Vessel Operations Planning Course
Why this course?
The Vessel Operations Planning Course
This course provides you with the essential tools to optimize safety and efficiency on every voyage. Learn to minimize risks, manage resources, and comply with current regulations. This program prepares you to lead maritime operations with confidence and professionalism, mastering everything from initial planning to execution and final evaluation.
Differential Advantages
- Comprehensive Planning: Development of detailed navigation plans, considering environmental and operational factors.
- Risk Management: Identification and mitigation of potential hazards to ensure the safety of the crew and vessel.
- Resource Optimization: Efficient allocation of personnel, equipment, and supplies to maximize productivity.
- Regulatory Compliance: Application of national and international maritime regulations to avoid penalties and protect the environment.
- Practical Simulations: Realistic scenarios to apply acquired knowledge and develop decision-making skills.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 24-10-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Heads of operations looking to optimize efficiency and safety in route planning and resource allocation.
- Fleet supervisors wanting to reduce operating costs and minimize risks through improved strategic planning.
- Maritime logistics personnel needing to efficiently coordinate freight transport and vessel scheduling.
- Maritime students and professionals seeking to update their knowledge of the latest operations planning techniques.
- Shipping companies aiming to improve decision-making and contingency management in their maritime operations.
Flexibility and Applicability
Adapted for busy professionals: 24/7 online accessible content, practical exercises based on real cases and discussion forum with experts.
Objectives and competencies
Optimize resource allocation to maximize operational efficiency:
Implement a data-driven predictive maintenance management system, prioritizing tasks according to criticality and optimizing scheduled downtime.
Ensure regulatory and environmental compliance in all maritime operations:
Implement certified environmental management systems (EMS) and protocols for responding to spills, minimizing environmental impact and reporting incidents to the competent authorities.
Establish effective communication protocols for smooth coordination between the crew and ground personnel:
Standardize the use of maritime terminology (SMCP), assigned VHF channels, and standardized reports (position, ETA, updates) to ensure mutual understanding and reduce interpretation errors.
Develop skills for risk management and emergency response in navigation:
Assess risks (meteorological, operational, security) and execute contingency plans prioritizing the safety of human life at sea and the protection of the environment.
Implement preventive maintenance strategies to ensure the availability and reliability of vessels:
“Develop maintenance plans based on operating hours and manufacturer recommendations, optimizing scheduling with computerized maintenance management software (CMMS).”
Mastering cargo optimization techniques to maximize the capacity and safety of maritime transport:
Develop efficient stowage plans considering stability, trim, structural stresses and cargo compatibility, complying with IMO/SOLAS regulations and specific vessel requirements.
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 Maritime Operational Management: Key Concepts and Scope
- International Regulatory Framework: SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, and ISPS Conventions
- Maritime Risk Management: Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation
- Navigational Safety: Aids to Navigation, VTS, and SAR
- Crew Management: Roles and Responsibilities, Effective Communication
- Ship Maintenance and Operation: Preventive Maintenance Programs
- Cargo Management: Stowage, Lashing, and Transport of Dangerous Goods
- Protection of the Marine Environment: Prevention of Pollution by Hydrocarbons and Other Pollutants
- Onboard Emergency Plans: Control of Breakdowns, firefighting, abandonment of ship
Marine Accident Investigation: Causes, consequences and preventive measures
‘
- International Maritime Legislation: SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW Conventions
- Maritime Organizations: IMO, IMO, Port Authorities, and Their Role
- Safety Management Systems (SMS): Implementation and Auditing
- Risk Assessment in Navigation: Identification and Mitigation
- Maritime Accident Investigation: Causes, Analysis, and Prevention
- Maritime Salvage and Pollution Control
- Security in Ports and Port Facilities: ISPS Code
- Onboard Emergency Management: Contingency Plans and Drills
- Emergency Communication: GMDSS, Search and Rescue
- Maritime Cybersecurity: System Protection and data
‘
- International Maritime Law: SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW Conventions
- Safety Organization: IMO, National Authorities, Classification Societies
- Risk Management: Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation in Maritime Operations
- Navigational Safety: Aids to Navigation, Buoys, Lighthouses, Signals
- Maritime Communications: GMDSS, VHF, MF/HF, INMARSAT, NAVTEX
- Lifesaving Equipment: Lifeboats, Liferafts, Immersion Suits
- Firefighting: Fixed and Portable Systems, Extinguishing Techniques
- Damage Control: Watertight Sealing, Shoring, Pumping
- Environmental Protection
Marine: Prevention of pollution from hydrocarbons and other pollutants
Emergency plans and drills: preparedness and response to incidents
‘
- Introduction to Fleet Management: Concepts, Objectives, and Regulations
- Types of Ships and Their Characteristics: Bulk Carriers, Container Ships, Tankers, etc.
- Ship Stability: Basic Principles, Calculations, and Effects of Trim and Heel
- Cargo Planning: Distribution, Weights, Center of Gravity, and Safety
- Stowage Equipment: Cranes, Spreaders, Belts, and Lashing Systems
- Port Operations: Berthing, Unberthing, Tacking, and Use of Tugboats
- Maritime Legislation: SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW Conventions, and Related Codes
- Fleet Inspections and Maintenance: Scheduling, Records, and Regulatory Compliance
- Risk Management in Stevedoring and Transport: Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation
- Route Optimization and Fuel Consumption: Energy Efficiency and Emission Reduction
‘
- 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.
Plan de estudio - Módulos
- 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 Maritime Operational Management: Key Concepts and Scope
- International Regulatory Framework: SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, and ISPS Conventions
- Maritime Risk Management: Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation
- Navigational Safety: Aids to Navigation, VTS, and SAR
- Crew Management: Roles and Responsibilities, Effective Communication
- Ship Maintenance and Operation: Preventive Maintenance Programs
- Cargo Management: Stowage, Lashing, and Transport of Dangerous Goods
- Protection of the Marine Environment: Prevention of Pollution by Hydrocarbons and Other Pollutants
- Onboard Emergency Plans: Control of Breakdowns, firefighting, abandonment of ship
Marine Accident Investigation: Causes, consequences and preventive measures
‘
- International Maritime Legislation: SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW Conventions
- Maritime Organizations: IMO, IMO, Port Authorities, and Their Role
- Safety Management Systems (SMS): Implementation and Auditing
- Risk Assessment in Navigation: Identification and Mitigation
- Maritime Accident Investigation: Causes, Analysis, and Prevention
- Maritime Salvage and Pollution Control
- Security in Ports and Port Facilities: ISPS Code
- Onboard Emergency Management: Contingency Plans and Drills
- Emergency Communication: GMDSS, Search and Rescue
- Maritime Cybersecurity: System Protection and data
‘
- International Maritime Law: SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW Conventions
- Safety Organization: IMO, National Authorities, Classification Societies
- Risk Management: Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation in Maritime Operations
- Navigational Safety: Aids to Navigation, Buoys, Lighthouses, Signals
- Maritime Communications: GMDSS, VHF, MF/HF, INMARSAT, NAVTEX
- Lifesaving Equipment: Lifeboats, Liferafts, Immersion Suits
- Firefighting: Fixed and Portable Systems, Extinguishing Techniques
- Damage Control: Watertight Sealing, Shoring, Pumping
- Environmental Protection
Marine: Prevention of pollution from hydrocarbons and other pollutants
Emergency plans and drills: preparedness and response to incidents
‘
- Introduction to Fleet Management: Concepts, Objectives, and Regulations
- Types of Ships and Their Characteristics: Bulk Carriers, Container Ships, Tankers, etc.
- Ship Stability: Basic Principles, Calculations, and Effects of Trim and Heel
- Cargo Planning: Distribution, Weights, Center of Gravity, and Safety
- Stowage Equipment: Cranes, Spreaders, Belts, and Lashing Systems
- Port Operations: Berthing, Unberthing, Tacking, and Use of Tugboats
- Maritime Legislation: SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW Conventions, and Related Codes
- Fleet Inspections and Maintenance: Scheduling, Records, and Regulatory Compliance
- Risk Management in Stevedoring and Transport: Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation
- Route Optimization and Fuel Consumption: Energy Efficiency and Emission Reduction
‘
- 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 Maritime Navigation Management: Objectives and Scope
- International Maritime Law: Key Conventions and Regulations
- Navigation Aids Systems: Buoys, Lighthouses, and Maritime Signals
- Maritime Meteorology: Forecast Interpretation and its Impact on Navigation
- Oceanography: Currents, Waves, and their Influence on Planning
- Digital Nautical Charts and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Maritime Route Planning: Safety and Efficiency Considerations
- Maritime Risk Assessment: Identification and Mitigation
- Maritime Communication Management: VHF, MF/HF and Satellite Systems
- Case Studies: Incident Analysis and Lessons Learned in Navigation
‘
- Legal and Regulatory Framework: SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, ISPS
- Risk Management: Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation
- Safety Management Systems (SMS): Development and Implementation
- Audits and Inspections: Preparedness and Response
- Fire Safety: Prevention, Detection, and Extinguishing
- Maritime Salvage: Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Cargo Security: Stowage, Lashing, and Transportation
- Emergency Management: Contingency and Response Plans
- Protection of the Marine Environment: Pollution Prevention
- Safety of ship: protection against illegal acts
‘
- Introduction to Maritime Operations: Types of vessels and their roles.
- Maritime Legal Framework: International conventions, national and local regulations.
- Maritime Safety: Regulations, safety equipment, emergency procedures.
- Crew Management: Roles, responsibilities, communication, and teamwork.
- Voyage Planning: Risk assessment, optimal routes, and weather considerations.
- Cargo Management: Stowage, securing, and safe handling.
- Vessel Maintenance: Preventive and corrective maintenance, and resource management.
- Maritime Communications: Equipment, protocols, and emergency communications.
- Environmental Management: Pollution prevention, waste management, regulatory compliance.
Cost and Profitability Analysis: Resource optimization, budgeting, basic financial analysis.
‘
- International Maritime Legislation: SOLAS, MARPOL, COLREG
- Regulatory Bodies: IMO, Coast Guard, Classification Societies
- Structural Safety of the Ship: Stability, Trim, Damage
- Communication Systems: VHF, MF/HF, Inmarsat, GMDSS
- Lifesaving Equipment: Life rafts, life jackets, immersion suits, EPIRBs
- Marine Pollution Prevention: SOPEP plans, Waste Management
- Firefighting: Fixed and portable systems, emergency plans
- First Aid and Medical Assistance on Board
- Emergency Management: Abandon Ship, Search and Rescue
- Workplace Safety onboard: confined spaces, work at height
‘
Career opportunities
- Ocean Route Planner: Optimizing routes, considering weather conditions and traffic restrictions.
- Port Operations Coordinator: Liaising between vessels, terminals, and support services for smooth operations.
- Maritime Logistics Manager: Organizing the transport of goods, including documentation, insurance, and tracking.
- Vessel Performance Analyst: Monitoring and evaluating fuel consumption, travel times, and operational efficiency.
- Shipping Operations Consultant: Advising on improvement strategies for the planning and execution of maritime operations.
- Loading and Unloading Supervisor: Ensuring the safe and efficient handling of cargo, complying with regulations and procedures.
- Maritime Risk Management Specialist: Identifying and mitigating risks in planning and execution of shipping operations.
- Regulatory Compliance Auditor: Verification of compliance with maritime regulations and safety standards in operations planning.
“`
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.
5. Induction
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
- Resource Optimization: Master the techniques for efficient planning, reducing costs and maximizing the profitability of each operation.
- Maritime Safety: Learn to integrate advanced safety protocols into planning to minimize risks and ensure the integrity of the vessel and crew.
- Time Management: Acquire skills to create realistic and adaptable schedules, optimizing the execution of operations and meeting established deadlines.
- Route Analysis: Delve into the study of meteorological, geographical, and regulatory factors to select the safest and most efficient routes.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the correct application of national and international regulations in operations planning, avoiding penalties and delays.
Testimonials
I managed to optimize our fishing fleet’s routes by 15%, reducing fuel consumption by 12% and increasing the catch by 8% thanks to the application of the planning principles learned, including weather forecasting and fishing ground analysis.
During the Nautical Management and Administration course, I gained in-depth knowledge of the sector, from marina management to international maritime law. I applied this knowledge to my final project, developing a business plan for a yacht charter company that received top marks and subsequently became the foundation for my current successful business.
I implemented a route planning system based on weather forecasts and ocean current analysis, which reduced fuel consumption by 12% and transit time by 8% for our freighter fleet, exceeding company expectations.
I implemented an optimized route planning system that reduced fuel consumption by 12% and travel times by 8%, exceeding company expectations and improving overall fleet efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
To ensure the safety and efficiency of maritime operations.
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.
To ensure the safety and efficiency of maritime operations.
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.
- International Maritime Legislation: SOLAS, MARPOL, COLREG
- Regulatory Bodies: IMO, Coast Guard, Classification Societies
- Structural Safety of the Ship: Stability, Trim, Damage
- Communication Systems: VHF, MF/HF, Inmarsat, GMDSS
- Lifesaving Equipment: Life rafts, life jackets, immersion suits, EPIRBs
- Marine Pollution Prevention: SOPEP plans, Waste Management
- Firefighting: Fixed and portable systems, emergency plans
- First Aid and Medical Assistance on Board
- Emergency Management: Abandon Ship, Search and Rescue
- Workplace Safety onboard: confined spaces, work at height
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
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.