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 Winds and Ocean Currents
courseThis course provides you with a deep understanding of the forces that shape the oceans and affect navigation. Learn about global atmospheric dynamics, wind generation, and their impact on currents. Discover how to predict…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts4 January
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course on Winds and Ocean Currents?
course
This course provides you with a deep understanding of the forces that shape the oceans and affect navigation. Learn about global atmospheric dynamics, wind generation, and their impact on currents. Discover how to predict and use these forces for efficient and safe navigation, optimizing routes and minimizing risks. This course is essential for sailors, meteorologists, and anyone interested in the interaction between climate and the ocean.
Differential Advantages
- Detailed Analysis: Wind and current models, seasonal patterns, and local effects.
- Practical Applications: Navigation, fishing, renewable energy, and coastal planning.
- Prediction Tools: Interpretation of weather maps and oceanographic data.
- Case Studies: Analysis of extreme weather events and their impact on maritime transport.
- Flexible Online Access: Learn at your own pace with interactive materials and expert support.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Understand global patterns: Master the atmospheric and oceanic circulation that influences climate and navigation.
- Efficient and safe navigation: Learn to optimize shipping routes, minimizing risks and costs.
- Prediction and analysis: Use oceanographic and meteorological data to anticipate conditions and make informed decisions.
- Environmental impact: Analyze the influence of winds and currents on the distribution of pollutants and marine life.
- Practical applications: Gain skills applicable to navigation, meteorology, oceanography, and coastal management.
- Boost your career with a deep understanding of the forces that govern the oceans.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of atmospheric and ocean dynamics applied to the study of winds and sea currents
- Basic concepts of atmosphere, ocean and general circulation as a basis for understanding the movement of air and water in the marine environment
- Differences between wind, surface current, deep current, drift and coastal circulation in ocean and coastal contexts
- Physical principles governing the movement of air and water masses: pressure gradients, gravity, friction, density and inertia
- Influence of ground rotation and Coriolis effect on the direction and behaviour of winds and currents in different latitudes
- Relationship between ocean-atmosphere exchange, energy transfer and formation of dynamic patterns in the marine system
02
Training, behaviour and classification of seawinds on global, regional and local scales
- General circulation of the atmosphere and its influence on the great wind belts over oceans and seas of the planet
- Planetary winds, trade winds, wests and polar winds: characteristics, distribution and relevance for the maritime environment
- Formation of regional and local winds: sea and terrestrial breezes, catabatic winds, anabatic winds and specific coastal effects
- Relationship between atmospheric pressure, fronts, storms, anticyclones and evolution of the wind on the surface of the sea
- Intensity, direction, persistence and temporal wind variability in coastal, oceanic and port areas
03
Superficial and deep sea currents - mechanisms of generation, ocean circulation and regional dynamics
- Principles of formation of wind-driven surface currents and their interaction with ocean basins and coastal configurations
- Large ocean currents and subtropical and subpolar turns - organisation, direction of circulation and role in the redistribution of energy
- Thermohaline density and circulation currents: differences in temperature and salinity as motors of the deep movement of the ocean
- Coastal currents, coastal currents and transport processes associated with continental shelves and shallow areas
- Influence of submarine relief, straits, capes, archipelagos and channels on acceleration, deviation and confinement of currents
04
Interaction between winds, currents, waves and tides in the dynamics of the marine and coastal environment
- Coupling between wind and surface current: impulse transfer, drift and generation of complex dynamic patterns
- Relationship between persistent winds and rises, subsidence and transport of Ekman in coastal and oceanic areas
- Interaction between currents and waves: modifications in height, direction, refraction and energy of the state of the sea
- Combined influence of tides, currents and wind in estuaries, mouths, ports and navigation channels
- Effects of atmosphere-ocean interaction on extreme events, rapid sea changes, and risk situations for navigation
05
Practical application of sea winds and currents to navigation, safety and planning of operations at sea
- Influence of winds and currents in route tracing, drift calculation, fuel consumption and navigation efficiency
- Use of information on currents and winds for port manoeuvreing, anchoring, entrance to channels and transit through complex coastal zones
- Applications in fishing, aquaculture, environmental monitoring, search and rescue and maritime operations of technical support
- Assessment of operational risks associated with intense currents, strong winds and adverse combinations of marine conditions
- Preparation of basic decision criteria for departures, navigation, withdrawal or modification of activities depending on the dynamic marine environment
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 boaters and water sports enthusiasts who want to optimize routes, understand forecasts, and improve safety on voyages.Oceanography and Marine Science students seeking an applied understanding of ocean dynamics and their impact on climate and navigation.Fishing and aquaculture professionals interested in maximizing catches and managing resources based on accurate oceanographic data
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
- 01Understanding the influence of winds and currents on navigation
- 02Interpret maps and nautical charts to identify wind and current patterns
- 03Use information about winds and currents to optimize fuel consumption
- 04Predicting and mitigating the adverse effects of meteorological and oceanographic conditions
- 05Leveraging knowledge of winds and currents to improve sailing efficiency
- 06Apply knowledge of winds and currents in maritime search and rescue
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Oceanographer: Research and modeling of winds and ocean currents for various applications.
02Marine Environmental Consultant: Environmental impact assessment of coastal and marine activities.
03Oceanographic Data Analyst: Data processing and interpretation for weather forecasting and navigation.
04Marine Renewable Energy Technician: Development and optimization of offshore wind farms and other technologies.
05Climate Data Scientist: Modeling and analysis of the influence of winds and currents on climate change.
06Marine Cartographer: Creation of accurate maps and nautical charts for safe navigation.
07Marine Resource Manager: Planning and Sustainable management of marine natural resources.
08Marine Environmental Educator: Dissemination and awareness-raising about the importance of the oceans and their dynamics.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
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.
Winds drive surface currents by transferring energy from the wind to the water through friction.
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 geography; or practical experience in activities related to the sea or navigation.Recommended Prior Knowledge:Familiarity with maps and nautical charts; or interest in marine meteorology and oceanography.Documentation:Registration form, copy of official ID, proof of address (optional).Technical requirements (for online):Internet access, updated web browser, ability to view videos and documents.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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