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 Marine Diesel and Electric Engines
This program provides you with comprehensive and practical knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of modern marine propulsion systems. Master the principles of thermodynamics, combustion, and lubrication, as well as…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Marine Diesel and Electric Engines?
The Diploma in Marine Diesel and Electric Engines
This program provides you with comprehensive and practical knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of modern marine propulsion systems. Master the principles of thermodynamics, combustion, and lubrication, as well as emerging technologies in electric motors and hybrid systems. This program will prepare you to meet the challenges of today's maritime industry, optimizing vessel performance and efficiency.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Approach: Real-world case studies, failure simulation, and performance analysis.
- Industry Experts: Instructors with extensive experience in the maritime sector.
- Innovative Technologies: Exploration of electric, hybrid, and alternative propulsion systems.
- Predictive Maintenance: Implementation of strategies to optimize equipment lifespan.
- Professional Certification: Recognition of your skills and knowledge in the maritime field.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
27-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Master Marine Propulsion: Gain in-depth knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and diagnostics of essential diesel engines and electrical systems.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Learn about the latest innovations in energy efficiency, emissions control, and hybrid systems in the marine industry.
- Case Studies and Simulations: Apply your knowledge through real-world exercises and advanced simulations, preparing you for the challenges of the industry.
- Professional Certification: Earn a recognized diploma that will boost your career in vessel engineering and operations.
- Industry Experts: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in the marine industry, who will guide you in your development.
- Boost your professional future with specialized knowledge in marine engines.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Thermodynamics, power cycles and architecture of marine diesel engines
- Fundamental Principles of Applied Thermodynamics and Theoretical/Real Cycles (Diesel, Dual and Miller) in Marine Propulsion
- Architecture and classification of marine engines: main propulsion vs. Auxiliary, 2-stroke (one-way) and 4-stroke (semi fast and slow)
- Engine Kinematism: Piston, Cranksets, Crankshafts, Curb Bearings and Refrigerated Cylinder Shells
- Gas dynamics and supercharging: Variable geometry turbochargers (VGT), two-stage, cargo air coolers (intercoolers) and gas washing
- Electronic high pressure fuel injection: marine common rail systems, piezo injectors and high pressure pumps
- Management of marine fuels: heavy fuel oil (HFO), marine diesel (MGO), Blends VLSFO/ULSFO, purification, centrifuge and viscosimetry
- Combustion Monitoring: Crankshaft-Angle Diagrams ($P-\theta$), Maximum Pressure Measurement ($max}) and Cylinder Balance
- Main components of the diesel engine
02
Marine emissions, decarbonisation and alternative fuels
- International Environmental Regulatory Framework: Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention (IMO), Emission Control Zones (ECA/SECA) and EEX/CII Regulations
- $NO_X$ Emission Reduction Technologies: Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Marine Exhaust Recirculation (EGR)
- $SO_X$ Reduction Technologies and Particulate Material: Exhaust Gas Washers (open, closed, and hybrid scrubbers)
- Dual-fuel marine engines (dual-fuel): Liquefied natural gas (LNG) combustion and integrated Otto/Diesel cycle
- Future decarbonisation vectors: Adaptation of engines for combustion of green methanol, ammonia ($NH_3) and hydrogen
- Operational Energy Efficiency: Waste Heat Recovery Systems - WHRS and integrated steam/gas turbines
- On-board energy audits, ship energy efficiency management plans (SEEMP) and on-board carbon capture (OCCS)
- Exhaust gas treatment systems
03
Fundamentals of marine electric propulsion and electrical machines
- Integrated Electric Propulsion Systems (IFEP) Architecture: Operational Advantages, Redundancy and Partial Load Efficiency
- Marine electric generators: synchronous alternators, excitation systems, automatic voltage regulation (AVR) and parallelization
- Propulsion electric motors: induction motors (asynchronous), permanent magnet synchronous (PMM) and superconducting motors
- Energy quality in marine networks: harmonics, active/passive filters, power factor and frequency variations
- Frequency converters and speed drives (VFD): PWM, VSI, CSI and multi-level converters for medium voltage
- Marine insulation transformers and phase change for harmonic mitigation in the main network
- Regulations for classification companies (DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register) for high-voltage power plants on board (>1 kV)
- Synchronous and asynchronous motors
04
Hybridization, energy storage and grounding systems (Cold Ironing)
- Configuration of hybrid ships: serial, parallel and combined diesel-electric architectures (PTI/PTO/PTH)
- Electrical Energy Storage Systems (ESS): Lithium-ion marinated batteries (LFP, NMC), supercapacitors and flywheels
- On-board battery management and safety: Battery management systems (BMS), thermal packing containment (thermal runaway) and gas detection
- Integration of fuel cells (PEMFC / SOFC) in the electrical network of the ship for zero emission navigation in port
- Electrical connection of the ship to the ground (Cold Ironing / High Voltage Shore Connection - HVSC): IEC/IEEE 80005 standards, synchronisation and transfer without interruption
- On-board DC Grid Distribution Systems: Weight Reduction, Space and Optimisation of Diesel Engine Rating
- Peak Shaving Control Strategies, Spinning Reserve and Power Support through ESS
- Management of marine batteries
05
Mechanical transmission, advanced propellants and hydrodynamic control
- Marine gearboxes, hydraulic clutches, elastic couplings and axle lines - alignment and analysis of torsional vibration
- Thrust Bearings: Lubrication, Horn Seals (Stern Tube Seals) and Temperature Monitoring
- Fixed pitch (FPP) vs. Variable pitch propellants (CPP): Hydraulic pitch change and optimised operating curves
- Orientable propulsion systems: submerged electric pods (Azipod), diesel-mechanical azimuthal propellers and waterjets
- Transverse thrusters (Bow/Stern Thrusters) and Cycloidal propellers (Voith Schneider) for advanced manoeuvreability
- Propeller-Engine Interaction: Cavitation, Erosion, Water Radiated Noise (URN) and Thrust Improvement Devices (Kort Nozzles, Becker Fins)
- Maintenance and repair of the axle line in Boatyard: Measuring axle drops, draughts and dynamic rolling propellers
- Reducers and clutches
06
Automation, control networks and power management systems (PMS)
- Engine Room Automation: Class notations for machine spaces without permanent endowment (AUT-UMS / E0)
- Supervisory control systems and data acquisition (SCADA) and human-machine interface (HMI) in the machine console
- On-board industrial communication networks: Modbus, PROFIBUS, CANopen and industrial Ethernet with redundant ring topology
- Power Management System (PMS): Automatic start/stop of generators, load management and automatic deslastre (load shedding)
- Energy Management System (EMS) for real-time optimisation of hybrid plants
- Redundancy, fault tolerance, and Fault and Effect Testing (FMEA) in Dynamic Propulsion Control Systems (DP2/DP3)
- Marine Industrial Cybersecurity: Protection of OT Systems (Operational Technology) according to IMO directives and IACS UR E26/E27
- Load distribution and sync
07
Predictive maintenance, fault diagnosis and marine tribology
- Marine Tribology: Analysis of lubricating oils in the labouratory and on board (viscosity, TBN, insolubles, water content and wear metals)
- Vibration analysis in rotary machinery: accelerometres, FFT spectra, misalignment diagnosis, imbalance and bearing failure
- Infrared thermography and contact ultrasound for detecting hot spots on electrical panels and thermal insulation leaks
- Endoscopy and videoscopy for internal inspection of cylinders, valves, turbochargers and gears without disassembly
- Maintenance Strategies: Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) and Reliability-Centreed Maintenance (RCM)
- Marine digitization: digital twins (Digital Twins), machine learning (machine learning) for prediction of faults and remaining useful life (RUL)
- Management of spare parts, on-board inventory and planning of maintenance stops in Shipyard (dry-docking)
- Oil and vibration analysis
08
Industrial Safety, Operational Management and Capstone Propulsion Project
- Safety in the Engine Room: Fire Prevention and Extinguishing (Nebulized Water Systems, $CO_2$, Novec 1230) and Oil Fog Detection
- Risk Management in Fuel Operations (Bunkering): Transfer procedures, representative sampling and safety HAZMAT
- Operation of propulsion plants under international security codes (ISM code, STCW III/2 and III/3 for machine officers)
- Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCC), CAPEX and OPEX Assessment for the Conversion of Diesel Vessels to Electrical/Hybrid Technologies (Retrofit)
- Bilge water management, water and hydrocarbon separators (15 ppm) and discharge recorders (Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment - ODME)
- Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Port Testing (HAT) and Sea Testing (SAT) for Main Propulsion Plants
- Presentation of the Capstone Project
- Capstone Project: Conceptual and basic engineering for the selection, sizing, simulation of consumption/emissions and technical feasibility analysis of the propulsion plant (diesel, hybrid or 100% electric) of a commercial or specialised ship (Twist, ferry, off-shore support ship or freighter)
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
Naval Engineers and Technicians looking to deepen their knowledge of the maintenance and repair of marine diesel engines and electrical systems.Chief Engineers and Engineering Officers requiring updates on the latest technologies and industry regulations.Engineering and Vocational Training Students wishing to specialize in marine propulsion and onboard power generation.Shipyard and Naval Rep
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
- 01Diagnose and repair marine diesel and electric propulsion systems
- 02Optimizing the performance and efficiency of marine diesel and electric motors
- 03Manage the preventive and corrective maintenance of marine diesel and electric motors
- 04Comply with safety and environmental regulations in the handling of marine engines
- 05Monitor the operation and functioning of marine diesel and electric engines
- 06Coordinate and lead work teams in the field of marine engineering
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Ship Maintenance Technician: Diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of marine diesel engines and electrical systems.
02Onboard Engineer (Skills Development): Engine room management, performance optimization, and safety.
03Shipyard Technician: Ship repair and construction, specializing in propulsion systems.
04Marine Engine Inspector: Evaluation of the condition and regulatory compliance of engines on ships.
05Marine Equipment Salesperson/Distributor: Technical advice and sales of marine diesel and electric engines.
06Marine Services Company Technician: Repair and maintenance of engines on offshore platforms and other installations.
07Trainer/Instructor in Training Centers Marine Engineering: Instruction in the operation and maintenance of marine engines.
08Marine Engineering Technical Consultant: Advising on design, installation, and optimization projects for propulsion systems.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
The main difference lies in the energy source: diesel engines burn fuel to generate mechanical energy, while electric motors use electricity to create a magnetic field that drives their movement.
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 main difference lies in the energy source: diesel engines burn fuel to generate mechanical energy, while electric motors use electricity to produce movement.
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:Advanced Technician in Industrial Equipment Maintenance, Electromechanics, or similar; Demonstrable experience in the maintenance and operation of diesel and/or electric motors.Previous Knowledge:Basic knowledge of thermodynamics, electricity, mechanics, and control systems. Documentation: Updated CV, copy of degree (if applicable), work experience certificate (if applicable), ID/Passport, letter of interest. Additional Requirements (Recommended): Knowledge of maritime regulations and workplace safety.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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