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 Home Automation and Smart Yachts
Immerse yourself in the future of sailing, merging comfort and efficiency on board. Learn to design, install, and program intelligent systems for yachts, from lighting and climate control to energy and security management…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Home Automation and Smart Yachts?
The Diploma in Home Automation and Smart Yachts
Immerse yourself in the future of sailing, merging comfort and efficiency on board. Learn to design, install, and program intelligent systems for yachts, from lighting and climate control to energy and security management, optimizing the nautical experience. This program gives you the tools to create connected, personalized, and sustainable vessels.
You will be immersed in the future of sailing, merging comfort and efficiency on board.
Differentiating Advantages
- Systems Integration: Master communication between devices (sensors, actuators, displays).
- Intuitive Programming: Learn to configure customized user interfaces for total control.
- Energy Efficiency: Optimize onboard consumption through automation and monitoring.
- Advanced Security: Implement surveillance and access control systems with remote notifications.
- Innovative Trends: Explore the latest technologies in marine home automation and their practical applications.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
29-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Design and Automate: Learn to integrate smart systems into luxury yachts, from lighting control to energy management.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Master communication protocols (KNX, Modbus), intuitive user interfaces, and security in marine IoT networks.
- Efficiency and Comfort: Optimize energy consumption, enhance the user experience, and increase the value of your vessel with customized home automation solutions.
- Expert Instructors: Learn from leading professionals in the home automation and marine industries, with experience in real-world projects.
- Final Project: Apply your knowledge in a practical project, designing and implementing a home automation system for a Smart Yacht.
- Boost your career in the industry Nautical with the most in-demand specialization: intelligent automation of luxury yachts.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Naval Domotics, NMEA 2000 Data Networks and Marine Protocols
- Introduction to Smart Yachts and Domotic Arquitectura Embarcado: Difference between residential and naval automation, resistance to marine environments (salinity, vibration, humidity) and protection indices IP/NEMA
- Standard NMEA 2000 (IEC 61162-3): Network Physical Architecture (CANBUS), Network Terminators, Voltage Drop, Micro-C/Mini-C Connectors, and Spine Topology (Backbone) and Leads (Drops)
- NMEA 2000 Message Structure (PGNS - Parameter Group Numbers): Data Frame Analysis for Speed, Depth, Wind, Battery Status, Tanks and Engines
- Evolution and coexistence with NMEA 0183 (RS-422/RS-232): transmission speeds (4800 / 38400 baud), multiplexers, bi-directional protocol converters and gateways (Gateways)
- NMEA OneNet networks (Ethernet Marine / IEC 61162-450): High-speed data transmission, radar integration, IP cameras, echo sounders and real-time video over IPv6
- Diagnostic and monitoring of marine data networks: use of CAN bus analysers, identification of errors of the frame, mass loops and prevention of bus saturation
- Nautical Regulations and Certifications: Compliance with NMEA, ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council) E-11 Standards and EC Directives for Electronics on Board
- Integration of systems from different manufacturers
02
Industrial and immotic control systems applied to yachts (KNX, Modbus, CANopen)
- Integration of the KNX protocol in large-length overall boats: star and tree network topology, line decouplers, backup power supplies and programming using ETS (Engineering Tool Software)
- Modbus RTU/TCP protocol for naval infrastructure control: RS-485 serial communication, log map, PLC read/write, HVAC, BIGES and watering plants
- Use of CANopen in the automation of deck and machines: control of windlasses, hydraulic walkways, bathing platforms, stabilisers and propellers of bow/stern (thrusters)
- Implementation of digital switching (Digital Switching): Replacing traditional thermal panels with CZone, Empirbus or Blue Sea Systems modules; Management of electronic fuses and solid state relays
- Multifunction (MFD) displays as main HMI: Integration of home automation control interfaces in Garmin, Raymarine, Simrad and Furuno screens using HTML5/OneHelm/Empirbus pages
- Centralized control systems vs. Distributed: Hardware Redundancy, Marine Grade Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Safe Failure Modes (Fail-Safe)
- Structured cabling and shielding in metallic and fibre hulls: prevention of electromagnetic interference (EMI), marine cable layout (Marine Grade) and technical land
- Logic programming for yachts
03
Intelligent lighting, comfort automation and atmospheric control on board
- Low consumption marine LED lighting systems: control of single-colour, RGB, RGBW and tunable white LED strips using PWM controllers and insulated DC-DC converters
- DALI-2 protocol (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) and DMX512: integration of light scenes in rooms, cabins and decks; Control of submerged projectors (underwater lights)
- Management of automated blinds, curtains and awnings: DC motors/Dometic DC motors (12V/24V) and alternating (110V/220V), limit switches and wind/rain sensors for deck protection
- Marine HVAC and HVAC Control: Fancoil Automation, Ice Water Chillers, Circulation Pumps and Relative Humidity/Temperature Monitoring by Zones with Smart Thermostats
- Smart glass (Smart Glass / Electrochromic Film): Integration of glass opacity electronically switchable for privacy in hatches, side windows and main cabin
- Aroma automation, air purification and ozonation: indoor air quality control, moisture/mold prevention by automated extractors and CO2 sensors
- Creation and programming of personalised home automation scenes: "Night navigation", "Anchoring", "Party", "Port mode" and "Abandonment of the boat"
- Voice control and smart assistants
04
Intelligent power management, lithium batteries and hybrid/electric systems
- Electrical system architecture in a Smart Yacht: DC network management (12V/24V/48V DC) and AC current (110V/230V/400V AC); Converter and Inverter Monitoring
- Intelligent monitoring of battery banks: Measuring status of charge (SOC), health status (SOC/SOH), net current with digital shunts and BMS (Battery Management System) communication via CANBUS
- Integration of lithium technology (LiFePO4) in nautical: load curves, cell balancing, overvoltage/low voltage disconnection relays and safety protocols against heat packing
- Automatic control of power sources (generators, solar panel, port connection): Automatic transfer of loads (Automatic Transfer Switch), Automatic start/stop of generators by load demand
- Flexible and rigid photovoltaic solar energy systems: MPPT regulators, MPPT regulators, integration of photovoltaic production data in the NMEA 2000 network and dynamic shadow optimisation
- Management of non-essential loads and automatic load shedding: protection of the electrical network against cost overruns or peaks of consumption by cutting air conditioners or watering machines in inverter mode
- Electric and hybrid propulsion systems: real-time monitoring of nautical electric motors, bidirectional energy flow and regeneration by propeller under sail (Hydrogeneration)
- High voltage battery management systems
05
Marine A/V entertainment (audio/video), IT networks and digital distribution
- Nautical multizone audio distribution systems: architecture with marinated amplifiers (Fusion/JL audio), independent zones (flybridge, bathtub, lounge, cabins) and control via NMEA/Wi-Fi
- Dante protocol (audio over IP) and high resolution streaming: Latency-free digital audio distribution over on-board Ethernet networks using CAT6A/CAT7 network cabling
- HD/4K Video Distribution (Video Over IP / HDMI Matrix): Low-latency video arrays, centralised access to movie servers, Apple TV, consoles and players on each TV screen
- Integration mechanisms for screens and elevators (TV Lifts): Motorized TV concealment systems in furniture, ceilings or bulkheads by means of synchronous linear actuators
- Unified Control Interfaces (Crestron, Control4, Savant): Design of custom interfaces on Marinized iPads/Tablets for full control of A/V, lights and climate from a single application
- Marine acoustics and outdoor speakers: open space audio calibration, Marinized speakers with UV protection/salt fog and recessed subwoofers with hermetic seal
- Karaoke systems, deck cinema and weather projectors - installation of wind resistant motorized roller screens and high brightness outdoor projectors
- Management of multimedia content on board
06
Satellite connectivity, shipped 5G/Wi-Fi networks and nautical telemetry
- High-speed Internet at sea using Starlink Maritime technology: installation of phased array antennas (phased array), automatic orientation, balancing support and flat data management High seas
- Hybrid connectivity systems (satellite + 5G/LTE + Wi-Fi port): Multisim marine routers (Peplink/Teltonika), automatic switching between Internet sources (failover) and bandwidth aggregation (bonding)
- High-density Wi-Fi distribution on board: access points (access points) with Wi-Fi 6/6e technology, mesh (mesh), captive guest portals and network isolation (VLANs)
- Segmentation of on-board IT networks: creation of independent VLANs for navigation/NMEA, home automation control, security system, crew network and guest network
- Telemetry and Remote Monitoring Systems (Nautical IoT): Sending data to the cloud via MQTT/HTTP on BIGES status, battery voltage, geofencing (virtual fence) and engine temperature
- Local Storage and Entertainment (NAS) Servers: Impact Resistant Multimedia Server Configuration, Nautical Chart Backup and Security Camera Storage
- Secure Remote Access for Boat Maintenance: Configuration of Virtual Private Networks (SSL/WireGuard VPN) for Installer/Shipyard access to System Diagnostics without being on board
- Cybersecurity of passenger networks
07
Electronic security, CCTV, thermal sensors and naval cybersecurity
- Closed-circuit television systems (CCTV IP): Marinized 316L stainless steel dome/bullet cameras, infrared night vision, strobe lighting and AI-detected NVR recording
- Marinated Night Vision Thermal Cameras (FLIR): Integration in the home automation, automatic lens tracking (man-overboard/boats), gyro stabilisation and fog vision
- Access and presence control system: biometric electronic locks, RFID cards, watertight deck keyboards and management of crew, shipowner and guest permits
- Security sensors and alarms Technical: Bilge water detectors, smoke/fire sensors, carbon monoxide gas detectors ($CO$) and propane in kitchens, and flow switches
- Integration of the alarm system with automatic warnings: Instant notification via high-intensity sirens, SMS messages, automated calls and push alerts to the ShipOwner/Skipper smartphone
- Basics of Cybersecurity in Smart Yachts: Intrusion protection in the nautical network, port assurance on marine routers, deep inspection firewalls and protection against spoofing GPS/AIS
- Deterrent and protection systems against piracy/intruders - integration of safety fog cannons, automatic blinding lights and electronic panic zones (Safe Room)
- Anti-theft systems and yacht location
08
Capstone Project: Design, integration and commissioning of a Smart Yacht system
- Definition of the boat profile and shipowner requirements: Selection of the boat (e.g. 50-foot catamaran, 30-meter regatta or super-yacht sailboat) and Automation requirements specification
- Unified Network Architecture Design: Elabouration of the connection scheme covering the NMEA 2000 backbone, KNX/Modbus home automation network, Ethernet VLANs and A/V system
- Selection of automation components and consumption calculation: Dimensioning of digital switching panels (CZone/Empirbus), power supplies, LiFePO4 battery banks and chargers
- Customized user interface development (HMI/UI): visual design of nautical MFDs and mobile applications, organising lighting control, climate control, energy and motors
- Programming of control logic and automated scenes: Configuration of logical rules for the automatic start of Bilge pumps, de-lagging of electric charges and activation of light scenarios
- Preparation of pipeline plans, single-line schemes and user manual - preparation of technical documentation in AutoCAD/PDF, cable labelling under marine standards and operating guide
- User Manual and Crew Training
- Presentation and technical defence of the project: Presentation of the intelligent automation project before a court made up of naval engineers, certified home automation integrators and yacht captains
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
Naval architects and yacht interior designers looking to integrate cutting-edge technology and personalize the onboard experience.Electronic engineers and systems technicians interested in specializing in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of home automation systems on vessels.Yacht captains and crew wanting to optimize vessel management and enhance the customer experience throug
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
- 01Integrating and configuring home automation systems on yachts
- 02Design and implement intelligent control solutions for vessels
- 03Optimize energy consumption and resource efficiency on board
- 04Diagnosing and resolving technical problems in home automation systems on yachts
- 05Managing home automation projects on yachts, from conception to final delivery
- 06Personalize the onboard user experience through automation and intelligent control
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Installer and Maintenance Technician of Home Automation Systems on Yachts: Configuration, programming, and troubleshooting of lighting, climate control, security, and entertainment systems.
02Intelligent Systems Integrator for Vessels: Design and implementation of customized solutions for yacht automation and control, using various technologies and communication protocols.
03Home Automation Consultant for the Nautical Sector: Advising shipowners, shipyards, and naval design companies on the selection and implementation of efficient home automation systems tailored to their needs.
04Onboard Automation and Control Technician: Management and supervision of automated systems on yachts, including parameter monitoring, fault detection, and performance optimization.
05User Interface Programmer for Home Automation Systems on Yachts: Development of intuitive interfaces and Customized solutions for controlling home automation systems via mobile devices, touchscreens, and other means.
06Cybersecurity Specialist for Smart Yachts: Protecting home automation and onboard communication systems against cyber threats by implementing security measures and conducting vulnerability tests.
07Sales Representative and Distributor of Home Automation Products and Solutions for the Nautical Sector: Selling and promoting home automation systems to shipyards, shipowners, and companies in the sector, offering technical support and personalized advice.
08Home Automation Project Manager for Yachts: Planning, coordinating, and supervising the installation and commissioning of home automation systems on yachts, ensuring compliance with deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Yachts and other luxury vessels.
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.
Yeah.
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 Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Advanced technical degree or diploma in electronics, automation, computer science, construction, or similar fields; or demonstrable professional experience in home automation installations, control systems, or the naval sector.Previous Knowledge:Basic knowledge of electricity, electronics, communication networks, and programming will be valued.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree or work experience certificate, ID/Passport, letter of interest.Technical Requirements (for online):Computer with broadband internet access, updated browser, document
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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