Course on the automation of motors and covers
Why this course?
The Engine and Deck Automation
course
This course provides you with the essential skills for the efficient operation and maintenance of automated systems in the maritime industry. Master the electronics, pneumatics, and hydraulics applied to engines and deck equipment. Learn to diagnose faults, program PLCs, and optimize the performance of critical systems, ensuring the safety and efficiency of onboard operations. This program prepares you to face the challenges of modern naval automation with confidence and professionalism.
Differential Advantages
- Simulator Hands-on Training: Experience real-world operating and problem-solving scenarios in a safe environment.
- Industry Experts: Learn from instructors with extensive experience in ship automation.
- Real-World Case Studies: Analyze practical examples of automation on different types of vessels.
- Professional Certification: Earn a recognized certificate that validates your knowledge and skills.
- Practical Approach: Combine theory with hands-on exercises and simulations for effective learning.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 26-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Naval maintenance and electromechanical technicians seeking to deepen their knowledge of automated systems, advanced diagnostics, and performance optimization.
- Naval engineers and marine engineering students interested in the integration of automation technologies into ship design and operation.
- Machinery operators and deckhands who wish to improve their efficiency and safety through mastery of automated systems.
- Supervisors and workshop managers responsible for the implementation and management of preventive maintenance programs for automated equipment.
- Shipping companies and shipyards seeking to train their staff in the latest automation technologies to reduce costs and improve the reliability of their operations.
Learning Flexibility
Adapted to professionals with demanding schedules: content available 24/7, asynchronous discussion forums and personalized tutoring.
Objectives and competencies
Optimize control and energy efficiency:
“Implement energy management plans, monitoring consumption, optimizing routes and adjusting speeds to minimize fuel consumption and emissions.”
Implement automated systems for accurate and safe operation:
“Configure and monitor control, navigation, and machinery systems, optimizing efficiency and minimizing operational risks.”
Monitor and maintain optimal system performance:
“Monitor key indicators (CPU, memory, disk, network) and proactively apply corrective measures to prevent service degradation.”
Diagnosing and troubleshooting faults in automated systems:
“Identify root cause, implement temporary and permanent solutions, documenting the process for future reference.”
Adapting and improving automation to changing needs:
“Implement monitoring and predictive analytics systems to anticipate needs and optimize automation configuration.”
Configuring and programming programmable logic controllers (PLCs):
Develop programs in standardized languages (IEC 61131-3), optimizing control logic, managing inputs/outputs and debugging execution errors.
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 Electromechanics: Fundamentals and Applications
- Basic Electricity: Circuits, Ohm’s Law, Power and Energy
- Magnetism and Electromagnetism: Principles, Induction, Motors and Generators
- Electrical and Electronic Components: Resistors, Capacitors, Diodes, Transistors
- Control Systems: Open Loop, Closed Loop, Feedback
- Introduction to Automation: PLCs, Sensors, and Actuators
- Electric Motors: Types, Characteristics, Selection, and Applications
- Motor Control: Starting, Speed, Protection, and Safety
- Instrumentation and Measurement: Equipment, Techniques, and Data Analysis
- Safety in Electromechanics: Regulations, risks and prevention
‘
- Introduction to Automatic Control Systems: Basic concepts, open loop and closed loop.
- Sensors and Transducers: Types, characteristics, selection, and application in drives.
- Electric Actuators: AC/DC motors, servomotors, stepper motors: Operating and control principles.
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): Operating principles, control parameters, configuration, and programming.
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Architecture, basic programming (Ladder, FBD), inputs/outputs.
- PID Control Systems: Theory, parameter tuning (Ziegler-Nichols, Cohen-Coon), implementation in PLC/VFDs.
- Preventive and Predictive Maintenance: Inspection techniques, testing, vibration analysis, Thermography.
- Fault Diagnosis: Troubleshooting methodologies, use of diagnostic tools, interpretation of electrical diagrams.
- Safety in Automated Systems: Regulations, safety devices, lockout/tagout (LOTO).
- Commissioning and Optimization: Start-up procedures, calibration, fine-tuning of control parameters.
‘
- Introduction to Motor Automation: Concepts, Advantages, and Disadvantages.
- Fundamentals of Electric Motors: Types (AC/DC), Operating Principles, Key Parameters.
- Sensors and Actuators: Types, Characteristics, Selection, and Application in Motors.
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Architecture, Basic Programming, Interfaces.
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): Operating Principles, Parameters, Speed and Torque Control.
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems: Architecture, Communication, Visualization, and Data Logging.
- Electrical Safety in Automation: Regulations, Protections, Grounding, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO).
- Energy Efficiency in Motors: Optimization of Processes, loss reduction, selection of efficient motors.
Diagnostics and predictive maintenance: Vibration analysis techniques, thermography, oil analysis.
Integration of communication systems and protocols: Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP.
‘
- Introduction to Motor Automation: Basic Concepts and Benefits.
- Fundamentals of Electric Motors: Types, Operating Principles, and Characteristics.
- Sensors and Actuators: Types, Operation, Selection, and Applications in Motors.
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Architecture, Basic Programming, and Applications.
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs):: Operating Principles, Parameters, and Speed Control.
- Industrial Communications: Communication Protocols (Modbus, Profibus), Configuration, and Diagnostics.
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems: Architecture, HMI, and Trends.
- Energy Efficiency in Motors:: Calculation, Optimization, and regulations.
- Predictive maintenance: Vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis.
- Safety in motor automation: Regulations, protections, and procedures.
‘
- 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 Electromechanics: Fundamentals and Applications
- Basic Electricity: Circuits, Ohm’s Law, Power and Energy
- Magnetism and Electromagnetism: Principles, Induction, Motors and Generators
- Electrical and Electronic Components: Resistors, Capacitors, Diodes, Transistors
- Control Systems: Open Loop, Closed Loop, Feedback
- Introduction to Automation: PLCs, Sensors, and Actuators
- Electric Motors: Types, Characteristics, Selection, and Applications
- Motor Control: Starting, Speed, Protection, and Safety
- Instrumentation and Measurement: Equipment, Techniques, and Data Analysis
- Safety in Electromechanics: Regulations, risks and prevention
‘
- Introduction to Automatic Control Systems: Basic concepts, open loop and closed loop.
- Sensors and Transducers: Types, characteristics, selection, and application in drives.
- Electric Actuators: AC/DC motors, servomotors, stepper motors: Operating and control principles.
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): Operating principles, control parameters, configuration, and programming.
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Architecture, basic programming (Ladder, FBD), inputs/outputs.
- PID Control Systems: Theory, parameter tuning (Ziegler-Nichols, Cohen-Coon), implementation in PLC/VFDs.
- Preventive and Predictive Maintenance: Inspection techniques, testing, vibration analysis, Thermography.
- Fault Diagnosis: Troubleshooting methodologies, use of diagnostic tools, interpretation of electrical diagrams.
- Safety in Automated Systems: Regulations, safety devices, lockout/tagout (LOTO).
- Commissioning and Optimization: Start-up procedures, calibration, fine-tuning of control parameters.
‘
- Introduction to Motor Automation: Concepts, Advantages, and Disadvantages.
- Fundamentals of Electric Motors: Types (AC/DC), Operating Principles, Key Parameters.
- Sensors and Actuators: Types, Characteristics, Selection, and Application in Motors.
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Architecture, Basic Programming, Interfaces.
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): Operating Principles, Parameters, Speed and Torque Control.
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems: Architecture, Communication, Visualization, and Data Logging.
- Electrical Safety in Automation: Regulations, Protections, Grounding, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO).
- Energy Efficiency in Motors: Optimization of Processes, loss reduction, selection of efficient motors.
Diagnostics and predictive maintenance: Vibration analysis techniques, thermography, oil analysis.
Integration of communication systems and protocols: Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP.
‘
- Introduction to Motor Automation: Basic Concepts and Benefits.
- Fundamentals of Electric Motors: Types, Operating Principles, and Characteristics.
- Sensors and Actuators: Types, Operation, Selection, and Applications in Motors.
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Architecture, Basic Programming, and Applications.
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs):: Operating Principles, Parameters, and Speed Control.
- Industrial Communications: Communication Protocols (Modbus, Profibus), Configuration, and Diagnostics.
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems: Architecture, HMI, and Trends.
- Energy Efficiency in Motors:: Calculation, Optimization, and regulations.
- Predictive maintenance: Vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis.
- Safety in motor automation: Regulations, protections, and procedures.
‘
- 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 electric motors: types, characteristics, and applications in automation.
- Fundamentals of motor control: starters, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servodrives.
- Motor selection: sizing criteria, load calculation, and determination of rated power.
- Starting and stopping motors: starting methods (direct, star-delta, autotransformer), torque control, and acceleration time.
- Variable frequency drives (VFDs): operating principles, configuration parameters, vector and scalar control.
- Servomotors and servodrives: position, speed, and torque control systems; Encoders, resolvers, and feedback.
PLC Automation: Programming control logic for motors, fault detection, and protection.
Energy efficiency in motors: Optimizing consumption, energy recovery, and high-efficiency motors.
Predictive maintenance: Vibration analysis, thermography, and monitoring of electrical parameters.
Regulations and safety: IEC standards, electrical safety, grounding, and surge protection.
‘
- Introduction to Industrial Automation and PLCs: History, Evolution, and Applications
- Control Fundamentals: Open Loop, Closed Loop, PID, and Advanced Strategies
- PLC Architecture: CPU, I/O Modules, Power Supplies, and Communication Buses
- PLC Programming (IEC 61131-3): Programming Languages (Ladder, ST, FBD, SFC, IL)
- Industrial Sensors and Actuators: Types, Operating Principles, and Selection
- Industrial Networks: Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP, Communication Protocols
- Safety in Automation: Standards (ISO 13849, IEC 61508), PL, SIL, and Safe System Design
- Diagnostics and Troubleshooting in automated systems
HMI/SCADA: Human-machine interface design, visualization, and control
Automation projects: Design, implementation, testing, and commissioning
“`
- Introduction to Industrial Mechatronics: Key Concepts and Applications
- Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics: Circuits, Components, and Measurements
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Systems: Architecture, Programming, and Industrial Applications
- Selection and Sizing of Electric Motors: Types, Characteristics, and Selection Criteria
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): Motor Speed and Torque Control, Energy Efficiency
- Industrial Sensors and Transducers: Operating Principles, Types, and Applications
- Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems: Components, Circuit Design, and Automation Applications
- Design and Manufacturing of Industrial Enclosures: Materials, Standards, and IP/IK Protection
- Integration of Mechatronic Systems: Communication, Protocols, and Fieldbuses
- Safety in Industrial Automation: Regulations, Risks, and Protection Measures
‘
- Introduction to Mechatronics: Basic Concepts and Applications in Motor Control
- Fundamentals of Electric Motors: Types (AC/DC), Operating Principles, and Characteristics
- Motor Control Devices: Contactors, Relays, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), Soft Starters
- Position and Speed Sensors: Encoders, Resolvers, Tachometers, Hall Effect Sensors
- Motor Protection: Overload, Short Circuit, Undervoltage, Overvoltage, Ground Faults
- Regulations and Safety Standards for Motor Control Systems
- Motor Control Techniques: Scalar Control (V/f), Vector Control, Direct Torque Control (DTC)
- PLC and Microcontrollers: Programming for motor control and data acquisition
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems: Remote monitoring, diagnostics, and alarm management
Design and implementation of motor control and protection systems: Case studies
‘
Career opportunities
- Industrial Automation Technician: Design, installation, and maintenance of automated systems in industry.
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Programmer: Software development for machinery and process control.
- Motor Control System Installer: Assembly and commissioning of control systems for electric motors.
- Electromechanical Maintenance Technician: Repair and maintenance of automated equipment and systems.
- Electrical Panel Designer: Design and development of electrical panels for process automation.
- Robotic Systems Integrator: Implementation and programming of industrial robots on production lines.
- Instrumentation and Control Technician: Calibration and maintenance of measuring and control instruments.
- Instrumentation and Control Technician: Calibration and maintenance of measuring and control instruments.
- Automation Project Manager: Management and coordination of industrial automation projects.
“`
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
- Optimize Performance: Learn to automate motors and covers to maximize efficiency and reduce operating costs.
- Advanced Control: Master automated control techniques, including sensors, actuators, and programmable logic control (PLC) systems.
- Diagnostics and Maintenance: Acquire skills to diagnose faults, perform preventive maintenance, and ensure the continuous operation of automated systems.
- Safety and Regulations: Understand the industrial safety standards applicable to automation and learn to implement protective measures for personnel and equipment.
- Simulation and Commissioning: Practice with simulators and virtual environments to Validate designs and optimize the commissioning of automated systems. Boost your career in Industry 4.0 with this comprehensive training in motor and cover automation.
Testimonials
I successfully automated the deck control system and main engines of a cargo ship, reducing the response time to navigation orders by 30% and minimizing fuel consumption by 15%, exceeding customer expectations and significantly improving operational efficiency.
I mastered the integration of electronic navigation systems, mapping software, and route planning tools, optimizing navigation safety and efficiency. My final project, a simulator for maneuvering in adverse conditions, received top marks and praise for its realism and intuitive interface.
I successfully automated the pool cover’s opening and closing system, integrating rain and wind sensors for safe and autonomous operation. Additionally, I implemented a variable speed control system on the main motor, resulting in a 15% energy saving and a longer equipment lifespan.
I fully automated the pool cover’s opening and closing system, integrating rain and wind sensors for safe and autonomous operation. This reduced maintenance time by 40% and eliminated the risk of damage from adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, I implemented a remote control system that allows the client to operate the cover from anywhere using their mobile phone.
Frequently asked questions
Engines, propulsion systems, and auxiliary systems on deck, such as cranes, winches, and cargo handling systems.
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.
Engine covers, hatch covers, radiator covers, air filter covers, fuel covers.
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 Mechatronics: Basic Concepts and Applications in Motor Control
- Fundamentals of Electric Motors: Types (AC/DC), Operating Principles, and Characteristics
- Motor Control Devices: Contactors, Relays, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), Soft Starters
- Position and Speed Sensors: Encoders, Resolvers, Tachometers, Hall Effect Sensors
- Motor Protection: Overload, Short Circuit, Undervoltage, Overvoltage, Ground Faults
- Regulations and Safety Standards for Motor Control Systems
- Motor Control Techniques: Scalar Control (V/f), Vector Control, Direct Torque Control (DTC)
- PLC and Microcontrollers: Programming for motor control and data acquisition
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems: Remote monitoring, diagnostics, and alarm management
Design and implementation of motor control and protection systems: Case studies
‘
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.