Course on tides and waves
Why this course?
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.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 26-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- 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 improve their performance on the water.
- Oceanography, marine biology, and environmental science students who need a solid foundation in tidal and wave physics for their research.
- Coastal engineers and environmental consultants looking for tools for the design of port structures, the Erosion management and coastal risk assessment.
Learning flexibility
Adapted to your pace: 24/7 access to content, active discussion forums, and practical exercises to apply the knowledge you acquire.
Objectives and competencies
Interpreting coastal dynamics:
“Analyze the influence of tides, currents and waves on navigation, anticipating risks and optimizing routes.”
Forecasting and mitigating coastal risks:
“To assess the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure and propose adaptation measures based on climate change scenarios and extreme events.”
Optimize maritime navigation:
Integrate meteorological and oceanographic information to anticipate risks and proactively adjust the route.
Adapting infrastructure to marine variability:
Implement early warning systems and response protocols for extreme weather events, considering sea level rise and increased storm intensity.
Managing sustainable coastal resources:
“To know and apply the relevant maritime environmental legislation (national and international) to coastal management.”
Modeling the atmosphere-ocean interaction:
To understand and simulate the processes of heat, momentum, and gas transfer between the atmosphere and the ocean, including wave formation, currents, and CO2 exchange.
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 Ocean Dynamics: Basic Concepts and Temporal and Spatial Scales.
- Equations of Motion: Navier-Stokes, Coriolis, Hydrostatic Approximation.
- General Ocean Circulation: Surface and Deep Currents, Ocean Gyres.
- Winds and Waves: Wave Generation, Wave Spectrum, Significant Wave Height.
- Tides: Tidal Forces, Resonance, Tidal Prediction.
- Numerical Ocean Modeling: Types of Models, Resolution, Numerical Schemes.
- Data Assimilation: Assimilation Techniques, In-Situ and Satellite Observations.
- Ocean Forecasting: Forecasting Currents, Waves, and Sea Surface Temperature.
- Applications to maritime safety: optimal routes, search and rescue, pollution.
- Climate variability and climate change: impact on ocean dynamics and sea level.
‘
- Introduction to Ocean Dynamics: Time and Space Scales, Forcings
- Fundamental Equations: Navier-Stokes, Thermodynamics, State of Seawater
- General Ocean Circulation: Surface and Deep Currents, Ocean Gyres
- Winds and Their Influence: Ekman, Upwelling, Swelling, Gravity Waves
- Numerical Modeling: Finite Difference, Finite Element, Finite Volumes
- Ocean Circulation Models: Characteristics, Strengths, and Weaknesses
- Ocean Waves: Types, Characteristics, Generation, and Propagation
- Tides: Generating Forces, Resonance, Prediction Models
- Climate Variability: ENSO, AMO, PDO, and Their Impact on Dynamics Oceanic
- Applications: prediction of currents, waves, water quality and weather
‘
- Introduction to marine dynamics: basic concepts and temporal/spatial scales.
- Tidal theory: generating forces, harmonic components, and tidal prediction.
- Wave analysis: wave spectrum, significant wave height, period, and direction.
- Sediment transport processes: erosion, transport, and sedimentation.
- Numerical modeling: introduction to hydrodynamic and wave models.
- Wave-structure interaction: forces on coastal structures and design.
- Coastal morphodynamics: evolution of beaches, dunes, and estuaries.
- Field measurements: tide gauges, wave buoys, and bathymetry.
- Integrated Coastal Management: Impacts of Climate Change and Adaptation Measures.
- Case Studies: Analysis of Specific Examples of Marine Dynamics and Coastal Modeling.
‘
- Introduction to Coastal Dynamics: Key Concepts and Coastal Processes
- Waves: Generation, Propagation, Transformation, and Breaking
- Weather Tides and Wind Effects: Storm Surge and Undertow
- Sediment Transport: Erosion, Accretion, and Sediment Balance
- Numerical Modeling of Coastal Dynamics: Tools and Applications
- Coastal Hazards: Floods, Erosion, Landslides, and Storms
- Hazard and Vulnerability Analysis: Identification and Assessment
- Mitigation and Adaptation Measures: Soft, Hard, and Nature-Based Reductions
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management: Planning, Legislation, and Participation
- Monitoring and early warning: surveillance and response 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 Ocean Dynamics: Basic Concepts and Temporal and Spatial Scales.
- Equations of Motion: Navier-Stokes, Coriolis, Hydrostatic Approximation.
- General Ocean Circulation: Surface and Deep Currents, Ocean Gyres.
- Winds and Waves: Wave Generation, Wave Spectrum, Significant Wave Height.
- Tides: Tidal Forces, Resonance, Tidal Prediction.
- Numerical Ocean Modeling: Types of Models, Resolution, Numerical Schemes.
- Data Assimilation: Assimilation Techniques, In-Situ and Satellite Observations.
- Ocean Forecasting: Forecasting Currents, Waves, and Sea Surface Temperature.
- Applications to maritime safety: optimal routes, search and rescue, pollution.
- Climate variability and climate change: impact on ocean dynamics and sea level.
‘
- Introduction to Ocean Dynamics: Time and Space Scales, Forcings
- Fundamental Equations: Navier-Stokes, Thermodynamics, State of Seawater
- General Ocean Circulation: Surface and Deep Currents, Ocean Gyres
- Winds and Their Influence: Ekman, Upwelling, Swelling, Gravity Waves
- Numerical Modeling: Finite Difference, Finite Element, Finite Volumes
- Ocean Circulation Models: Characteristics, Strengths, and Weaknesses
- Ocean Waves: Types, Characteristics, Generation, and Propagation
- Tides: Generating Forces, Resonance, Prediction Models
- Climate Variability: ENSO, AMO, PDO, and Their Impact on Dynamics Oceanic
- Applications: prediction of currents, waves, water quality and weather
‘
- Introduction to marine dynamics: basic concepts and temporal/spatial scales.
- Tidal theory: generating forces, harmonic components, and tidal prediction.
- Wave analysis: wave spectrum, significant wave height, period, and direction.
- Sediment transport processes: erosion, transport, and sedimentation.
- Numerical modeling: introduction to hydrodynamic and wave models.
- Wave-structure interaction: forces on coastal structures and design.
- Coastal morphodynamics: evolution of beaches, dunes, and estuaries.
- Field measurements: tide gauges, wave buoys, and bathymetry.
- Integrated Coastal Management: Impacts of Climate Change and Adaptation Measures.
- Case Studies: Analysis of Specific Examples of Marine Dynamics and Coastal Modeling.
‘
- Introduction to Coastal Dynamics: Key Concepts and Coastal Processes
- Waves: Generation, Propagation, Transformation, and Breaking
- Weather Tides and Wind Effects: Storm Surge and Undertow
- Sediment Transport: Erosion, Accretion, and Sediment Balance
- Numerical Modeling of Coastal Dynamics: Tools and Applications
- Coastal Hazards: Floods, Erosion, Landslides, and Storms
- Hazard and Vulnerability Analysis: Identification and Assessment
- Mitigation and Adaptation Measures: Soft, Hard, and Nature-Based Reductions
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management: Planning, Legislation, and Participation
- Monitoring and early warning: surveillance and response 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 marine dynamics: spatial and temporal scales.
- Waves: Wave theory, wave spectrum, extreme waves, and modeling.
- Tides: Generation, types of tides, tidal prediction, and coastal effects.
- Ocean currents: Surface currents, deep currents, upwelling, and downwelling.
- Winds: Global wind patterns, local winds, wind prediction, and their influence on wave action.
- Ocean-atmosphere interaction: Heat transfer, gas exchange, and effects on climate.
- Numerical models: Wave models, current models, and coupled ocean-atmosphere models.
- Observation Oceanographic: Buoys, satellites, temperature and salinity profiles.
Impact of marine dynamics on navigation, offshore structures, and the coastal environment.
Response strategies to extreme events: tsunamis, storms, and oil spills.
‘
- Introduction to Marine Dynamics: Basic Concepts and Time Scales
- Tides: Tidal Theory, Types of Tides, Astronomical and Meteorological Factors
- Harmonic Analysis of Tides: Harmonic Components, Tidal Prediction
- Waves: Wave Generation, Propagation, Breakers, Wave Spectrum
- Wave-Structure Interaction: Wave Forces, Design of Marine Structures
- Ocean Currents: Types of Currents, Tidal Currents, Wind Currents
- Wave Prediction: Numerical Prediction Models, Input Data, Interpretation of Results
- Current Prediction: Current prediction models, applications in navigation.
- Prediction tools: Software and platforms for predicting tides, waves, and currents.
- Impact of climate change on marine dynamics: trends and future scenarios.
‘
- Introduction to Ocean Dynamics: Driving Forces and Timescales
- Winds and Waves: Generation, Propagation, Prediction, and Modelling
- Ocean Currents: Global Patterns, Edge Currents, and Upwelling
- Ocean Tides: Generation, Prediction, and Coastal Effects
- El Niño and La Niña: Climate Teleconnections and Maritime Impacts
- Numerical Ocean Prediction Models: Input Data, Resolution, and Limitations
- Ocean Monitoring: Buoys, Satellites, and In-Situ Observing Systems
- Impact of Climate Change: Acidification, Sea Level Rise, and Extreme Events
- Maritime Safety: Meteorological Hazards, Dangerous Currents, and Zones Restricted navigation
- Applications of ocean dynamics: fishing, renewable energy, and maritime transport
‘
- Introduction to Ocean Dynamics: Temporal and Spatial Scales
- Waves: Linear Theory, Wave Spectra, Extreme Waves, and Prediction
- Tides: Generation, Harmonic Prediction, Tidal Currents, and Coastal Effects
- Ocean Currents: Surface Currents, Deep Currents, Upwelling, and Downwelling
- Thermohaline Circulation: Deep-Water Formation Processes, Heat and Salt Transport
- Ocean Remote Sensing: Satellites, Radars, and Applications for Maritime Safety
- Ocean Numerical Modeling: Model Types, Input Data, Validation, and Applications
- Impact of Climate Change: Sea Level Rise, Ocean Acidification, and Changes in Circulation
- Ocean Hazards: Tsunamis, Storms, Sea Ice, and Convergence Zones
- Applications to Maritime Safety: Optimized Routes, Current Prediction, and Emergency Management
‘
Career opportunities
- Marine Renewable Energy Technician: harnessing the energy of waves and tides.
- Coastal Engineer: designing and constructing infrastructure resilient to climate change and marine dynamics.
- Physical Oceanographer: modeling and predicting wave patterns and ocean currents for various applications.
- Environmental Consultant: assessing the impact of coastal and marine projects on the natural environment.
- Research Scientist: studying ocean dynamics and their influence on climate and ecosystems.
- Marine Resource Manager: planning and sustainable management of coastal areas and natural resources.
- Coastal Risk Analyst: assessing the vulnerability of coastal areas to extreme events and sea-level rise.
- Marine weather forecasting expert: preparing wave and current forecasts for navigation and maritime activities.
“`
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
- 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.
Testimonials
During the training in Tides and Waves, I applied the knowledge acquired to develop a predictive model that improved the accuracy of wave forecasts by 15%, optimizing port operations and reducing vessel waiting times.
During the Marine Meteorology and Climatology course, I gained a solid understanding of the atmospheric and oceanic processes that influence marine climate. I applied this knowledge to develop a predictive model for optimized navigation routes, considering variables such as ocean currents, winds, and waves. This model resulted in a 12% improvement in the fuel efficiency of a local fishing fleet, demonstrating the practical applicability of the knowledge I acquired.
I mastered tide and wave prediction using numerical models, which allowed me to optimize the port operations of a shipping company, reducing delays by 15% and generating significant savings in fuel costs.
I applied the knowledge I gained about tide and wave prediction to optimize the navigation routes of a fishing fleet, resulting in a 15% increase in daily catch and a 10% reduction in fuel consumption.
Frequently asked questions
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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to Ocean Dynamics: Temporal and Spatial Scales
- Waves: Linear Theory, Wave Spectra, Extreme Waves, and Prediction
- Tides: Generation, Harmonic Prediction, Tidal Currents, and Coastal Effects
- Ocean Currents: Surface Currents, Deep Currents, Upwelling, and Downwelling
- Thermohaline Circulation: Deep-Water Formation Processes, Heat and Salt Transport
- Ocean Remote Sensing: Satellites, Radars, and Applications for Maritime Safety
- Ocean Numerical Modeling: Model Types, Input Data, Validation, and Applications
- Impact of Climate Change: Sea Level Rise, Ocean Acidification, and Changes in Circulation
- Ocean Hazards: Tsunamis, Storms, Sea Ice, and Convergence Zones
- Applications to Maritime Safety: Optimized Routes, Current Prediction, and Emergency Management
‘
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.