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
Introduction to Marine Electronics Course
This course provides you with the essential foundations for understanding and using onboard electronic systems. Learn to interpret schematics, diagnose common faults, and perform basic maintenance on equipment such as GPS, VHF…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts4 January
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Introduction to Marine Electronics Course?
The Introduction to Marine Electronics
This course provides you with the essential foundations for understanding and using onboard electronic systems. Learn to interpret schematics, diagnose common faults, and perform basic maintenance on equipment such as GPS, VHF radio, depth sounder, and autopilot. This course is ideal for boaters, vessel owners, and industry professionals looking to improve their technical knowledge and increase safety and efficiency at sea.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Approach: Exercises and simulations to apply the concepts learned.
- Comprehensive Coverage: From the basic principles of electricity to the most advanced electronic systems.
- Troubleshooting: Learn to identify and solve common problems in marine electronics.
- Preventive Maintenance: Extend the lifespan of your equipment and avoid costly breakdowns.
- Constant Updates: Content updated with the latest technologies and industry standards.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Essential Fundamentals: Master the basic principles of electronics applied to navigation.
- Navigation Systems: Learn about radar, GPS, depth sounders, and other key equipment.
- Diagnostics and Repair: Acquire practical skills to identify and troubleshoot common problems.
- Safety on Board: Understand the importance of the proper functioning of electronic systems for maritime safety.
- Preventive Maintenance: Implement strategies to extend the lifespan of your equipment and prevent unexpected failures.
- Increase your confidence and safety at sea with this practical and essential course.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of nautical electronics, shipped electrical systems and basic safety on board
- Concept of nautical electronics and differences versus domestic, industrial and automotive electronics
- Essential Electrical Principles: Voltage, Current, Resistance, Power, Polarity, Continuity and Consumption
- Peculiarities of the marine environment: humidity, salinity, vibration, corrosion, temperature and movement
- Basic systems on board: batteries, electrical panels, fuses, switches, sensors, pumps, lights and navigation equipment
- Electrical safety, short-circuit prevention, overload protection and responsible circuit handling
02
Components, tools and basic instrumentation for nautical electronic work
- Common components: cables, terminals, connectors, relays, fuses, circuit breakers, switches, diodes and regulators
- Basic Tools: Wire Stripper, Crimper, Welder, Multimeter, Probes, Tweezers, Heat Shrink and Mounting Tools
- Using the multimeter to measure voltage, continuity, resistance, polarity, consumption and basic battery status
- Types of nautical cabling, sections, colours, insulation, pipes and protection from the marine environment
- Watertight connectors, pressed terminals, splices, labelling and good installation practices
03
Batteries, power, charging and electrical distribution in small and recreational boats
- Battery types: Lead-acid, AGM, Gel, Lithium and basic selection criteria according to on-board use
- Charging Systems: Alternator, Port Charger, Solar Panels, Regulators, Inverters and DC-DC Converters
- Electrical distribution in direct current and alternating current in boats with basic services
- Fuses, protections, disconnectors, distribution bars and overload prevention
- Equipment consumption, electric autonomy, basic demand calculation and simple energy planning
04
Navigation electronics, sensors, communications and auxiliary equipment on board
- Basic Navigation Equipment: GPS, Plotter, Probe, Slide, Electronic Compass and Introductory Autopilot
- Nautical communications: VHF radio, antennas, AIS, emergency equipment and notions of safe installation
- On-board sensors: tank level, temperature, pressure, humidity, flood, smoke and battery status
- Indoor, outdoor, navigation, courtesy, anchoring and basic control by switches or relays
- Bilge Pumping Pumps, Fans, Alarms, USB Chargers, Auxiliary Sockets and Small Comfort Systems
05
Applied project of introduction to nautical electronics
- Case definition: recreational boat, sailboat, boat, catamaran or basic electronic system to improve
- Identification of electrical and electronic needs - power, navigation, lighting, pumps, sensors or communications
- Design of a basic scheme with batteries, protections, wiring, switches, equipment and points of consumption
- Selection of components, tools, connectors, cable sections and installation criteria in marine environment
- Diagnostic plan, preventive maintenance, electrical safety and technical documentation of the system
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
Recreational and competitive sailors who want to optimize their navigation with modern electronic tools.Marine professionals (mechanics, electricians, installers) who want to expand their knowledge of marine electronics to offer better service.Nautical students and electronics enthusiasts who want a solid foundation in the electronic systems used on boats.Boat owners interested in diagnosing
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
- 01Interpret and use the information provided by marine electronic equipment
- 02Diagnosing and troubleshooting basic problems in marine electronic systems
- 03Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on marine electronic equipment
- 04Install and configure marine electronic equipment correctly
- 05Understanding the basic principles of electronics applied to navigation
- 06Optimizing the use of marine electronics to improve safety and efficiency in navigation
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Technician in the installation and maintenance of marine electronic equipment: radars, depth sounders, GPS, autopilots, communication systems.
02Onboard Electronics Technician: responsible for the correct operation and repair of electronic navigation and communication systems.
03Technical Advisor in Nautical Companies: providing support and consulting to clients on the selection, installation, and use of electronic equipment.
04Specialized Salesperson in Marine Electronics: advising on and selling electronic equipment in marine stores and distributors.
05Support Technician in Marine Equipment Manufacturers: providing technical assistance to clients and distributors on the use and operation of their products.
06Technical Inspector of Marine Electronic Equipment: verifying compliance with regulations and safety standards in the installation and operation of equipment.
07Teacher/Instructor in marine electronics courses: training professionals and enthusiasts in the use and maintenance of marine electronic equipment.
08Technician at coastal stations: Maintenance and operation of communication and navigation equipment at maritime control stations.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Improve navigation safety and efficiency.
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.
The operating environment: marine electronics must withstand adverse marine conditions such as humidity, salinity, vibrations, and an often unstable power supply, unlike terrestrial electronics.
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:Basic knowledge of electricity and electronics; or practical experience in the nautical sector.Prior Knowledge:Familiarity with basic nautical terminology (desirable).Documentation:CV (optional), ID/Passport.Technical Requirements (for online):Computer with an updated web browser.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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