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
Course on tides and waves
courseThis course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of tidal and wave dynamics, two of the most influential natural phenomena in coastal areas. You will learn to predict tides using analytical and numerical…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course on tides and waves?
The Tides and Waves: Prediction, Impact, and Coastal Management
course
This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of tidal and wave dynamics, two of the most influential natural phenomena in coastal areas. You will learn to predict tides using analytical and numerical methods, to analyze wave characteristics (height, period, direction), and to assess their impact on coastal structures, erosion, and sediment transport. This course is designed for professionals in engineering, oceanography, coastal management, and students interested in coastal dynamics.
Differential Advantages
- Predictive Modeling: Use of specialized software for tide prediction and wave simulation.
- Data Analysis: Interpretation of oceanographic and meteorological data for coastal management.
- Mitigation Strategies: Development of solutions to minimize the impact of waves on infrastructure.
- Case Studies: Analysis of real-world examples of coastal erosion and solutions implemented globally.
- Flexibility: Online format with access to interactive learning materials and discussion forums.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Understand Ocean Dynamics: Master key tidal and swell concepts for safe and efficient navigation.
- Prediction and Analysis: Learn to interpret models and forecasts to anticipate ocean behavior.
- Impact on Maritime Operations: Discover how tides and swell influence route planning, berthing, and maneuvering.
- Case Studies: Analyze real-world situations and develop decision-making skills in challenging maritime environments.
- Tools and Resources: Familiarize yourself with the latest technologies and information sources for effective risk management.
- Apply your knowledge to optimize your voyages and ensure navigational safety.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Physical fundamentals of marine dynamics: generation, propagation and behaviour of tides and waves in coastal and oceanic environments
- Physical principles of the marine environment: gravity, density, pressure, astronomical and atmospheric forcing applied to surface dynamics
- Tides Fundamentals: Gravitational Attraction, Lunar and Solar Effects, Periodicity and Oceanic Global and Regional Response
- Wave Fundamentals: Wind Generation, Energy Transfer, Fetch, Wind Sea Duration and Growth
- Differences between sea of wind and sea of background: origin, spectral behaviour and relevance for navigation and coast
- Essential descriptive variables: height, period, wavelength, speed, phase and direction of propagation
02
Astronomical and meteorological tides: harmonic analysis, water levels and operational applications in navigation and coast
- Typologies of tide: semi-diurnal, daytime, mixed and regional particularities in different coastal domains
- Harmonic constituents of the tide: physical interpretation, harmonic analysis and prediction of water levels
- Meteorological tides and emerges: Effect of wind, atmospheric pressure and extreme events above sea level
- Interaction between astronomical tide and meteorological forcing: overlay, amplification and operational risks
- Tidal measurement and recording: tide gauges, pressure sensors, time series and data quality control
03
Waves: Spectral characterisation, transformation near the coast and effects on navigation, maritime and coastal works
- Statistical and spectral description of the waves: significant height, characteristic periods, energy and spectra
- Propagation of waves in deep and intermediate waters: dispersion, grouping and transport of energy
- Transformation of the waves to the coast: refraction, diffraction, shoaling, reflection and breakage
- Wave interaction with structures and boats: loads, induced movements, comfort and operational safety
- Extreme surge and sea temps: severe events, return periods and design and operation criteria
04
Instrumentation, observation and surge measurement techniques for monitoring, prediction and operational control
- Instrumentation for sea level measurement: tide gauges, surface radar, submerged pressure and coastal stations
- Instrumentation for wave measurement: buoys, ADCP, wave radars, inertial sensors and multi-parametric platforms
- Design of Observation Campaigns: Site, Duration, Representativeness and Monitoring Objectives
- Meteo-Oceanographic Data Processing and Debugging: Filtering, Validation, Outliers Detection and Time Consistency
- Integration of observed data with predictive models: calibration, validation and improvement of operational forecasts
05
CapStone Project for tide and swell operational analysis, prediction and application in a real or simulated case
- Definition of the case study: maritime or coastal zone, operational problems, technical objectives and variables of interest
- Information collection and organisation Base: tide series, wave data, bathymetry and weather conditions
- Analysis of the tidal regimen and the swell climate: dominant patterns, extremes, seasonality and associated risks
- Preparation of an applied diagnosis: Implications for navigation, port operation, coast or maritime infrastructure
- Development of a technical proposal for prediction or management: operating windows, mitigation measures or design criteria
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 sport boaters looking to optimize their voyages, understand coastal dynamics, and navigate more safely.Professional and sport fishermen interested in maximizing their catches, understanding marine life cycles influenced by tides, and planning effective fishing trips.Surfers and water sports enthusiasts who want to predict optimal conditions, understand wave formation, and impr
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
- 01Interpreting coastal dynamics
- 02Forecasting and mitigating coastal risks
- 03Optimize maritime navigation
- 04Adapting infrastructure to marine variability
- 05Managing sustainable coastal resources
- 06Modeling the atmosphere-ocean interaction
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Marine Renewable Energy Technician: harnessing the energy of waves and tides.
02Coastal Engineer: designing and constructing infrastructure resilient to climate change and marine dynamics.
03Physical Oceanographer: modeling and predicting wave patterns and ocean currents for various applications.
04Environmental Consultant: assessing the impact of coastal and marine projects on the natural environment.
05Research Scientist: studying ocean dynamics and their influence on climate and ecosystems.
06Marine Resource Manager: planning and sustainable management of coastal areas and natural resources.
07Coastal Risk Analyst: assessing the vulnerability of coastal areas to extreme events and sea-level rise.
08Marine weather forecasting expert: preparing wave and current forecasts for navigation and maritime activities.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Tides are caused by the gravitational attraction of the sun and the moon, while waves are caused by the wind.
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.
Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon, while waves are caused by the wind.
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 physics and mathematics; or experience in activities related to the sea (navigation, fishing, research).Recommended Prior Knowledge:Familiarity with coastal geography and marine weather phenomena.Documentation:Completed registration form, proof of studies or related experience (optional).Specific Requirements:Interest in the study of ocean dynamics and their impact on coasts.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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