Introduction to Marine Electronics Course
Why this course?
The Introduction to Marine Electronics
This course provides you with the essential foundations for understanding and using onboard electronic systems. Learn to interpret schematics, diagnose common faults, and perform basic maintenance on equipment such as GPS, VHF radio, depth sounder, and autopilot. This course is ideal for boaters, vessel owners, and industry professionals looking to improve their technical knowledge and increase safety and efficiency at sea.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Approach: Exercises and simulations to apply the concepts learned.
- Comprehensive Coverage: From the basic principles of electricity to the most advanced electronic systems.
- Troubleshooting: Learn to identify and solve common problems in marine electronics.
- Preventive Maintenance: Extend the lifespan of your equipment and avoid costly breakdowns.
- Constant Updates: Content updated with the latest technologies and industry standards.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 26-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Recreational and competitive sailors who want to optimize their navigation with modern electronic tools.
- Marine professionals (mechanics, electricians, installers) who want to expand their knowledge of marine electronics to offer better service.
- Nautical students and electronics enthusiasts who want a solid foundation in the electronic systems used on boats.
- Boat owners interested in diagnosing and troubleshooting basic problems in their electronic equipment.
- Nautical shop staff who want to improve their advice on marine electronics products.
Learning flexibility Adaptable to your pace: online material available 24/7, consultation forums with experts and practical exercises to apply what you have learned.
Objectives and competencies

Interpret and use the information provided by marine electronic equipment:
Integrate information for decision-making, anticipating scenarios and optimizing navigation.

Diagnosing and troubleshooting basic problems in marine electronic systems:
“Using technical manuals, diagnostic tools and safety protocols, prioritizing effective communication with the crew and reporting incidents according to procedures.”

Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on marine electronic equipment:
“Following manufacturer manuals, safety protocols and current regulations, minimizing downtime.”

Install and configure marine electronic equipment correctly:
“Following technical manuals and regulations, ensuring system compatibility and optimizing performance.”

Understanding the basic principles of electronics applied to navigation:
“Interpret circuit diagrams, identify common electronic components and understand their function in navigation systems such as radars, GPS and radios.”

Optimizing the use of marine electronics to improve safety and efficiency in navigation:
Interpreting information from instruments (GPS, radar, sounder, AIS) to make decisions and anticipate risks, acting diligently in emergency situations or unforeseen changes in the environment.
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
- Fundamentals of electricity: current, voltage, resistance, Ohm’s law
- Passive components: resistors, capacitors, inductors; characteristics and applications
- Semiconductors: diodes, transistors (BJTs, MOSFETs), basic operation
- Basic circuits: power supplies, amplifiers, oscillators
- Resistive sensors: potentiometers, thermistors, LDRs; principles and conditioning
- Capacitive and inductive sensors: proximity, level, position; interfaces
- Pressure sensors: strain gauges, piezoelectrics; calibration
Microcontrollers: basic architecture, programming, I/O interfaces
Onboard systems: navigation sensors, motor control, safety systems
Communications: communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C) and data buses
‘
- Fundamentals of Electricity: current, voltage, resistance, Ohm’s Law
- Series and Parallel Circuits: calculation and application on ships
- Electrical Distribution Systems: AC/DC, onboard circuits
- Batteries: types, charging, maintenance, and safety
- Generators and Alternators: operating principles and basic maintenance
- Overcurrent Protection: fuses, circuit breakers
- Grounding and Lightning Protection
- Marine Electrical Regulations: ABYC, IEC, compliance
- Electrical Safety: risks, safe work procedures
- First Aid in case of electrocution
‘
- Introduction to Instrumentation: Types, Functions, and Onboard Applications.
- Pressure Measurement Systems: Manometers, Transducers, and Calibration.
- Temperature Measurement Systems: Thermocouples, RTDs, and Thermistors.
- Level Measurement: Floats, Differential Pressure, and Ultrasonic Level Sensors.
- Flow Meters: Types, Operating Principles, and Applications.
- Position and Speed Sensors: Encoders, Tachometers, and Resolvers.
- Alarm and Control Systems: Hardwired Logic and PLCs.
- Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics: Ohm’s Law, Basic Circuits.
- Onboard Electrical Safety: Insulation, Grounding, and Protection.
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures: Accident Prevention.
‘
- Basic Electricity: fundamental concepts, voltage, current, resistance, power.
- Electrical Circuits: series, parallel, mixed. Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Laws.
Electrical Components: resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors.
Onboard Electrical Power Generation: generators, alternators, backup systems.
Onboard Electrical Power Distribution: switchboards, cables, protective devices.
Batteries: types, maintenance, charging and discharging, safety.
Electric Motors: types, operation, control, maintenance.
Lighting Systems: types, energy efficiency, regulations.
Electrical Safety: electrical hazards, prevention, personal protective equipment (PPE).
Standards and Regulations: onboard electrical standards, inspections, and certifications.
‘
- 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
- Fundamentals of electricity: current, voltage, resistance, Ohm’s law
- Passive components: resistors, capacitors, inductors; characteristics and applications
- Semiconductors: diodes, transistors (BJTs, MOSFETs), basic operation
- Basic circuits: power supplies, amplifiers, oscillators
- Resistive sensors: potentiometers, thermistors, LDRs; principles and conditioning
- Capacitive and inductive sensors: proximity, level, position; interfaces
- Pressure sensors: strain gauges, piezoelectrics; calibration
Microcontrollers: basic architecture, programming, I/O interfaces
Onboard systems: navigation sensors, motor control, safety systems
Communications: communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C) and data buses
‘
- Fundamentals of Electricity: current, voltage, resistance, Ohm’s Law
- Series and Parallel Circuits: calculation and application on ships
- Electrical Distribution Systems: AC/DC, onboard circuits
- Batteries: types, charging, maintenance, and safety
- Generators and Alternators: operating principles and basic maintenance
- Overcurrent Protection: fuses, circuit breakers
- Grounding and Lightning Protection
- Marine Electrical Regulations: ABYC, IEC, compliance
- Electrical Safety: risks, safe work procedures
- First Aid in case of electrocution
‘
- Introduction to Instrumentation: Types, Functions, and Onboard Applications.
- Pressure Measurement Systems: Manometers, Transducers, and Calibration.
- Temperature Measurement Systems: Thermocouples, RTDs, and Thermistors.
- Level Measurement: Floats, Differential Pressure, and Ultrasonic Level Sensors.
- Flow Meters: Types, Operating Principles, and Applications.
- Position and Speed Sensors: Encoders, Tachometers, and Resolvers.
- Alarm and Control Systems: Hardwired Logic and PLCs.
- Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics: Ohm’s Law, Basic Circuits.
- Onboard Electrical Safety: Insulation, Grounding, and Protection.
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures: Accident Prevention.
‘
- Basic Electricity: fundamental concepts, voltage, current, resistance, power.
- Electrical Circuits: series, parallel, mixed. Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Laws.
Electrical Components: resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors.
Onboard Electrical Power Generation: generators, alternators, backup systems.
Onboard Electrical Power Distribution: switchboards, cables, protective devices.
Batteries: types, maintenance, charging and discharging, safety.
Electric Motors: types, operation, control, maintenance.
Lighting Systems: types, energy efficiency, regulations.
Electrical Safety: electrical hazards, prevention, personal protective equipment (PPE).
Standards and Regulations: onboard electrical standards, inspections, and certifications.
‘
- 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.
- Fundamentals of radio and wave propagation: radio spectrum, antennas, wave types.
- Maritime radiocommunication equipment: VHF, MF/HF, Inmarsat, GMDSS.
- GMDSS: system, components, maritime areas, distress and safety procedures.
- Calling and listening procedures: DSC, radiotelephony, maritime safety messages.
- SATCOM: Inmarsat, Iridium, and VSAT systems; Applications in navigation and communications.
- Automatic Identification Systems (AIS): operation, messages, security.
- LRIT and SSAS Systems: long-range tracking and safety alerts.
- Satellite Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou; principles and errors.
- Echoesounders and Depth Sounders: operating principles, calibration, and maintenance.
- Cybersecurity in maritime communications: threats and protection measures.
‘
- Basic Theory of Electricity: current, voltage, resistance, power, Ohm’s Law.
- Electrical Components: resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors.
- Electrical Circuits: series, parallel, mixed. Analysis and calculation.
- Measuring Instruments: multimeters, ammeters, voltmeters. Use and safety.
- Generation and Distribution of Electrical Power onboard. AC and DC systems.
- Batteries: types, maintenance, charging and discharging.
Backup Systems.
Lighting Systems: Types of lamps, wiring, and control.
Electronics Fundamentals: Amplifiers, oscillators, logic gates.
Electronic Navigation Systems: GPS, radar, echo sounders, AIS. Operating principles.
Wiring and connectors: Types, identification, connection techniques, and repair.
‘
- Fundamentals of Electronics: Passive and active components, basic laws.
- Basic Instrumentation: Multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators.
- Sensors: Types, operating principles, calibration, and maintenance.
- Onboard Communications: VHF, MF/HF, satellite systems (Inmarsat, Iridium).
- Onboard Data Networks: Ethernet, CAN bus, communication protocols.
- Navigation Systems: GPS, gyroscopes, logs, echo sounders.
- Control Systems: Autopilots, dynamic positioning systems (DP).
- Entertainment Systems: Television, radio, systems of Audio.
- Security Systems: Alarms, fire detection, public address systems.
- Preventive and corrective maintenance of electronic and communication equipment.
‘
- Introduction to Naval Electronic Instrumentation: Purpose, Types, and Applications.
- Naval Sensors: Operating Principles, Calibration, and Maintenance.
- Depth Measurement Systems: Echosounders, Sonar, and Bathymetry Systems.
- Navigation Systems: GNSS, Gyrocompasses, Magnetic Compasses, and Inertial Navigation Systems.
- Communication Systems: VHF/HF/UHF Radios, Satellite Radios, and Public Address Systems.
- Signal Processing and Conditioning: Amplification, Filtering, and A/D Conversion.
- Data Acquisition: Communication Protocols, Interfaces, and Data Buses.
- Data Visualization and Recording: Displays, Recorders, SCADA Systems, and HMI.
- Control Systems: Process automation, PID, motor and actuator control.
- Maintenance and diagnostics of naval electronic systems: Procedures, tools, and safety.
‘
Career opportunities
- Technician in the installation and maintenance of marine electronic equipment: radars, depth sounders, GPS, autopilots, communication systems.
- Onboard Electronics Technician: responsible for the correct operation and repair of electronic navigation and communication systems.
- Technical Advisor in Nautical Companies: providing support and consulting to clients on the selection, installation, and use of electronic equipment.
- Specialized Salesperson in Marine Electronics: advising on and selling electronic equipment in marine stores and distributors.
- Support Technician in Marine Equipment Manufacturers: providing technical assistance to clients and distributors on the use and operation of their products.
- Technical Inspector of Marine Electronic Equipment: verifying compliance with regulations and safety standards in the installation and operation of equipment.
- Teacher/Instructor in marine electronics courses: training professionals and enthusiasts in the use and maintenance of marine electronic equipment.
- Technician at coastal stations: Maintenance and operation of communication and navigation equipment at maritime control stations.
“`
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
- Essential Fundamentals: Master the basic principles of electronics applied to navigation.
- Navigation Systems: Learn about radar, GPS, depth sounders, and other key equipment.
- Diagnostics and Repair: Acquire practical skills to identify and troubleshoot common problems.
- Safety on Board: Understand the importance of the proper functioning of electronic systems for maritime safety.
- Preventive Maintenance: Implement strategies to extend the lifespan of your equipment and prevent unexpected failures.
Testimonials
This marine electronics training exceeded my expectations. I gained solid theoretical and practical knowledge, from interpreting electrical diagrams to diagnosing and repairing navigation and communication systems. Now I feel confident in tackling technical challenges on board and ensuring safe navigation.
During the Marine Electronics and Automation course, I developed an automated ballast control system that optimizes stability and fuel efficiency on vessels, exceeding the expectations of the final project and receiving praise for its innovation and practical applicability.
Mastering the electronic navigation and communication systems in this course enabled me to troubleshoot a critical radar failure on my sailboat during a night crossing, preventing an imminent collision and ensuring the crew’s safety. The practical and theoretical training I received was essential for diagnosing and repairing the problem quickly and effectively under adverse conditions.
This marine electronics training exceeded my expectations. I gained solid theoretical and practical knowledge, from interpreting electrical diagrams to diagnosing and repairing navigation and communication systems. Now I feel confidently tackling onboard electronic challenges, which gives me safety and independence while navigating.
Frequently asked questions
Improve navigation safety and efficiency.
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.
The operating environment: marine electronics must withstand adverse marine conditions such as humidity, salinity, vibrations, and an often unstable power supply, unlike terrestrial electronics.
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 Naval Electronic Instrumentation: Purpose, Types, and Applications.
- Naval Sensors: Operating Principles, Calibration, and Maintenance.
- Depth Measurement Systems: Echosounders, Sonar, and Bathymetry Systems.
- Navigation Systems: GNSS, Gyrocompasses, Magnetic Compasses, and Inertial Navigation Systems.
- Communication Systems: VHF/HF/UHF Radios, Satellite Radios, and Public Address Systems.
- Signal Processing and Conditioning: Amplification, Filtering, and A/D Conversion.
- Data Acquisition: Communication Protocols, Interfaces, and Data Buses.
- Data Visualization and Recording: Displays, Recorders, SCADA Systems, and HMI.
- Control Systems: Process automation, PID, motor and actuator control.
- Maintenance and diagnostics of naval electronic systems: Procedures, tools, and safety.
‘
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
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor