, industrial and brine discharges in a single course.
- Technical basis: effluent behavior and the design of outfalls and diffusers.
- Modeling: tools to estimate dilution and the extent of the mixing zone.
- Environmental monitoring: how to design effective follow-up programs.
- Legal framework: international conventions, OSPAR, Barcelona and discharge permits.
- Practical case: a management plan for a real or simulated discharge.
Syllabus of the Marine Discharge Management Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Types of discharge and their effects
- 1.1. Urban wastewater
- 1.2. Industrial effluents
- 1.3. Desalination brine
- 1.4. Thermal effluents
- 1.5. Effects on marine ecosystems
Effluent behavior at sea
- 2.1. Coastal hydrodynamics
- 2.2. Buoyant and dense effluents
- 2.3. Near-field dilution
- 2.4. Far-field dispersion
- 2.5. The mixing zone
Submarine outfalls and diffusers
- 3.1. Types of outfall
- 3.2. Diffuser design
- 3.3. Materials and installation
- 3.4. Inspection and maintenance
- 3.5. Reducing the impact of discharges
Modeling and environmental monitoring
- 4.1. Near-field models
- 4.2. Far-field hydrodynamic models
- 4.3. Designing monitoring programs
- 4.4. Physico-chemical and biological indicators
- 4.5. Interpreting results
Legal framework and management
- 5.1. International conventions for the protection of the marine environment
- 5.2. Regional conventions: OSPAR and Barcelona
- 5.3. Discharge permits
- 5.4. Contingency plans
- 5.5. Practical case: management plan for a discharge to the sea
Duration and format of the Marine Discharge Management 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 installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
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 FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Marine Discharge Management Course
Career opportunities after the Marine Discharge Management Course
Questions about the Marine Discharge Management Course
They are mentioned for context, but the course focuses on land-based discharges; ships are mainly governed by the MARPOL convention.
Yes, at an introductory level, so that you can interpret dilution studies and frame them correctly.
Yes. It covers the behavior of dense effluents and the measures used to reduce their impact.
It covers international and regional conventions and their common principles; national regulations must be checked case by case.
You prepare a management plan for a discharge to the sea, from effluent characterization to environmental monitoring.
The course is taught online and comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each, ending with an applied practical case.
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Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at sanitation company technicians, industrial environmental officers, desalination plant staff, environmental consultants and public administration technicians who handle discharge permits. Studies in civil, environmental or chemical engineering, marine or environmental science, or professional experience in water or environmental management, are 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 for live sessions and project presentations.
- 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.
- 03EnrollmentChoose 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 enroll
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.