Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
French course 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…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the French course 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.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- 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.
- Get ready to sail with confidence and communicate fluently in French!
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Boat anatomy and essential technical vocabulary
- Identification of the main parts of the hull: Bow (Bow), Stern (stern), Starboard (Starboard) and Port Side (Babor).
- Technical vocabulary about the deck and superstructure: Deck, Bridge, Galley, Cockpit and Cabin.
- Nomenclature of manoeuvreing and mooring elements: Anchor, Windlass, Cleats, Fenders and Mooring Lines.
- Description of propulsion and governance systems: Propeller, Rudder, Outboard Motor and Inboard Engine.
- Terminology on dimensions and openwork: Length Overall (LOA), Beam, Draft and Freeboard.
02
Communication for navigation and terminology of manoeuvres
- Use of the relative directions and points of the Rose of the Winds in English: Cardinal Points and Relative Bearings.
- Essential vocabulary for docking and undocking manoeuvres: To Moor, To Cast Off, To Heave Away and To Slack Away.
- Rudder and standard engine orders (Standard Marine Communication Phrases): Steady as She Goes, Hard-A-Starboard and Full Ahead.
- Basic terminology on the state of the sea and weather conditions: Swell, Tide, Current, Gale and Fog.
- Identification of visual signals and navigation marks in English: Buoys, Beacons, Lighthouses and Day Shapes.
03
VHF radio and safety standard protocols
- International phonetic alphabet (Alfa, Bravo, Charlie...) and standard numerical pronunciation in radio communications.
- Structure of emergency, emergency and safety calls: Mayday, Pan-Pan and Securité procedures.
- Standard phrases for the exchange of traffic information: Over, Out, Roger, Say Again and Confirm.
- Vocabulary related to geographic position and coordinate transmission in Latitude and Longitude format.
- Identification and reporting procedures: Use of the name of the boat, Call Sign and MMSI number.
04
Safety vocabulary, emergencies and rescue equipment
- Identification of the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) in English: Lifejackets, Immersion Suits and Harnesses.
- Terminology on collective salvage devices: Liferafts, Lifeboats and Emergency Beacons (EPIRB).
- Vocabulary for fire fighting on board: Fire Extinguisher, Hose, Hydrant and Smoke Detector.
- Emergency phrases for critical situations: man overboard, abandon ship, fire on board and i am sinking.
- Description of basic first aid procedures in English: Seasickness, Hypothermia, Burns and Bleeding.
05
Nautical documentation, checklists and technical reports
- Vocabulary for the completion of the navigation journal (logbook) and maintenance logs.
- Reading and interpretation of notices to sailors and English weather forecasts.
- Terminology for checklist review (checklists) before departure to open sea.
- Drafting of reports of damages or inventories of supplies (Inventory List and Damage Report).
- Identification of legal documents of the boat: Registration, Insurance Policy and Skipper License.
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 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
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 touri
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
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Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Communicating effectively in maritime emergency situations
- 02Understand and use essential French maritime terminology
- 03Interpret and follow meteorological and navigational instructions in French
- 04Interact with port authorities and service personnel in French
- 05Understanding and responding to maritime safety notices transmitted in French
- 06Understanding navigation equipment manuals and technical documentation in French
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Bridge Officer / Watch Officer on vessels operating in French-speaking waters, facilitating communication and regulatory compliance.
02Captain on international routes with French-speaking maritime traffic, improving crew management and interaction with port authorities.
03Pilot in French-speaking ports: facilitating communication with captains and crews, ensuring safety during maneuvers.
04VTS / Maritime Authorities in French-speaking areas: improving communication with vessels, optimizing protocols, and managing emergencies.
05Operations (shipowners/consignees) with interests in French-speaking countries: optimizing logistics, negotiating, and managing contracts.
06HSEQ/Vetting: audits and inspections on vessels and at terminals with a French-speaking crew, ensuring compliance with standards.
07Training and simulation: instructor in navigation and maritime communication courses in French.
08Surveyors/maritime insurance: expert assessment and investigation of maritime incidents in French-speaking environments, facilitating communication and obtaining relevant information.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
French
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.
French
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:Interest in the maritime sector (navigation, fishing, transport, etc.); orexperience in nautical activities (sports or professional).Language Proficiency:No prior level of French is required; A basic knowledge of nautical vocabulary in any language is recommended.Documentation:Completed registration form, copy of ID/Passport (optional).Technical requirements (for online, if applicable):Device with internet access for materials and virtual classes (computer, tablet, or smartphone).```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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