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 Autonomous Vehicles and Electric Vessels
Immerse yourself in the future mobility revolution, exploring the technologies and challenges of autonomous land and sea driving, as well as electric propulsion in vessels. Acquire the skills to design, implement, and manage…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Autonomous Vehicles and Electric Vessels?
The Diploma in Autonomous Vehicles and Electric Vessels
Immerse yourself in the future mobility revolution, exploring the technologies and challenges of autonomous land and sea driving, as well as electric propulsion in vessels. Acquire the skills to design, implement, and manage innovative systems in this booming field.
Differential Advantages
- Comprehensive Approach: from the perception and control of autonomous vehicles to electric propulsion systems in boats.
- Key Technologies: Lidar, radar, machine vision, inertial navigation, batteries, energy management systems, and electric motors.
- Simulation and Modeling: learn to use simulation tools to validate and optimize algorithms and systems.
- Regulatory and Ethical Framework: understand the regulations and ethical considerations related to autonomy and electrification.
- Practical Projects: apply your knowledge to real-world projects to develop innovative solutions.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
27-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Fundamentals and Key Technologies: Delve into artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and navigation systems essential for the development of autonomous vehicles.
- Design and Control of Electric Vessels: Learn about electric propulsion systems, next-generation batteries, and energy optimization in the maritime sector.
- Regulation and Safety: Gain knowledge of current regulations, safety standards, and ethical challenges related to the implementation of these technologies.
- Simulation and Prototyping: Develop practical skills through the use of simulation tools and the creation of virtual prototypes of autonomous vehicles and electric boats.
- Case studies and real-world applications: Analyze concrete examples of implementation in various sectors and explore opportunities for innovation and future development.
- Boost your career at the forefront of sustainable and autonomous mobility.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of autonomous vehicles and electric boats
- Fundamental concepts of autonomy, automation, electrification and intelligent mobility applied to boats and maritime vehicles
- Technological evolution of electric boats, autonomous surface vehicles (USV) and intelligent maritime systems
- Classification of electric, hybrid, autonomous and remotely operated boats according to their application and level of automation
- Main components: hull, propulsion system, batteries, sensors, controllers, communications and navigation systems
- Applications in passenger transport, logistics, inspection, surveillance, investigation, smart ports and offshore energies
- Benefits and challenges related to sustainability, security, energy efficiency, autonomy and technological regulation
- Construction of a comprehensive view of autonomous vehicles and electric boats as part of the digital transformation of the maritime sector
- Overview of the electric and autonomous boats market
02
Electric propulsion, energy storage and power systems
- Operating principles of electric motors applied to small, medium and large boats
- Battery Technologies: Lithium-Ion, LFP, Solid State and other Energy Storage Systems
- Dimensioning of battery banks according to autonomy, power, operating profile and navigation conditions
- Charging systems, fast recharge, smart port stations and integrated energy management
- Electronic power converters, controllers, inverters and electrical auxiliary systems
- Thermal management, electrical safety, fire protection and maintenance of energy systems
- Development of efficient electrical architectures that maximise autonomy, performance and life of the energy system
- Battery Chemistry, Thermal Management and Safety
03
Autonomous navigation, sensors and perception of the environment
- Autonomous navigation fundamentals and automation levels applied to smart boats
- GNSS, IMU, Radar, Lidar, Cameras, Sonar, AIS and Maritime Positioning Systems
- Multi-sensor integration for environment perception and real-time obstacle detection
- Location, mapping and navigation through algorithms of data positioning and fusion
- Automatic identification of routes, floating objects, maritime traffic and restricted areas
- Information processing through artificial vision and artificial intelligence applied to navigation
- Development of robust perception systems to operate safely in different sea conditions
- LiDAR sensors, radar, cameras and data fusion
04
Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Control and Decision Making
- Control architectures for autonomous boats and intelligent navigation systems
- Route planning algorithms, obstacle evasion and sea trajectory optimisation
- Application of machine learning for pattern recognition, classification and prediction of operational situations
- Adaptive, predictive and model-based control systems for automatic manoeuvres
- Management of autonomous missions through dynamic planning and remote monitoring
- Artificial intelligence integration with monitoring platforms, telemetry and control centres
- Development of autonomous solutions that balance efficiency, safety and adaptability to the maritime environment
- Path planning and avoidance of obstacles according to the Colreg
05
Communications, Cybersecurity and Maritime Connectivity
- Maritime communication systems via radio, satellite, mobile networks and specialised data links
- Communication architectures between boats, control centres, smart ports and digital platforms
- Transmission of navigation, video, sensors, telemetry and operational status in real time
- Protection against cyberattacks on navigation, control, communications and energy management systems
- Embedded network security, authentication, encryption, access control and vulnerability management
- Operational continuity through redundancy, failure recovery and technological emergency protocols
- Development of resilient digital infrastructures that guarantee availability and protection of critical information
- Satellite and radio communications for remote operation
06
Design, integration and operation of autonomous boats
- Functional design of electric and autonomous boats according to mission, payload and operating profile
- Integration of mechanical, electrical, electronic, computer and navigation systems
- Configuration of control architecture, energy distribution and auxiliary systems shipped
- Planning of autonomous operations in ports, inland waters, coastal zones and open sea
- Preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance management through intelligent monitoring
- Evaluation of operational performance through indicators of autonomy, availability, efficiency and safety
- Development of operating procedures that allow safe integration with conventional maritime traffic
- Sea tests and validation of autonomous systems
07
Regulations, sustainability and management of intelligent marine mobility projects
- National and international regulatory framework applicable to autonomous boats and marine electrical systems
- Certification requirements, approval, acceptance tests and technological validation
- Environmental Assessment of Electrical Systems by Analysis of Emissions, Noise, Waste and Life Cycle
- Management of technical, operational, legal and environmental risks during the development of autonomous projects
- Business models for intelligent maritime mobility, autonomous transport and associated digital services
- Economic planning, financing, schedules and resource management for maritime technological projects
- Construction of implementation strategies that integrate innovation, sustainability, security and economic viability
- IMO Mass Code and Emerging Regulatory Framework
08
Applied final project of autonomous vehicles and electric boats
- Definition of the case study corresponding to an electric, hybrid or autonomous boat for a specific application
- Diagnosis of the operational, energy, technological, environmental and regulatory requirements of the project
- System architecture design integrating propulsion, energy storage, sensors and controlling
- Preparation of the navigation plan, communications, energy management, maintenance and remote supervision
- Development of risk analysis, cybersecurity, sustainability and regulatory compliance of the proposed solution
- Drafting of the comprehensive technical report with specifications, schedule, budget, indicators and implementation strategy
- Technical and economic evaluation of the proposed solution
- Presentation and defence of the final project with technical, energy, operational, technological and environmental validation of the developed intelligent boat
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
Engineers and technicians seeking to specialize in the design, development, and maintenance of autonomous vehicles and electric vessels.Automotive and marine professionals interested in the transition to sustainable mobility and the electrification of transportation.Entrepreneurs and startups wishing to innovate in the autonomous vehicle and electric vessel market.Researchers and academics s
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
- 01Design and implement control systems for autonomous vehicles
- 02Integrate sensors and actuators for environmental perception and control
- 03Develop navigation and decision-making algorithms for autonomy
- 04Evaluate and optimize the energy performance of electric vehicles and boats
- 05Managing the safety and reliability of autonomous and electrical systems
- 06Adapting and applying legal and ethical regulations to autonomous and electric vehicles
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Design and Development Engineer: Creation of control, navigation, and propulsion systems for autonomous vehicles and electric vessels.
02Testing and Validation Specialist: Verification of the performance, safety, and reliability of autonomous vehicles and electric vessels.
03Maintenance and Repair Technician: Diagnosis and troubleshooting of electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems in autonomous vehicles and electric vessels.
04Autonomous and Electric Mobility Consultant: Advising companies and organizations on the implementation of autonomous and electrified transportation solutions.
05Algorithm Researcher and Developer: Creation of perception, planning, and control algorithms for autonomous vehicles and electric vessels.
06Systems Integrator: Combination of different components and technologies to create complete solutions for autonomous vehicles and electric vessels.
07Project Manager: Planning, coordination, and supervision of development and deployment projects for autonomous vehicles and electric vessels.
08Cybersecurity Specialist: Protecting autonomous vehicles and electric vessels against cyberattacks and vulnerabilities.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
The main difference lies in the operating environment: autonomous vehicles travel on land, while electric boats navigate on water. Although both can incorporate automation or autonomous technologies, their design, propulsion, and navigation systems differ significantly due to the characteristics of their respective environments.
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.
Yes, this diploma covers hardware and software aspects related to autonomous vehicles and electric boats.
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:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Engineering (Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, etc.), Physics, or a related field; Demonstrable professional experience in the automotive/naval sector, embedded systems, or robotics.Technical Knowledge:Fundamentals of programming (Python, C++), embedded systems, automatic control, electronics, and/or mechanics.Documentation: Updated CV, copy of degree (if applicable), ID/Passport, cover letter explaining interest in autonomous vehicles and electric vessels.Technical Requirements (for online): Computer with br
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