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 Floating Ports and Modular Pontoons
The Diploma in Floating Ports and Modular Pontoons Prepares you to design, specify and manage floating ports and modular pontoons, from marina berths to industrial pontoons and floating terminals. You will study the stability and
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts16 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Floating Ports and Modular Pontoons?
The Diploma in Floating Ports and Modular Pontoons
Prepares you to design, specify and manage floating ports and modular pontoons, from marina berths to industrial pontoons and floating terminals. You will study the stability and wave response of floating structures, mooring and guide pile systems, gangways and connections, materials and modularity, and their role as a flexible solution that can adapt to sea level rise.
Key advantages
- Flexible solutions: Infrastructure that can be extended, reconfigured and relocated.
- Technical grounding: Buoyancy, stability, waves and moorings explained in an applied way.
- A range of uses: Marinas, fishing, ferries, industry and logistics.
- Climate adaptation: Structures that rise and fall with the water level.
- Case study: Concept design of a real floating pontoon.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Programme highlights
- Master flotation: Apply principles of buoyancy and stability.
- Design moorings: Choose suitable guide piles, chains and anchors.
- Specify modules: Compare concrete, steel, aluminium and polymers.
- Plan operations: Manage installation, inspection and maintenance.
- Boost your career: Open doors to manufacturers, marinas, port authorities and engineering firms.
- Train to design port infrastructure that moves with the sea.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Floating Port Structures: Types and Uses
- The evolution of floating pontoons
- Marina pontoons
- Industrial and service pontoons
- Floating breakwaters
- Floating ferry and cruise terminals
- Multi-purpose floating platforms
- Advantages over fixed quays
- Limitations and operating conditions
02
Hydrostatics and Stability
- The principle of buoyancy
- Displacement and freeboard
- Centre of gravity and centre of buoyancy
- Initial stability
- Stability under variable loads
- Compartmentation and reserve buoyancy
- Live loads and wind loads
- Worked calculation for a module
03
Wave Response
- Waves in basins and sheltered waters
- Motions of floating bodies
- Resonance
- Wave attenuation with floating breakwaters
- Loads on module connections
- User comfort and safety
- Testing and modelling
- Operability criteria
04
Moorings and Guide Systems
- Guide piles
- Chain moorings
- Elastic moorings
- Anchors and clump weights
- Tidal and water level variation
- Vessel mooring loads
- Mooring design
- Mooring inspection
05
Materials, Modules and Connections
- Floating concrete modules
- Steel structures
- Aluminium and timber
- Polyethylene floats
- Connections and hinges
- Fenders and cleats
- Durability in the marine environment
- Selection criteria
06
Gangways, Services and Accessibility
- Access gangways
- Gradients and accessibility
- Water and electrical services
- Lighting and security
- Fire protection
- Waste and wastewater collection
- Charging for electric boats
- Signage and public use
07
Installation, Operation and Adaptation
- Module fabrication and transport
- Assembly and installation
- Periodic inspection
- Preventive maintenance
- Module repair and replacement
- Reconfiguration and extension
- Adapting to sea level rise
- Dismantling and reuse
08
Case Study: Concept Design of a Floating Pontoon
- Defining needs and uses
- Site conditions
- Choice of type
- Sizing the modules
- Stability check
- Mooring system design
- Services and access
- Technical report
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
Civil, naval and mechanical engineers: who want to specialise in floating structures Marina managers and technical staff: planning extensions or refurbishments Port authority engineers: looking for flexible solutions Pontoon and marina equipment manufacturers: who want to strengthen their technical knowledge Waterfront architects and planners: interested in floating structures
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
- 01Know the types
- 02Apply hydrostatics
- 03Analyse wave response
- 04Design mooring systems
- 05Select materials and modules
- 06Manage the life cycle
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Floating structures engineer: Designing pontoons and floating terminals.
02Marina technical manager: Planning and managing marina infrastructure.
03Manufacturer technical sales engineer: Technical advice for clients.
04Installation manager: Assembly and commissioning of floating pontoons.
05Port maintenance engineer: Inspection and upkeep of structures.
06Port infrastructure consultant: Options studies for ports and harbours.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Yes. It covers marina pontoons, industrial pontoons and floating passenger terminals.
Yes, in a practical way: buoyancy, freeboard and initial stability of modules.
They follow changes in water level, can be extended or relocated and usually need less work on the seabed.
No. It is a specialist qualification and does not replace the accredited degrees or chartered status required for that responsibility.
The concept design of a floating pontoon for a real site, including stability and moorings.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 800 hours of study. You can work at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by our admissions team when you enquire.
On completing the programme you receive the Diploma in Floating Ports and Modular Pontoons qualification awarded by Navalis Magna Institute.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Entry profile: A degree in civil, naval or mechanical engineering, architecture or a related field; or professional experience in ports, marinas or marine construction. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.