Program Overview

The Essentials of Autonomous Systems and their Applications in the Maritime Domain

This short course provides an introduction to the basics of autonomous maritime systems, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs). The course covers operation, data analysis, and mission planning, and is designed for professionals entering or advancing in Autonomous Maritime Systems (AMS).

Course Details

• Price: $1550
• Duration: 120 hours
• Delivery: Online with a 1-week in-person session
• Starts: 23 February 2026

About this Course

The course explores the fundamentals of AUV/ASV operations, mission planning, data analysis, and system safety, taught by leading experts in the industry. Through real-world case studies, interactive simulations, and a final capstone project, participants gain practical skills and insights into the technologies driving marine science, defence, offshore energy, and aquaculture.

What You Will Learn

• Process vehicle and payload data commonly generated by AUVs/ASVs to support vehicle performance analysis and survey interpretation.
• Discuss the interactions between AUV/ASV software, hardware, humans, objectives, and the environment by referencing case studies and mission scenarios.
• Assess individual components of autonomous underwater and surface vehicles to understand their current and future capabilities, roles, and limitations.
• Design effective AUV/ASV missions considering objectives, payloads, and sonar, optical theory, and environmental factors.
• Develop AUV/ASV management systems and protocols to enhance safety, maximise capability, and mitigate risk.
• Understand the roles and limitations of maritime autonomous surface vessels, their history and development, and legal aspects.
• Understand positioning, navigation, and communication infrastructure on USVs.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret data commonly generated by ASVs, including visualising and interpreting mission data.
• Understand aspects of safe ASV operation and risk, including cyber security, and trajectories for development of ASVs and MASS (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships).

Lessons

Module 1: Introduction & Foundations

• Overview of Autonomous Maritime Systems
• System Architecture
• Mission Planning and Control Basics

Module 2: Sensors and Perceptions

• Introduction to Navigation Sensors
• Navigation Sensors Theory 1
• Navigation Sensors Theory 2
• Navigation Sensors Theory 3
• Perception Sensors
• Environmental Sensing

Module 3: Communication & Data Management

• Underwater and Surface Communications
• Data Management and Mission Logging
• Security and Fault Tolerance

Module 4: Autonomy & Control

• Control Theory for Maritime Vehicles
• Behaviour-Based Autonomy
• Collaborative Autonomy
• Obstacle Avoidance and Replanning

Module 5: Applications and Operations

• Surveying and Mapping
• Inspection and Intervention Tasks
• ASV Operations and Coastal Monitoring

Module 6: Capstone Project and Emerging Trends (Practical Week)

• Capstone Project Work

Meet Your Instructor

Dr. Fischer is a leading expert in oceanography, remote sensing, and the use of autonomous maritime systems in marine environmental research. He has extensive experience in AUV and ASV technology, holding a PhD in Geological Sciences from Cornell University. His research focuses on autonomous navigation, sensor integration, and data analytics for marine applications. Dr. Fischer has collaborated with academics and researchers to advance autonomous vehicle operations in oceanographic surveys, environmental monitoring, and maritime security.