Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1600 h · 11 modules
Master's in Navigation and Ship Maneuvering
The Master in Ship Navigation and ManeuveringIs the definitive program for mastering the art of safe and efficient navigation. Prepare yourself for the challenges of today's maritime world, from advanced route planning to emerg
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Navigation and Ship Maneuvering?
The Master in Ship Navigation and Maneuvering is the definitive program for mastering the art of safe and efficient navigation. Prepare yourself for the challenges of today's maritime world, from advanced route planning to emergency management. Learn to make critical decisions under pressure and lead teams in complex environments. This master's program provides you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel as a leader in the maritime industry.
Differentiating Advantages
- State-of-the-art simulations: Experience realistic scenarios and hone your navigation skills.
- Industry experts: Learn from professionals with years of experience in ship navigation and maneuvering.
- Professional certification: Earn a recognized qualification that will boost your career in the maritime sector.
- Practical approach: Apply your theoretical knowledge in practical exercises and real-world case studies.
- Global networking: Connect with professionals worldwide and expand your professional network.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Programme highlights
- State-of-the-art simulators: Master navigation and maneuvering in diverse scenarios and weather conditions.
- Expert instructors: Learn from captains and officers with extensive experience in maritime navigation.
- Real-world case studies: Apply your knowledge in simulations and real-world navigation case studies.
- Professional certification: Earn an internationally recognized qualification to boost your career.
- International networking: Connect with maritime professionals from around the world.
- Prepare to lead navigation safely and efficiently.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Navigation and Ship Architecture
- Principles of buoyancy and transverse and longitudinal stability
- Ship behaviour at sea: rolling, pitching and heaving
- Merchant ship types and their influence on manoeuvring
- Steering elements: rudder, propellers and bow and stern thrusters
- Azimuth thrusters, pods and high-manoeuvrability systems
- Nautical terminology and bridge organisation
- Ship documentation and statutory certificates
- Responsibilities of the officer of the watch under the STCW Convention
- Organisation of the navigational watch
- Introduction to human factors in navigation
02
Coastal Navigation and Dead Reckoning
- Nautical charts, projections and scales
- Nautical publications: sailing directions, lists of lights and Notices to Mariners
- Courses, bearings and relative bearings
- Compass correction: magnetic variation and deviation
- Position fixing by bearings, transits and ranges
- Dead reckoning and accumulated error
- Allowing for tidal stream and leeway
- Tides: calculating heights and times
- The IALA buoyage system
- Coastal passage planning and choice of landfall points
03
Celestial and Satellite Navigation
- Celestial coordinates and the navigational triangle
- Use of the sextant and altitude corrections
- Position lines and celestial fixes
- Latitude by meridian altitude and by Polaris
- Determining compass error by celestial observation
- GNSS systems: GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou
- DGPS corrections and SBAS
- Integrity, accuracy and vulnerabilities of satellite positioning
- Back-up systems and inertial navigation
- Comparing traditional and electronic methods
04
Radar, ARPA, AIS and ECDIS
- Principles of marine radar and X- and S-band
- Interpreting the radar picture and false echoes
- Radar plotting: relative and true motion
- ARPA: target acquisition, tracking and alarms
- The Automatic Identification System (AIS)
- Electronic navigational charts (ENC) and the S-57 standard
- ECDIS: functions, configuration and alarms
- Route planning and checking in ECDIS
- Integrated bridge (IBS) and integrated navigation systems (INS)
- Limitations and prudent use of electronic aids
05
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)
- Application and definitions
- Look-out and safe speed
- Risk of collision and action to avoid it
- Navigation in narrow channels
- Traffic separation schemes
- Vessels in sight of one another: head-on, crossing and overtaking situations
- Responsibilities between vessels
- Conduct in restricted visibility
- Lights, shapes and sound and light signals
- Analysis of real collisions and lessons learnt
06
Theory of Ship Manoeuvring
- Forces acting on a ship during manoeuvres
- Propeller effects: transverse thrust and wash
- Rudder action and its effectiveness at different speeds
- Turning circle, advance, transfer and tactical diameter
- Stopping the ship: distances and times
- Effect of wind on the above-water hull
- Effect of current on manoeuvring
- Squat and navigation in shallow water
- Ship-to-ship and bank interaction
- IMO manoeuvrability standards and trials
07
Port Manoeuvres: Berthing, Unberthing and Anchoring
- Planning the port manoeuvre
- Communication with the pilot and shore
- Use of mooring lines: head, breast and spring lines
- Berthing in wind and current
- Unberthing and leaving port
- Working with tugs: types and techniques
- Anchoring: choosing the anchorage and calculating the scope
- Anchor watch and detecting dragging
- Manoeuvring twin-screw ships and ships with bow thrusters
- Manoeuvring in locks and canals
08
Special and Emergency Manoeuvres
- Man overboard: Williamson, Anderson and Scharnow turns
- Towing at sea and being towed
- Heavy-weather navigation: heaving to and running before the sea
- Navigation in ice and polar waters
- Grounding: immediate action and refloating
- Action following a collision
- Loss of steering or propulsion
- Search and rescue under the IAMSAR Manual
- Abandoning ship and life-saving appliances
- Bridge emergency simulation
09
Meteorology and Oceanography for Navigation
- The atmosphere, pressure and winds
- Air masses, fronts and depressions
- Interpreting weather reports and charts
- Waves: generation, propagation and swell
- Ocean and tidal currents
- Tropical cyclones: recognition and avoidance
- Fog and restricted visibility
- Weather routing
- Maritime weather services and NAVTEX
- Weather-related decision-making on board
10
Bridge Resource Management and Navigational Safety
- Principles of Bridge Resource Management (BRM)
- Situational awareness and workload management
- Communication within the bridge team
- The master–pilot relationship
- Voyage planning under IMO Resolution A.893
- Checklists and ISM safety management procedures
- Alarm management and fatigue
- Cyber security of navigation systems
- Investigation of marine casualties
- Leadership and decision-making on the bridge
11
Master's Dissertation: Integrated Navigation and Manoeuvring Plan
- Choosing the case study and port
- Defining objectives and scope
- Literature review and applicable regulations
- Collecting nautical, meteorological and port data
- Berth-to-berth voyage planning
- Designing the arrival, berthing and departure manoeuvres
- Risk analysis and mitigation measures
- Validating the proposal through simulation
- Writing up the dissertation
- Presentation and viva before the examining panel
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1600 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
Bridge Officers and Captains who wish to refine their skills in advanced navigation, complex maneuvers, and resource management on the bridge.Aspiring leaders in the merchant marine seeking comprehensive training in strategic decision-making on board.Port Pilots and Mariners interested in updating their knowledge of the latest technologies and maneuvering techniques.Naval Engineers and Fleet
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
- 01Efficiently manage bridge resources
- 02Apply international and national maritime regulations
- 03Mastering advanced maneuvering techniques in diverse conditions
- 04Leading and coordinating teams in maritime emergency situations
- 05Optimize safety and efficiency in navigation operations
- 06Assess and mitigate risks in navigation and maneuvering
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Bridge Officer / Watch Officer: Advanced navigation and maneuvering applications for safe and efficient operations.
03Captain (Competency Development): Informed decision-making in complex situations, resource optimization, and risk management.
04Practicum Trainee: Specialized maneuvers in ports and restricted areas, expert navigation advice.
05VTS / Maritime Authorities: Monitoring maritime traffic, emergency management, and coordination of salvage operations.
06Operations (Shipowners/Consignees): Route and fuel consumption optimization, vessel performance analysis, and improved operational efficiency.
07HSEQ/Vetting: Navigation and maneuvering audits, development of safe procedures, and root cause analysis of incidents.
08Training and Simulation: Specialized instructor in navigation and maneuvering, development of advanced training programs.
09Consulting / Expertise: Technical analysis of maritime incidents, advice on ship design and navigation systems.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Ships.
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.
Large merchant ships, such as container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, cruise ships, etc., in complex maneuvers and in all kinds of conditions.
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
```htmlAcademic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Nautical Studies/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a qualification related to the operation and management of ships; Demonstrable professional experience as a Deck Officer, Captain, or in positions of responsibility in navigation.Language proficiency:Advanced level of maritime technical English (IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases - SMCP), demonstrable through a certificate or interview.Documentation:Updated curriculum vitae, certified copy of academic degree or professional certificate,
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Frequently Asked Questions
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