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
Preventive maintenance course for boats
Is designed to optimize the lifespan and performance of your vessel, reducing long-term costs and ensuring safe navigation. You will learn everything from the maintenance fundamentals to specialized techniques for different…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Preventive maintenance course for boats?
The Vessel Preventive Maintenance Course is designed to optimize the lifespan and performance of your vessel, reducing long-term costs and ensuring safe navigation. You will learn everything from the maintenance fundamentals to specialized techniques for different systems and components. You will learn best practices for the inspection, lubrication, adjustment, and replacement of critical parts, ensuring the optimal operation of your vessel. This program will provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to perform proactive and efficient maintenance.
Differential Advantages
- Comprehensive Maintenance: engines, electrical systems, plumbing, hull, and structures.
- Diagnostic Techniques: early identification of potential problems and breakdowns.
- Planning and Management: development of customized maintenance programs.
- Safety and Compliance: standards and regulations for safe and responsible maintenance.
- Applied Practice: exercises and simulations to apply acquired knowledge.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Maintenance Fundamentals: Learn the basics of inspection, lubrication, and essential adjustments.
- Key Systems: Delve into the care of engines, electrical systems, plumbing, and hull.
- Preventive Planning: Create effective maintenance programs to avoid costly breakdowns.
- Troubleshooting: Develop skills to identify and troubleshoot common onboard problems.
- Safety and Best Practices: Ensure the safety of the vessel and its crew through proper maintenance.
- Keep your vessel in top condition and extend its lifespan with our preventive maintenance course!
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Naval Preventive Maintenance, RCM Philosophy and Organisation of the Onboard Maintenance Plan
- Concept and scope of preventive maintenance: Availability, reliability, safety and total cost goals
- RCM Approach and Criticality: Function Analysis, Failure Modes, Operational Consequences and Risk Prioritization
- Maintenance Master Plan: Frequencies, Routines by Hours/Cycles, Seasonality and Coordination with Boat Operation
- Technical documentation and traceability: manuals, equipment sheets, historical, technical log and version control
- Management of spare parts and consumables: minimum/maximum, obsolescence, compatibility, lubricants and supply logistics
02
Hull, Deck and Structure: Systematic Inspection, Corrosive Protection and Maintenance of Sealing
- Hull and Underwater Hull Inspection/Topsids: Cracks, Strikes, Osmosis, Encrustation and Preventive Intervention Criteria
- Anti-corrosion and paint systems - surface preparation, primers, antifouling, thicknesses and quality control
- Watertightness and waterways: seals, shells, valves, glands, bilges and functional tests
- Deck and Hardware: Winches, windlasses, cleats, cabulry, tensions and lubrication of critical components
- Deck safety elements: railings, lifelines, hatches, holders and closure verification
03
Propulsion and mechanical systems - preventive routines, lubrication, refrigeration and control of recurrent faults
- Main and auxiliary engine: periodic inspections, filters, belts, leaks, tightening and condition criteria
- Fuel system: decanting, filtration, purges, contamination, microbiology and prevention of stops by supply
- Lubrication system: oil types, basic analysis, intervals, contamination and prevention of premature wear
- Cooling and exhaust: pumps, exchangers, thermostats, internal corrosion, exhaust elbows and thermal control
- Transmission and axle line: alignment, couplings, horns, supports, vibrations and maintenance of Propeller
04
Electrical and electronic systems - batteries, distribution, critical charges and prevention of degradation failures
- Batteries and banks: types, actual capacity, cycles, tests, equalization, ventilation and prevention of sulfation
- Loading and generation: alternators, chargers, generators, regulation, protections and diagnosis of voltage drops
- Electrical panels and distribution: thermal, differentials, bars, connections, heating and maintenance by inspection
- Marine wiring and connectors: galvanic corrosion, IP tightness, revision routines and preventive replacement
- Electronics of navigation and communications: Functional verification, updates, backups, antennas and interference control
05
Comprehensive Preventive Programme and Final Project: Maintenance Plan, KPIs, Costs and Continuous Improvement
- Construction of the Annual Plan: Calendar by Systems, Periodicities, Responsibles, Resources and Operating Windows
- Operational templates and checklists: Daily/Weekly/Monthly Inspection, Acceptance Criteria and Closing Tasks
- Maintenance KPIs: Availability, MTBF/MTTR, plan compliance, recidivism and cost per hour of operation
- Budget and cost of life cycle: spare parts, consumables, labour, dry-docking and TCO optimisation
- Document management and auditing: evidence, non-conformities, change control and traceability before inspections
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
Owners of recreational and fishing vessels who wish to maximize the useful life of their vessel and reduce repair costs.Captains and skippers who seek to deepen their technical knowledge of onboard systems and perform basic maintenance.Marine mechanics and nautical students who want to specialize in preventive maintenance and acquire practical skills.Boat charter companies that need to stand
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
- 01Ensure the continuous operation of the vessel
- 02Extending the useful life of components and systems
- 03Minimize the risks of unexpected failures
- 04Optimize vessel performance and efficiency
- 05Comply with safety and environmental regulations
- 06Reducing operating costs through prevention
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Boat Maintenance Technician: Performing preventive and corrective maintenance on engines, electrical systems, plumbing, and other boat components.
02Marine Mechanic: Diagnosing and repairing faults in marine engines and related equipment.
03Marine Electrician: Installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical and electronic systems on boats.
04Boat Painter: Preparing surfaces and applying paints and protective coatings to boats.
05Shipwright: Building, repairing, and maintaining wooden structures on boats.
06Maintenance Manager at Marinas and Yacht Clubs: Managing and coordinating maintenance tasks for boats and facilities.
07Boat Technical Inspector: Performing inspections Technical inspections to verify compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
08Seller of nautical equipment and spare parts: Advice and sale of equipment, spare parts, and products for vessel maintenance.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
To prevent or reduce failures and breakdowns in the vessel, prolonging its useful life and ensuring navigational safety.
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.
To avoid or minimize failures and breakdowns, prolonging the useful life of the vessel and guaranteeing its safety and operability.
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:Vocational Training (Intermediate or Advanced Level) in Vehicle Maintenance (boat option), Mechatronics, or similar; or demonstrable professional experience in boat repair and maintenance.Technical Knowledge:Basic knowledge of marine mechanics, electricity, electronics, hydraulics, and materials used in boat construction. Desirable training in welding, painting, and fiberglass.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of qualifications (if applicable), certificates of relevant courses (if applicable), ID/Passport.Skills:Ability to diagnose faults,
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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