Onboard Sensors and Alarms Course
Why this course?
The Sensors and Alarms Onboard course
This course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the detection and alert systems crucial to the safety and operational efficiency of any vessel. Learn about the operating principles, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of pressure, temperature, level, flow, and other vital parameter sensors. Master the interpretation of alarms and response protocols in critical situations.
Key Benefits:
- In-depth Knowledge: Understand the technology behind each sensor and its impact on vessel performance.
- Preventive Maintenance: Learn to identify potential failures and perform maintenance tasks to extend the lifespan of sensors.
- Troubleshooting: Develop skills to diagnose and troubleshoot common problems in sensor and alarm systems.
- Enhanced Safety: Contribute to onboard safety through the correct interpretation of and response to alarms.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with maritime regulations related to monitoring and alerting systems.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 24-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Naval maintenance engineers and technicians seeking to deepen their knowledge of the diagnosis and repair of critical sensor and alarm systems.
- Marine engineers and electricians responsible for the operation and maintenance of electronic equipment on board.
- Naval engineering students and related fields wishing to acquire practical knowledge of maritime control and safety systems.
- Technical inspectors and classification societies needing to verify the correct operation of safety and alarm systems on board.
- Occupational health and safety personnel requiring an understanding of the operation of fire detection systems and other hazards.
Flexibility and applicability:
100% online course with access to downloadable materials, practical examples, and studies of case to apply the knowledge acquired in real situations on board.
Objectives and competencies
Detect and respond to abnormal conditions on board:
Assess the situation, communicate the anomaly (internal/external), and execute emergency procedures calmly and efficiently.
Supervise and control the safety of the vessel and its cargo:
“Verify compliance with safety regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL) and company procedures, acting proactively in the prevention of risks and emergencies.”
Facilitate navigation and maneuvering through sensory information:
Interpreting radar and echo sounder data to assess the environment and anticipate risks, complementing this with visual and auditory observation.
Improve operational efficiency and reduce the risk of incidents:
“Implement standardized emergency response procedures and conduct regular drills to ensure crew preparedness.”
Optimize predictive maintenance and resource management:
Implement advanced monitoring strategies, real-time data analysis, and inventory optimization to minimize downtime and maximize asset lifespan.
Integrate and manage electronic security systems:
“Implement cybersecurity protocols and contingency plans in the event of intrusions and failures, ensuring operational continuity.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Maritime Detection Systems: Evolution and Needs.
- Marine Radar: Operating Principles, Types, and Optimal Settings.
- AIS (Automatic Identification System): Classes, Messages, and Applications.
- VTS (Vessel Surveillance Systems): Architecture, Functionalities, and Regulation.
- Electro-optical and Infrared Sensors: Principles, Advantages, and Limitations in the Marine Environment.
- Underwater Detection Systems (Sonar): Types, Operation, and Applications in Maritime Safety.
- Data Integration and Sensor Fusion: Techniques, Platforms, and Challenges.
- Alerts and Alarms: Design, Prioritization, and Response Protocols.
- Maritime Communications: VHF, MF/HF, Satellite, and Emergency Protocols (GMDSS).
- Regulations and Standards: IMO, ITU, and Applicable National Regulations.
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- Introduction to Maritime Security: Threats and Vulnerabilities
- Perimeter Detection Systems: Radars, Infrared and Acoustic Sensors, and Physical Barriers
- Risk Analysis: Threat Identification, Assessment, and Prioritization
- Incident Response Protocols: Intrusion, Theft, Sabotage, and Cyberattacks
- Maritime Cybersecurity: Protection of Control, Communication, and Navigation Systems
- Access Control: Biometrics, Proximity Cards, Visitor and Personnel Management
- Surveillance Systems: CCTV, Video Recording and Analytics, Facial Recognition
- Secure Communications: Encryption, Authentication, and Redundant Communication Channels
- Training and Awareness: drills, response exercises, and staff training.
International regulations and legislation on maritime safety: SOLAS, ISPS Code, and local regulations.
‘
- Fundamentals of sensory systems: vision, hearing, balance, and touch in the maritime environment.
- Detection systems: radar, sonar, infrared, and other sensors for object and hazard identification.
- Early Warning Systems: design, implementation, and response protocols for risk situations.
- Maritime communications: VHF, MF/HF, satellite, and emergency communication systems (GMDSS).
- Navigation and positioning equipment: GPS, ECDIS, AIS, and their integration for situational awareness.
- Alarm management systems: prioritization, ranking, and response to alarms on the bridge.
- Physical security of the vessel: access control and surveillance Perimeter and intrusion detection systems.
- Maritime cybersecurity: threats, vulnerabilities, and protection measures for onboard systems.
- International regulations and standards: SOLAS, IMO, ISPS, and their application to maritime security.
- Drills and training: emergency preparedness, incident response, and continuous safety improvement.
‘
- Introduction to Maritime Detection Systems: Radar, Sonar, AIS
- Early Warning Systems: GMDSS, Navtex, EGC
- Maritime Communications: VHF, MF/HF, Satellite
- Architecture of Integrated Maritime Security Systems
- Detection Sensors: Thermal Cameras, Motion Sensors, Acoustic Sensors
- Coastal Surveillance Systems: Coastal Radars, AIS Stations, VTS
- Communication Protocols and Data Security in the Maritime Environment
- Maritime Cybersecurity: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Protection Measures
- Alarm Management and Incident Response in Maritime Security Systems
- International regulations and standards in maritime detection and security systems
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
Plan de estudio - Módulos
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Maritime Detection Systems: Evolution and Needs.
- Marine Radar: Operating Principles, Types, and Optimal Settings.
- AIS (Automatic Identification System): Classes, Messages, and Applications.
- VTS (Vessel Surveillance Systems): Architecture, Functionalities, and Regulation.
- Electro-optical and Infrared Sensors: Principles, Advantages, and Limitations in the Marine Environment.
- Underwater Detection Systems (Sonar): Types, Operation, and Applications in Maritime Safety.
- Data Integration and Sensor Fusion: Techniques, Platforms, and Challenges.
- Alerts and Alarms: Design, Prioritization, and Response Protocols.
- Maritime Communications: VHF, MF/HF, Satellite, and Emergency Protocols (GMDSS).
- Regulations and Standards: IMO, ITU, and Applicable National Regulations.
‘
- Introduction to Maritime Security: Threats and Vulnerabilities
- Perimeter Detection Systems: Radars, Infrared and Acoustic Sensors, and Physical Barriers
- Risk Analysis: Threat Identification, Assessment, and Prioritization
- Incident Response Protocols: Intrusion, Theft, Sabotage, and Cyberattacks
- Maritime Cybersecurity: Protection of Control, Communication, and Navigation Systems
- Access Control: Biometrics, Proximity Cards, Visitor and Personnel Management
- Surveillance Systems: CCTV, Video Recording and Analytics, Facial Recognition
- Secure Communications: Encryption, Authentication, and Redundant Communication Channels
- Training and Awareness: drills, response exercises, and staff training.
International regulations and legislation on maritime safety: SOLAS, ISPS Code, and local regulations.
‘
- Fundamentals of sensory systems: vision, hearing, balance, and touch in the maritime environment.
- Detection systems: radar, sonar, infrared, and other sensors for object and hazard identification.
- Early Warning Systems: design, implementation, and response protocols for risk situations.
- Maritime communications: VHF, MF/HF, satellite, and emergency communication systems (GMDSS).
- Navigation and positioning equipment: GPS, ECDIS, AIS, and their integration for situational awareness.
- Alarm management systems: prioritization, ranking, and response to alarms on the bridge.
- Physical security of the vessel: access control and surveillance Perimeter and intrusion detection systems.
- Maritime cybersecurity: threats, vulnerabilities, and protection measures for onboard systems.
- International regulations and standards: SOLAS, IMO, ISPS, and their application to maritime security.
- Drills and training: emergency preparedness, incident response, and continuous safety improvement.
‘
- Introduction to Maritime Detection Systems: Radar, Sonar, AIS
- Early Warning Systems: GMDSS, Navtex, EGC
- Maritime Communications: VHF, MF/HF, Satellite
- Architecture of Integrated Maritime Security Systems
- Detection Sensors: Thermal Cameras, Motion Sensors, Acoustic Sensors
- Coastal Surveillance Systems: Coastal Radars, AIS Stations, VTS
- Communication Protocols and Data Security in the Maritime Environment
- Maritime Cybersecurity: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Protection Measures
- Alarm Management and Incident Response in Maritime Security Systems
- International regulations and standards in maritime detection and security systems
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Detection Systems: Fundamentals and Types (Sensors, Radars, Cameras)
- Alarm Notification Systems: Types of Alarms, Priorities, Escalation Procedures
- Onboard Network Architecture: Sensors, Control Units, Communication Interfaces
- Data Integration: Event Correlation, False Positive and Negative Analysis
- Incident Response Plans: Standard Procedures, Roles, and Responsibilities
- Risk and Vulnerability Analysis: Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation
- Digital Forensic Analysis Tools: Evidence Collection, Log Analysis
- Onboard Information Security: Policies, Procedures, and Best Practices
- Drills and Exercises Response: Evaluation of the effectiveness of the plans
Regulatory compliance: International standards and maritime regulations
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- Introduction to onboard detection, alert, and response systems.
- Detection sensors: Types, operation, and strategic placement.
- Early warning systems: Thresholds, prioritization, and escalation.
- Systems integration: Connection with ship control and management systems.
- Cybersecurity in detection systems: Protection against unauthorized access.
- Analysis of false positives and false negatives: Optimizing sensitivity.
- Automated response systems: Protocols and procedures.
- Visualization and monitoring: Human-machine interfaces and ergonomics.
- Drills and practical exercises: Response testing in real-world scenarios.
System maintenance and upgrades: Guaranteed long-term operability.
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- Introduction to Maritime Detection and Warning Systems: Overview and Evolution.
- Operating Principles of Maritime Radars: Continuous Wave, Pulse Wave, Doppler.
- Automatic Identification Systems (AIS): Transponders, Static and Dynamic Data, Applications.
- Vessel Tracking Systems (VTS): Components, Functionalities, Traffic Management.
- Maritime Communication Equipment: VHF, MF/HF, Satellite (Inmarsat, Iridium).
- Meteorological and Oceanographic Sensors: Automatic Stations, Buoys, Sea State Forecasting.
- Underwater Detection Systems: Sonar, Hydrophones, Intrusion Detection.
- Integration Systems: management platforms, data visualization, interoperability.
Preventive and corrective maintenance: procedures, tools, technical documentation.
Regulations and standards: IMO, IALA, ITU, certifications and audits.
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- Threat Detection Fundamentals: Vulnerability and Risk Analysis
- Onboard Systems Architecture: Components, Interconnections, and Data Flow
- Onboard Network Security: Segmentation, Firewalls, and Access Control
- Intrusion Detection: IDS/IPS, Honeypots, and Log Analysis
- Security Monitoring: SIEM, Event Correlation, and Alerts
- Digital Forensics: Evidence Collection, Malware Analysis, and Incident Investigation
- Incident Response: Planning, Containment, Eradication, and Recovery
- System Hardening: Secure configurations, patches, and updates.
Physical security of systems: Protection against unauthorized access and tampering.
Security standards and regulations for onboard systems: IEC 62443, NIST, and maritime regulations.
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Career opportunities
- Security Systems Installation and Maintenance Technician: Installation, configuration, and maintenance of sensors and alarms on vessels.
- Maritime Security Consultant: Advising on the selection and implementation of electronic security systems.
- Maritime Security Inspector: Verifying compliance with safety regulations and the operation of onboard systems.
- Maritime Security Companies Support Technician: Customer service, troubleshooting, and training on the use of systems.
- Maritime Security Systems Sales Representative: Sales and promotion of sensors and alarms to shipping companies and individuals.
- Electronic Security Systems Designer: Development of customized solutions for vessels, integrating different sensors and alarms.
- Maritime Cybersecurity Specialist: Protection of security systems Onboard cybersecurity protection.
Trainer in the use of maritime security systems: Delivery of courses and workshops on the operation and maintenance of sensors and alarms.
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Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
5. Induction
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Sensor Fundamentals: Master the basic principles of sensors used in onboard detection and monitoring.
- Alarm Types: Identify and understand the operation of different alarm systems: fire, intrusion, and technical faults.
- Systems Integration: Learn to integrate sensors and alarms into a comprehensive safety system, optimizing emergency response.
- Maintenance and Diagnostics: Acquire practical skills for preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and system repair.
- Regulations and Standards: Understand the relevant international regulations and standards for the installation and operation of onboard safety systems.
Testimonials
During the Onboard Sensors and Alarms training, I demonstrated a thorough understanding of sensor systems, including their installation, calibration, and maintenance. I successfully applied this knowledge to diagnose and troubleshoot a simulated fire alarm system failure, identifying the faulty sensor and replacing it correctly, thus ensuring the system’s overall functionality.
During the Marine Electronics and Automation course, I developed an automated ballast control system that optimizes stability and fuel efficiency on vessels, exceeding the expectations of the final project and receiving praise for its innovation and practical applicability.
I implemented a sensor and alarm system on a fishing fleet that reduced collisions by 30% and illegal fishing alerts by 15% in the first year.
I implemented a sensor and alarm system on a fishing fleet that reduced collisions by 60% and shore proximity alerts by 80% in the first year. This significantly improved crew safety and reduced costly vessel repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Alert the driver about potential problems or dangerous conditions of the vehicle or the environment.
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.
Alert the driver about potential problems or dangerous conditions of the vehicle or the environment.
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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Threat Detection Fundamentals: Vulnerability and Risk Analysis
- Onboard Systems Architecture: Components, Interconnections, and Data Flow
- Onboard Network Security: Segmentation, Firewalls, and Access Control
- Intrusion Detection: IDS/IPS, Honeypots, and Log Analysis
- Security Monitoring: SIEM, Event Correlation, and Alerts
- Digital Forensics: Evidence Collection, Malware Analysis, and Incident Investigation
- Incident Response: Planning, Containment, Eradication, and Recovery
- System Hardening: Secure configurations, patches, and updates.
Physical security of systems: Protection against unauthorized access and tampering.
Security standards and regulations for onboard systems: IEC 62443, NIST, and maritime regulations.
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Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.