Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Remote Operation Centres (ROC) for Ships
The Diploma in Remote Operation Centres (ROC) for Ships Prepares you for a new profession: supervising and controlling ships from shore. You will learn how a remote operation centre (ROC) is designed and run, which systems and com
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts9 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Remote Operation Centres (ROC) for Ships?
The Diploma in Remote Operation Centres (ROC) for Ships
Prepares you for a new profession: supervising and controlling ships from shore. You will learn how a remote operation centre (ROC) is designed and run, which systems and communications it needs, how alarms and emergencies are handled, what human factors challenges it raises and what the IMO MASS Code requires of remote operators.
Key advantages
- An emerging profession: One of the first programmes focused on the remote operator.
- Operational focus: Procedures, shifts, alarms and emergencies.
- Human factors: Fatigue, situational awareness and interface design.
- Up-to-date regulation: MASS Code requirements for remote centres.
- Simulation: Supervision and take-over exercises.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Programme highlights
- Know the ROC: Understand the functions and architecture of a remote centre.
- Operate safely: Apply normal and emergency procedures.
- Manage information: Master alarm management and interfaces.
- Communicate effectively: Coordinate with ships, VTS and rescue services.
- Get ahead of the market: Prepare for the first remote operator roles.
- Move from the ship’s bridge to the remote operation centre.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Introduction to Remote Ship Operation
- Levels of autonomy and remote operation
- Functions of the remote operation centre
- Current experience and projects
- Relationship between ship, ROC and master
- Types of operation: supervision and direct control
- Benefits and limits of remote operation
- New professional profiles
- Industry trends
02
Designing the Remote Operation Centre
- ROC functional architecture
- Workstations and consoles
- Displaying sensor and video feeds
- System and power redundancy
- Location and physical security
- Ergonomics and working environment
- Scalability: one operator, several ships
- Design standards and guidance
03
Communications and Data
- Satellite and terrestrial links
- Latency and quality of service
- Handling loss of communications
- Transmitting sensor data
- Voice communications with ships and VTS
- Data logging and voyage data recording
- Cyber security of links
- Connectivity testing
04
Interfaces, Alarms and Situational Awareness
- Human-machine interface design
- Presenting ship information
- Alarm management and prioritisation
- Situational awareness at a distance
- AI decision support
- Typical supervision errors
- Augmented reality and 3D visualisation
- Usability assessment
05
Operating Procedures
- Voyage planning from shore
- Routine supervision
- Handover between operators and centres
- Manoeuvring in port and restricted waters
- COLREG compliance in remote operation
- Interaction with pilots and tugs
- Logging and documentation
- Procedure audits
06
Emergency Management
- Emergency scenarios on remotely operated ships
- Minimum risk manoeuvre
- Fire, flooding and propulsion failure
- Loss of link and response
- Coordination with search and rescue
- Persons in the water and the duty to render assistance
- Incident reporting
- Drills and exercises
07
Human Factors, Training and Regulation
- Operator fatigue and workload
- Shift patterns and work organisation
- Complacency and skill fade
- Remote operator competences
- Training and simulators
- MASS Code requirements for the ROC
- Legal responsibility of the operator
- Competence assessment
08
Case Study: Setting Up a ROC
- Defining the operation and fleet
- Functional design of the centre
- Communications plan
- Workstation and interface design
- Procedures manual
- Emergency plan
- Operator training plan
- Final report and approval plan
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Masters and deck officers: looking for a shore-based career linked to navigation VTS and rescue coordination centre operators: with traffic monitoring experience Systems and automation engineers: who design control centres Shipowners with autonomy projects: who need to train their teams Maritime administration staff: who will oversee these operations
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Describe ROC functions
- 02Design the centre
- 03Apply procedures
- 04Manage human factors
- 05Coordinate communications
- 06Comply with the rules
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Remote operation centre operator: Supervising and controlling ships from shore.
02ROC supervisor: Coordinating remote operation teams.
03Control centre designer: Engineering workstations and systems.
04Remote operation instructor: Simulator-based training.
05Operational safety specialist: Procedures and risk management.
06Maritime autonomy consultant: Implementation for shipowners.
Questions
Entry Requirements
They supervise one or more ships from shore, step in when needed and coordinate with ports, VTS and rescue services.
It is not compulsory, although seagoing experience is very valuable for the role.
Yes. You carry out supervision, handover and emergency exercises.
The MASS Code sets requirements for remote operation, and the diploma applies them to the design and running of the centre.
Yes. It is a good stepping stone to the Master’s in Remote Operation of Autonomous Ships and the MASS Code.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 800 hours of study. You can work at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by our admissions team when you enquire.
On completing the programme you receive the Diploma in Remote Operation Centres (ROC) for Ships qualification awarded by Navalis Magna Institute.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Entry profile: A nautical or technical background (nautical science, naval architecture, electronics, telecommunications) or experience as a deck officer, VTS operator or maritime systems technician. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.