Uncrewed Maritime Systems (UMS) Certificate Programs
Uncrewed Maritime Systems (UMS) Certificate Programs
Uncrewed vehicles are increasingly involved in routine, innovative, and emergency data collection in the marine environment yet few curricula exist worldwide which provide comprehensive instruction in the field of uncrewed maritime systems. The UMS Certificate Programs will provide students with a working knowledge concerning the operation of a variety of uncrewed maritime systems and help them to understand the environment in which the systems operate and how that environment factors into decisions and mission planning.
If you are interested in the UMS Certificate Programs please send an email to the%20UMS%20Program%20Coordinator or call 228.236.6572.
UMS Certificate Program - Tier 1
Next Course Delivery: September 29 - October 31, 2025
- Class size is limited to 15 students.
- Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Application deadline: September 1, 2025 (Submit by 5:00 p.m. CST)
- Applicants are urged to submit transcript and immunization records showing two MMR dates (or documentation of a positive titer test) by the application deadline.
- If you have questions email Carl%20Szczechowski.
What Will I Learn?
PLAN OF STUDY
- MAR 431: Basic Marine Instrumentation (3 hours)
- MAR 434: Operating Instrumentation in Marine Environments (3 hours)
- MAR 433: Marine Autonomous Vehicles (3 hours)
- MAR 433L: Marine Autonomous Vehicles Lab (1 hour)
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Students will learn foundational material in oceanography and ocean engineering related to uncrewed undersea (e.g., buoyancy gliders, Iver, REMUS, SeaBED, Eagle Ray), surface (e.g. SeaTrac, Saildrone, Ocean Aero Triton), and aerial (e.g., Wingtra One) vehicles and other non-vehicular systems (e.g., Wirewalker, profiling floats, fixed buoys and moorings). Topics covered will include physical and geological oceanography, acoustics, electronics, materials (pressure and temperature considerations, corrosion, biofouling), buoyancy, ballasting, vehicle stability, sensors, navigation, and communications.
This 10-credit hour program (four courses including one lab), compressed into five weeks of instruction, is intended to provide sufficient background so that students appreciate what it takes to safely and effectively operate uncrewed systems in challenging marine environments.
Students will work with individual electronic workstations and buoyancy glider kits to gain hands-on experience with buoyancy, ballasting, electronics, microprogramming, materials, batteries and connectors. By the end of the five weeks each student will have constructed, and tested in a ballasting tank, a small functioning buoyancy glider.
- MAR 431: Basic Marine Instrumentation (3 hours): This course offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles behind sophisticated oceanographic sensors. You'll get hands-on experience with instruments that measure pressure, temperature, conductivity, sound speed, currents, and ocean depth. Learn about a variety of tools, from CTD instruments and optical sensors to current meters, sonars, and digital cameras. You'll also gain insights into basic electronics, analog-to-digital conversion, sensor deployment, and maintenance. Prepare to be immersed in the technical marvels of oceanography!
- MAR 434: Operating Instrumentation in Marine Environments (3 hours): This course focuses on the operation of uncrewed maritime systems, exploring ocean physical structures, acoustics, and currents. Delve into topics like underwater communication, power supply, corrosion, and biofouling. Learn about the impact of geographical position, depth, and seasonal variations. From seafloor geology to collision hazards and river outflows, this course prepares you for the complexities of marine instrumentation in diverse environments.
- MAR 433: Marine Autonomous Vehicles (3 hours): This course emphasizes the selection, configuration, deployment, and recovery of various autonomous vehicles. Explore a wide range of platforms, from aerial and surface systems to underwater vehicles. Gain knowledge about GPS positioning, satellite communications, and power systems. Learn the intricacies of buoyancy, ballasting, and non-satellite navigation. With a comprehensive overview of uncrewed systems, this course equips you with the skills to excel in the field of marine autonomy.
- MAR 433L: Marine Autonomous Vehicles Lab (1 hour): This lab complements lecture material from other courses, offering practical exercises in soldering, circuit building, and Arduino programming. Engage in the construction and testing of a SeaGlide buoyancy glider, from assembly to racing. Program missions for uncrewed surface vehicles and observe real-world glider disassembly. This lab provides invaluable practical experience in density, buoyancy, and ballasting, central to the operation of uncrewed maritime systems.
UMS Operator Certificate Program - Tier 2
PLAN OF STUDY 鈥� UMS Operator Certificate (Advanced)
- MAR 435 Operating Instrumentation in Marine Environments II (3 hours)
- MAR 436 UMS Vehicle Planning (3 hours)
- MAR 438 UMS Vehicle Management (3 hours)
- MAR 440 UMS Field Project (3 hours)
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In this follow-on curriculum students will delve into ocean science and engineering topics, including characteristics of specific platforms and sensors, physical environmental factors affecting UMS in both operational and research and development settings. The curriculum draws knowledge from real-world case studies of specific situations, sensors, and platforms. Students will apply these concepts in developing and conducting operations during a short field project.
The UMS Operator Certificate program consists of four courses totaling 12 credit hours compressed into five weeks of instruction including a field project during which students will conduct mission analysis & planning, specific vehicle and sensor matching, specific vehicle preparation, launch, operation, and recovery, followed by quality review of collected data.
What Will I Learn?
- Evaluate Mission Requirements: Assess specific mission needs, environmental limitations, and select the appropriate hardware.
- Read and Assemble Electronics: Interpret schematics, assemble electronic components, and program micro-controllers used in modern undersea vehicles.
- Adjust Ballast and Trim: Determine and adjust the ballast and trim of various types of autonomous undersea vehicles for different conditions.
- Troubleshoot Components: Identify and fix failures in cables, connectors, and simple electronic components.
- Plan Glider Missions: Develop and write operational programs for glider missions.
- Execute AUV Missions: Plan and program powered AUV missions for successful execution.
Uncrewed Maritime Systems Tier 1 Certificate Program Recognizes Six Graduates of the Spring 2025 Cohort
The class recently graduated 15 students in a ceremony while observing Covid-19 guidelines. Graduates, guests, faculty and speakers maintained a six-foot distance and wore masks. The ceremony was also streamed live via zoom. Read more
| Class of 2020 |
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| Class of 2019 | |
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| Navy Unmanned Certificate Program Began on 5/2/2017 |
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| NAVY Students will be first in the nation to earn a certificate in Uncrewed Maritime Systems at 欧博娱乐城. |
Navy Unmanned Certificate Program Began on 5/2/2017
- NAVY Students will be first in the nation to earn a certificate in Uncrewed Maritime Systems at 欧博娱乐城. Read Navy article
Frequently Asked Questions
What is covered in the Uncrewed Maritime Systems (UMS) Tier 1 Program?
The Tier 1 Program consists of four courses totaling 10 credit hours.
What is covered in the Uncrewed Maritime Systems (UMS) Tier 2 Program?
The Tier 2 Program consists of four courses totaling 12 credit hours.
When are the UMS Certificate Programs offered?
- Tier 1 is offered during a five-week period in the spring (mid-March to mid-April).
- Tier 1 or Tier 2 is offered during a five-week period in the fall (mid-October to mid-November).
- During the five-week period, classes are held every weekday, seven hours per day. No classes are held on 欧博娱乐城-recognized Holidays. The only 欧博娱乐城-recognized holiday currently pertinent to the UMS Programs is Good Friday.
Where are the Programs taught?
Tier 1 is taught at the Marine Research Center at the Port of Gulfport. Tier 2 has been taught at 欧博娱乐城鈥檚 Oceanographic Support Facility, building 1029 at Stennis Space Center.
Can the courses be taken online?
No and unlikely to happen due to hands-on work.
Who teaches the courses?
Instructors are Kevin Martin and Carl Szczechowski.
- Kevin is a Senior Marine Instrumentation Specialist and is the Ocean Observing Manager for 欧博娱乐城鈥檚 Division of Marine Science.
- Carl is the Coordinator for 欧博娱乐城鈥檚 Uncrewed Maritime Systems (UMS) Certificate Programs.
What are the demographics for students who have enrolled in the past?
Educational levels range from undergraduates and folks with community college backgrounds
up to PhD recipients. Ages have ranged from 19 to 60 years of age.
Students have had degrees and work experi