Diploma in Naval Sensors and Automation
Why this certificate program?
The Diploma in Naval Sensors and Automation
This program prepares you to master the key technologies that drive efficiency and safety in the modern maritime industry. You will learn in-depth about the operation, maintenance, and diagnostics of advanced sensor systems, as well as the implementation of automation solutions on ships and offshore platforms. Acquire practical skills in PLC programming, SCADA system integration, and data analysis to optimize performance and reduce operating costs. This program provides you with the necessary tools to excel as a highly sought-after professional in the naval sector.
Differential Advantages
- Real-World Case Studies: Analysis of successful implementations and common challenges in the naval industry.
- Practical Simulations: Use of specialized software for the configuration and programming of automated systems.
- Industry Experts: Classes taught by professionals with extensive experience in sensors and naval automation.
- Professional Certification: Obtain a recognized diploma that validates your knowledge and skills.
- Networking: Connect with other professionals in the sector and expand your career opportunities.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Diplomado
- Hours: 800 H
- Start date: 01-10-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Naval and Marine Engineers seeking to specialize in the instrumentation and control of naval systems.
- Technicians and Maintenance Personnel responsible for the operation and maintenance of electronic and automated equipment on board.
- Engineering Students wishing to explore the field of naval automation and advanced sensor technology.
- Shipyard and Naval Repair Company Personnel needing to update their knowledge of automation technologies.
- Maritime Industry Professionals interested in optimizing the efficiency and safety of operations through automation.
Study Flexibility: Access the content online 24/7, complete activities at your own pace and receive personalized support from industry experts.
Objectives and competencies
Optimizing predictive maintenance of naval systems:
Implement advanced data analysis and machine learning techniques to predict failures, reducing downtime and optimizing equipment lifespan.
Implementing automated control systems on naval platforms:
Integrate sensors, actuators and control logic to optimize navigation, propulsion and onboard safety, prioritizing energy efficiency and contingency response.
Diagnosing and troubleshooting faults in naval sensor systems:
“Identify and repair electronic and mechanical faults, using technical manuals and specialized testing equipment, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of sensor data.”
Integrate and calibrate sensors for maritime navigation and safety:
Interpreting sensor information (AIS, Radar, ECDIS, GPS) for correct situational awareness and proactive decision making.
Managing naval automation projects:
“Define the system architecture, integrating sensors, actuators and control systems, ensuring redundancy and cybersecurity.”
Design and implement data communication networks on ships:
“Select maritime communication protocols (NMEA, Ethernet) and equipment (switches, routers) considering redundancy, security, and electromagnetic compatibility.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Naval Systems: Types, Functions, and Architecture.
- Fundamentals of Instrumentation: Sensors, Transducers, and Actuators.
- Pressure Measurement: Types of Sensors, Calibration, and Applications in Naval Systems.
- Temperature Measurement: Thermocouples, RTDs, Thermistors, and their use in refrigeration, boilers, etc.
- Level Measurement: Liquid and Solid Level Sensors, Applications in Fuel and Ballast Tanks.
- Flow Measurement: Types of Flowmeters, Applications in Fuel and Water Systems.
- Vibration Analysis: Monitoring and Diagnosis of Rotating Machinery.
- Automatic Control Systems: Control Logic, PID Controllers, and Applications.
- Monitoring and Alarm Systems: Design and Implementation in the Control Room.
- Safety in instrumentation and control: Regulations, standards, and best practices.
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- Introduction to Naval Instrumentation: Sensors, Transmitters, and Actuators.
- Control Fundamentals: Open Loop, Closed Loop, PID.
- Pressure Measurement: Types of Sensors, Calibration, and Maintenance.
- Temperature Measurement: Thermocouples, RTDs, Thermistors, Naval Applications.
- Level Measurement: Floats, Differential Pressure, Ultrasonics, Radar.
- Flow Measurement: Types of Flow Meters, Applications in Naval Systems.
- Control Valves: Types, Characteristics, Actuators, and Positioners.
- Boiler Control Systems: Level, Pressure, and Combustion Control.
- Main Engine Control Systems: Speed and Load Control.
- Systems of Automation: PLC, SCADA, DCS, naval architectures and applications.
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- Introduction to Naval Propulsion Systems: Types and Characteristics
- Fundamentals of Naval Electronics: Components, Circuits, and Systems
- Diesel-Electric Propulsion Systems: Operating Principles and Components
- Naval Electric Motors: Types, Control, and Maintenance
- Electronic Engine Control Systems: Electronic Governors and Management Systems
- Engine Room Automation: Sensors, Actuators, and Control Systems
- Naval Electrical Distribution Systems: Design, Protection, and Redundancy
- Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems: Principles, Components, and Control Strategies
- Troubleshooting and Diagnosis of Propulsion and Electronic Control Systems
- Preventive and Corrective Maintenance of naval electronic systems.
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- Introduction to Instrumentation and Control in the Maritime Sector
- Pressure Sensors: Types, Calibration, Applications in Tanks and Pipelines
- Level Sensors: Radar, Ultrasonic, Capacitive, Buoyancy; Applications
- Temperature Sensors: RTDs, Thermocouples, Thermistors; Applications in engines and cooling systems
Flow measurement: principles, types of flow meters (magnetic, ultrasonic, vortex), installation
Control valves: types, actuators, flow characteristics, sizing
Process control systems: closed loop, open loop, PID, tuning
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller): architecture, basic programming, interfaces
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition): architecture, communication, visualization
Safety in instrumentation and control: regulations, intrinsic safety, ATEX
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- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Naval Instrumentation: Types, Functions, and Applications
- Naval Sensors: Operating Principles, Calibration, and Maintenance
- Transmitters and Transducers: Signals, Communication Protocols, and Compatibility
- Onboard Pressure, Temperature, Level, and Flow Measurement Systems
- Automatic Control: Control Logic, PID, Actuators, and Valves
- Propulsion Control Systems: Governance, Stability, and Optimization
- Instrumentation and Control Networks: Fieldbuses, Ethernet, and Security
- Data Acquisition Systems (DAS): Design, Configuration, and Analysis
- Diagnostics and Maintenance of Instrumentation and Control Systems
- Regulations and Standards in Naval Instrumentation and Control.
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Career opportunities
- Naval Automation Technician: Installation, maintenance, and repair of automated systems on ships.
- Naval Control Engineer: Design, development, and implementation of control systems for ship navigation and operations.
- Naval Sensor Specialist: Calibration, configuration, and data analysis of sensors used in monitoring the ship and its environment.
- Automated Systems Maintenance Supervisor: Management and coordination of maintenance teams for automation and control systems on vessels.
- Naval Automation Consultant: Technical advice on the implementation of automated systems to improve efficiency and safety on ships.
- Automated Systems Inspector: Verification of compliance with regulations and safety standards in automation systems on ships.
- Automation Software Developer
- Naval: Creation and adaptation of software for the control and monitoring of systems on vessels.
- Technical sales of sensors and automation systems: Consulting and marketing of automation and sensor solutions for the naval sector.
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Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
Documentation:
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Naval Sensor Fundamentals: Master the theory and principles of sensors used in the naval industry.
- Advanced Automation: Learn to design and implement automated systems to optimize operational efficiency.
- Systems Integration: Connect and control various sensors and actuators on complex naval platforms.
- Maintenance and Calibration: Acquire practical skills in the preventive and corrective maintenance of automation systems.
- Regulations and Safety: Comply with maritime safety standards and regulations in ship automation.
Testimonials
This diploma program provided me with the necessary tools to lead the development and implementation of an automated, real-time monitoring system for our fishing fleet. Thanks to the knowledge I gained about sensors, signal processing, and control systems, we were able to optimize navigation routes, reduce fuel consumption by 15%, and improve operational safety by 20%, positively impacting the company’s profitability.
The Diploma in Onboard Communications & Technology provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to optimize communications in my maritime work environment. Thanks to the training I received, I was able to implement a new satellite communication system that reduced operating costs by 30% and increased the efficiency of transmitting critical navigation data.
This diploma program exceeded my expectations. I gained a solid understanding of naval sensor system integration and automation, directly applying what I learned to practical projects. The quality of the instructors and the focus on emerging technologies provided me with the tools to meet the current challenges of the industry. Thanks to this training, I secured a position as an automation engineer at a leading company in the maritime sector.
This diploma program provided me with the necessary tools to develop an autonomous control system for navigating small vessels. I applied the knowledge I acquired about inertial sensors and GPS, along with predictive control techniques, achieving navigation accuracy exceeding 95% in field tests, surpassing the expectations of the final project and opening doors to future research in the area.
Frequently asked questions
Automation and sensor systems in the naval field.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Does this diploma program focus on the application of sensors and automation in the maritime sector?
Yeah.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to Instrumentation and Control in Naval Systems
- Pressure Sensors: Types, Calibration, and Applications on Ships
- Temperature Sensors: Thermocouples, RTDs, Thermistors, and Their Use in Cooling and Boiler Systems
- Level Measurement: Ultrasonic, Radar, and Differential Pressure Sensors in Ballast and Fuel Tanks
- Flow: Mass and Volumetric Flow Meters and Their Application in Fuel and Cooling Water Systems
- Control Valves: Types, Actuators, and Characteristics for Regulating Flow in Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems
- Automatic Control Systems: Open Loop, Closed Loop, PID, and Their Application in Steering and Propulsion Systems
- Instrumentation in Propulsion Systems: Monitoring of Engines, Turbines, and Transmission Systems
- Instrumentation in Power Generation Systems: Control of Diesel Generators and Steam Turbines
- Instrument Maintenance and Calibration: Procedures, Tools, and Documentation
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Request information
Complete the Application Form.
Attach your CV/degree certificate (if you have it to hand).
Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you would like the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
An academic advisor will contact you within 24–48 hours to guide you through the admission process, scholarships, and compatibility with your professional schedule.
Faculty
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.