French course for navigation
Why this course?
French for Navigation
Master the key language for communicating effectively in French-speaking ports and with international crews. This course provides you with the essential linguistic tools to understand and give clear instructions, interpret maritime documents, and handle everyday situations on board with confidence.
Key Benefits
- Specific Vocabulary: Learn nautical terms, safety phrases, and standard communication protocols in French.
- Realistic Simulations: Practice common dialogues in port, on board, and in emergency situations.
- Listening Comprehension: Develop the ability to understand varied accents and complex messages in French.
- Up-to-Date Materials: Access pronunciation guides, interactive exercises, and multimedia resources.
- Certificate of Completion: Demonstrate your language skills with an industry-recognized certificate.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-04-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Merchant mariners and deck officers looking to expand their communication on board and in French-speaking ports.
- Cruise and ferry staff wanting to interact with French-speaking passengers to enhance the customer experience.
- Fishing and recreational boating professionals who frequent French and Canadian coasts and need to understand local instructions and regulations.
- Nautical and maritime tourism students aspiring to work for international companies with operations in French-speaking countries.
- Anyone interested in French maritime culture and wanting to enjoy sailing more fluently and Security.
Adaptability
Flexible online course: pre-recorded lessons available 24/7, discussion forums, and practical exercises adapted to your learning pace.
Objectives and competencies
Communicating effectively in maritime emergency situations:
Use SMCP (Standard Marine Communication Phrases) to transmit clear and concise information, minimizing ambiguities and ensuring mutual understanding with other vessels and SAR authorities.
Understand and use essential French maritime terminology:
“Identify parts of the ship, common maneuvers and standard communications in French.”
Interpret and follow meteorological and navigational instructions in French:
“Understand and act upon weather bulletins and mariner warnings, adapting navigation to the conditions and communicating in French with the authorities.”
Interact with port authorities and service personnel in French:
“Effectively communicate relevant information about vessel operations (ETA, movements, assistance needs) and understand port instructions/regulations.”
Understanding and responding to maritime safety notices transmitted in French:
“Identify the nature of the warning (meteorological, navigational, emergency), assess its impact on navigational safety, and communicate the relevant information to the bridge.”
Understanding navigation equipment manuals and technical documentation in French:
“Identify the standard structure and symbology for interpreting specifications, diagrams, and operating procedures.”
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
- Greetings and Introductions: Formalities and Protocol on Board.
- Essential Maritime Vocabulary: Parts of the Ship, Equipment, Operations.
- Key Phrases for Navigation: Steering Orders, Heading and Speed Communications.
- Communication in Emergency Situations: Mayday, Pan Pan, Securité.
- Meteorology: Meteorological Terms and Reports in French.
- Communication with Port Authorities: Arrival, Departure, Permits.
- Safety on Board: Safety and Evacuation Instructions in French.
- Basic First Aid: Vocabulary and Phrases for Medical Assistance.
- Intercultural Communication: Sensitivity and Adaptation in a Multicultural environment.
- Communication simulations: Practice of real maritime communication situations.
‘
- Introduction to Maritime French: basic vocabulary and common expressions.
- VHF Communication: standard procedures in French, channels, and distress messages.
- Maritime Meteorology: key terms in French for weather and sea conditions.
- Ship Maneuvers: commands and responses in French during berthing, unberthing, and anchoring.
- Safety Equipment: French terminology and procedures for use in emergencies.
- First Aid: basic terminology in French for describing symptoms and requesting assistance.
- Emergency Situations: key phrases in French for reporting fires, collisions, and breakdowns.
- International Maritime Regulations: understanding documents and regulations in French.
- Interaction with Authorities: communication in French with coast guards, pilots, and other officers.
- Drills and Practical Exercises: application of maritime French in simulated emergency scenarios.
‘
- Greetings and Formal Introductions in Maritime French
- Basic Vocabulary: Parts of the Ship, Equipment, and Navigation
- Essential Grammar: Verbs, Tenses, and Prepositions in a Maritime Context
- Effective Communication in Emergency Situations: Mayday, Safety
- Key Phrases for Communicating with Port Authorities
- Instructions and Orders on Board: Understanding and Responding
- Maritime Meteorology: Terms and Notices in French
- Safety on Board: Procedures and Drills in French
- First Aid: Basic Vocabulary and Communication in French
- French Maritime Culture: Customs and Protocol on Board
‘
- Basic Vocabulary: Parts of the ship, equipment, safety, emergencies.
- Essential Grammar: Verb tenses, prepositions, forming questions.
- Standard Communication: Common phrases and expressions in the maritime environment.
- Emergency Procedures: Distress calls, crucial information, protocols.
- Meteorology: Basic terms, weather reports, interpretation.
- Safety on Board: Safety equipment, procedures, risk prevention.
- Interacting with Authorities: Customs, port control, inspections.
- Interpersonal Communication: Clarity, respect, active listening, cultural differences.
- Drills of Emergency: Participation and understanding of instructions.
- First Aid: Useful vocabulary and phrases for basic assistance.
‘
- 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
- Greetings and Introductions: Formalities and Protocol on Board.
- Essential Maritime Vocabulary: Parts of the Ship, Equipment, Operations.
- Key Phrases for Navigation: Steering Orders, Heading and Speed Communications.
- Communication in Emergency Situations: Mayday, Pan Pan, Securité.
- Meteorology: Meteorological Terms and Reports in French.
- Communication with Port Authorities: Arrival, Departure, Permits.
- Safety on Board: Safety and Evacuation Instructions in French.
- Basic First Aid: Vocabulary and Phrases for Medical Assistance.
- Intercultural Communication: Sensitivity and Adaptation in a Multicultural environment.
- Communication simulations: Practice of real maritime communication situations.
‘
- Introduction to Maritime French: basic vocabulary and common expressions.
- VHF Communication: standard procedures in French, channels, and distress messages.
- Maritime Meteorology: key terms in French for weather and sea conditions.
- Ship Maneuvers: commands and responses in French during berthing, unberthing, and anchoring.
- Safety Equipment: French terminology and procedures for use in emergencies.
- First Aid: basic terminology in French for describing symptoms and requesting assistance.
- Emergency Situations: key phrases in French for reporting fires, collisions, and breakdowns.
- International Maritime Regulations: understanding documents and regulations in French.
- Interaction with Authorities: communication in French with coast guards, pilots, and other officers.
- Drills and Practical Exercises: application of maritime French in simulated emergency scenarios.
‘
- Greetings and Formal Introductions in Maritime French
- Basic Vocabulary: Parts of the Ship, Equipment, and Navigation
- Essential Grammar: Verbs, Tenses, and Prepositions in a Maritime Context
- Effective Communication in Emergency Situations: Mayday, Safety
- Key Phrases for Communicating with Port Authorities
- Instructions and Orders on Board: Understanding and Responding
- Maritime Meteorology: Terms and Notices in French
- Safety on Board: Procedures and Drills in French
- First Aid: Basic Vocabulary and Communication in French
- French Maritime Culture: Customs and Protocol on Board
‘
- Basic Vocabulary: Parts of the ship, equipment, safety, emergencies.
- Essential Grammar: Verb tenses, prepositions, forming questions.
- Standard Communication: Common phrases and expressions in the maritime environment.
- Emergency Procedures: Distress calls, crucial information, protocols.
- Meteorology: Basic terms, weather reports, interpretation.
- Safety on Board: Safety equipment, procedures, risk prevention.
- Interacting with Authorities: Customs, port control, inspections.
- Interpersonal Communication: Clarity, respect, active listening, cultural differences.
- Drills of Emergency: Participation and understanding of instructions.
- First Aid: Useful vocabulary and phrases for basic assistance.
‘
- 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.
- Greetings and basic courtesy: communication protocols in French
- Phonetics and pronunciation: key sounds of maritime French
- Essential vocabulary: parts of the ship, maneuvers, meteorology
- Basic grammar: useful phrases for navigation and safety
- Radiocommunications: VHF, distress call (Mayday), urgency (Pan Pan)
- Maritime meteorology: reports, storm warnings, specific vocabulary
- First aid: vocabulary and phrases for communicating a medical emergency
- Safety on board: procedures, safety instructions in French
- Interacting with authorities: customs, port control, maritime police
- French culture and customs
in the maritime environment
‘
- Maritime French Phonetics: Key Pronunciation and Intonation
- Essential Vocabulary: Ship Parts, Equipment, and Maneuvers
- Basic Phrases: Greetings, Requests, Thanks, and Instructions
- Radio Communication: VHF, Channels, Procedures, and Acronyms
- Maritime Meteorology: Terms, Notices, and Information Sources in French
- Emergency Situations: mayday, pan pan, secourir, and assistance
- Onboard Safety: Equipment, Procedures, and Signals in French
- Interaction with Port Authorities: Customs, Health, and Immigration
- Communication with the Crew: Orders, Instructions, and Coordination
- Cultural Aspects: Intercultural communication and French maritime etiquette
‘
- Introduction to Maritime French: Basic Vocabulary and Key Expressions
- Standard Communication: Polite Phrases, Greetings, and Introductions
- Nautical Terminology: Parts of the Ship, Instruments, and Maneuvers
- Safety on Board: Emergency, Fire, and Rescue Procedures
- Maritime Meteorology: Weather Terms and Forecasts
- First Aid: Basic Medical Vocabulary and Common Situations
- On Board: Daily Life, Crew Roles, and Responsibilities
- Docking and Undocking Maneuvers: Communication with the Port and Tugboats
- Useful Phrases: Requests, Instructions, and Confirmations
- Culture and Etiquette: Social Norms and customs on board
‘
- Introduction to Maritime French: Basic Vocabulary and Key Expressions
- Essential Grammar: Verb Tenses, Prepositions, and Common Structures
- Standard Communication: IMO Phraseology, Radiocommunications, and VHF
- Maritime Meteorology: Terminology, Reports, and Notices in French
- Safety on Board: Emergency Instructions, Evacuation, and Firefighting
- First Aid Procedures: Useful Vocabulary and Phrases
- Port Maneuvers: Communication with Tugboats, Pilots, and Port Authorities
- Interacting with Authorities: Customs, Immigration, and Maritime Control
- Emergency Situations: Requesting Assistance, Relevant Information, and Protocols
- Intercultural dialogue: sensitivity, respect, and effective communication in a multicultural environment
‘
Career opportunities
- Bridge Officer / Watch Officer on vessels operating in French-speaking waters, facilitating communication and regulatory compliance.
- Captain on international routes with French-speaking maritime traffic, improving crew management and interaction with port authorities.
- Pilot in French-speaking ports: facilitating communication with captains and crews, ensuring safety during maneuvers.
- VTS / Maritime Authorities in French-speaking areas: improving communication with vessels, optimizing protocols, and managing emergencies.
- Operations (shipowners/consignees) with interests in French-speaking countries: optimizing logistics, negotiating, and managing contracts.
- HSEQ/Vetting: audits and inspections on vessels and at terminals with a French-speaking crew, ensuring compliance with standards.
Training and simulation: instructor in navigation and maritime communication courses in French.
Surveyors/maritime insurance: expert assessment and investigation of maritime incidents in French-speaking environments, facilitating communication and obtaining relevant information.
“`
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 Vocabulary: Master the key phrases for effective communication while sailing.
- Practical Situations: Learn how to navigate in port, on board, and during emergencies.
- Clear Pronunciation: Improve your fluency and comprehension with navigation-focused exercises.
- Maritime Culture: Discover French customs and protocols in the nautical environment.
- Online Resources: Access downloadable materials, audio, and interactive exercises for flexible learning.
Testimonials
I completed the “French for Navigation” course and now communicate confidently in maritime situations. I can understand and respond to port instructions, communicate with other vessels, and handle emergencies fluently in French. This has opened up new career opportunities, and I feel much more confident sailing in French-speaking waters.
I mastered the complexities of simultaneous interpreting, successfully and fluently interpreting speeches in three languages during an international conference on sustainable development. This allowed me to facilitate communication among participants and contribute to the event’s success.
I mastered maritime communication in French, including essential terminology, radio procedures, and key phrases for emergency situations, enabling me to navigate confidently in French-speaking waters and collaborate effectively with international crews.
I mastered nautical terminology in French, allowing me to communicate fluently with port officials, captains, and crew during my voyage across the Mediterranean.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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 Maritime French: Basic Vocabulary and Key Expressions
- Essential Grammar: Verb Tenses, Prepositions, and Common Structures
- Standard Communication: IMO Phraseology, Radiocommunications, and VHF
- Maritime Meteorology: Terminology, Reports, and Notices in French
- Safety on Board: Emergency Instructions, Evacuation, and Firefighting
- First Aid Procedures: Useful Vocabulary and Phrases
- Port Maneuvers: Communication with Tugboats, Pilots, and Port Authorities
- Interacting with Authorities: Customs, Immigration, and Maritime Control
- Emergency Situations: Requesting Assistance, Relevant Information, and Protocols
- Intercultural dialogue: sensitivity, respect, and effective communication in a multicultural environment
‘
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.