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 Luxury Yacht Mechanics
Prepares you to become an expert in the maintenance and repair of complex systems. You will learn about state-of-the-art engines, advanced propulsion systems, naval electricity and electronics, and high-precision hydraulic…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Luxury Yacht Mechanics?
The Diploma in Luxury Yacht Mechanics
Prepares you to become an expert in the maintenance and repair of complex systems. You will learn about state-of-the-art engines, advanced propulsion systems, naval electricity and electronics, and high-precision hydraulic systems. Master the techniques of fault diagnosis, troubleshooting, and performance optimization for high-end recreational vessels.
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Approach: real-world case studies and simulations of common breakdowns in luxury yachts.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: access to state-of-the-art diagnostic software and tools.
- Expert Instructors: professionals with extensive experience in the luxury nautical industry.
- Professional Certification: recognition of your skills and knowledge in the job market.
- Networking: opportunity to connect with other professionals in the sector and leading companies.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Programme highlights
- Master Luxury Yacht Mechanics: Acquire specialized knowledge in propulsion systems, hydraulics, electronics, and predictive maintenance.
- Learn from Leading Experts: Training delivered by professionals with extensive experience in the luxury yacht industry.
- Develop Practical Skills: Access simulations and real-world case studies to hone your technical skills.
- Expand Your Career Opportunities: Recognized certification that will open doors for you in shipyards, maintenance companies, and yacht management.
- High-Level Networking: Connect with industry professionals and expand your network.
- Boost your career and become a specialist in luxury yacht mechanics.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Engine Room Architecture, Class & Flag Regulations and On-Board Engineer Management
- Design and distribution of the Engine Room (Engine Room) in Megayachts: equipment zoning, ergonomics, soundproofing, forced ventilation and thermal insulation systems
- Hierarchy and organisation of the machine department: roles of the Chief Engineer (machine manager), Second Engineer, Eto (Electro-Technical Officer) and Mechanic/Oiler
- International regulations and classification companies: Compliance with Lloyd’s Register, ABS, RINA, MCA (LY3/REG Code) and STCW-III agreement for machine personnel
- MLC Agreement and Machine Safety: Work/Rest Days, Occupational Risk Prevention in Confined Spaces, Hearing Protection and Personal Protection Equipment (EPI)
- Management of technical documentation and machine journals: Engine Logbook maintenance, logging of operating parametres, spare parts inventories and Shipyard service manuals
- Internal communication and integrated monitoring systems: Interaction between the bridge (bridge) and the engine room using alarm systems (AMS) and touch screen control
- Technical Terminology in Marine English (Maritime English): technical vocabulary for fault management, spare parts, flag reports and communication with Shipyards
- Management of spare parts and relationship with manufacturers
02
Powerful marine diesel propulsion systems (MTU, CAT, MAN)
- Four-stroke marine diesel engine architecture: High-power V-blocks (MTU 2000/4000 Series, Caterpillar C32, MAN V12), Single cylinder heads and wet sleeves
- Turbochargers and turbochargers: Variable geometry turbos, air-water intercoolers, Sequential Turbocharging systems, and exhaust gas management
- Marine Common Rail High Pressure Injection Systems: High Pressure Pumps, Piezo/Electronic Injectors, Parameter Calibration and Injection Failure Diagnosis
- Closed circuit lubrication and cooling systems: plate oil coolers, tubular heat exchangers (fresh water/sea water) and high-capacity circulation pumps
- Treatment of exhaust gases and marine emissions (IMO Tier III): Selective catalytic reduction systems (SCR), urea injection (Adblue) and marine particulate filters
- Marine Gearboxes, Inverters and Transmissions: ZF/Twin Disc gearboxes, multi-disc clutches, trolling systems, and axial bearing thrust
- Advanced electronic engine diagnostics: Using diagnostic software (MTU Diasys, Cat ET, MAN Cats) for real-time data reading and fault codes
- Engine maintenance according to operating hours
03
Axle lines, variable pitch propellers, pods and waterjets transmissions
- Alignment of axle lines and engine benches: laser beam alignment, measurement of crankshaft deflections and adjustment of anti-vibration elastic supports (SilentBlocks)
- Horn and sealing systems: wet horns, Trelleborg / Deep Sea Seals mechanical seals, water lubrication vs. Oil and waterway prevention
- Fixed pitch propellers (FPPs) and high-performance geometry: step calculation, dynamic balancing, cavitation inspection, pitting and blade repair
- Variable pitch propellers (CPP): Hydraulic hub operation, internal servo-mechanisms, control oil distribution and zero pitch/reverse
- Azimuthal and Pods propulsion systems (Volvo Penta IPS / Cummins Zeus): 360° steerable unit architecture, adjustable seals, servo motors and integrated transmission maintenance
- Waterjets Kamewa/Hamilton (Waterjets): Drive Nozzles, Reversing Blades (Bucket), Routing Government and Axial Flow Impeller Maintenance
- Underwater Inspection and Boatyard (Drydocking): Underwater Hull Maintenance Protocols, Arbortant Cap Replacement, Boatyard Axle Inspection, and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
- Sea trials after propulsion interventions
04
Auxiliary generators, electrical distribution and on-board automation
- Marine generator sets (Northern Lights, Kohler, Onan): Maintenance of the auxiliary diesel engine, electronic speed governors (AVR) and frequency synchronisation
- Automatic parallelism and load management (POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - PMS): Load distribution between generators, automatic start/stop on demand and bar interconnection
- Insulation and port socket transformers (Shore Power): frequency/voltage converters (ASEA, Atlas), surge protection and global power grid compatibility (50Hz / 60Hz)
- Main and emergency electrical panels: Marine magento thermal switches, copper busbars, protection relays and automatic transfer suede Blackout
- DC power (24V DC) and battery banks: Lithium-ion / AGM batteries for services and startup, Master's chargers/inverters (Victron, Mastervolt) and discharge monitoring
- Programmable Logic Control Systems (PLC) and NMEA 2000 / CAN Bus networks: Integration of Tank Sensors, Bilge Alarms, Motor Reading and Process Automation
- Galvanic Corrosion Protection and Printed Current (ICCP) – Potential test of the hull, active anodes of printed current and mass insulation
- Remote monitoring of the power plant
05
High pressure hydraulic systems, stabilisers and deck equipment
- Principles of proportional hydraulics in mega yachts: variable flow pumps, distributor valve blocks, nitrogen accumulators and hydraulic fluid tanks
- FIN stabilisers (FIN Stabilizers Sleipner, NAIAD, Quantum): Operation of the Gyro-Sensor, electro-hydraulic actuation in navigation and stabiliser system in Anchoring (Zero Speed / At Anchor)
- Gyroscopic stabilisation systems (SeaKeeper): internal vacuum inertia flywheel architecture, seawater cooling and dynamic seal control
- Bow and stern manoeuvre propellers (Bow & Stern Thrusters): Hydraulic/tunnel or retractable propellers, maintenance of secondary transmission legs and seals
- Hydraulic manoeuvreing and garage mechanisms: telescopic walkways, submersible bathing platforms, auxiliary cranes (cranes tender) and hydraulic garage doors
- Anchor windlass and manoeuvre winches: electric and hydraulic machines, brake clutches, chain lines and maintenance of the phono/anchoring system
- Hydraulic oil maintenance and filtration: Particle contamination analysis, water presence detection in the fluid, replacement of high-pressure hoses and air bleed
- Stabilizer testing and calibration
06
HVAC air conditioning, commercial refrigeration and water treatment
- Chilled Water HVAC Systems: Multi-compressor chillers, glycol, individual fancoils and circulation pumps
- Ecological refrigerant handling and refrigeration cycle: R134A/R407C/R410A load, leak detection, high/low pressure switches and thermostatic expansion valves
- Refrigeration chambers and freezers for food: Independent commercial refrigeration systems, hot gas defrost/resistance and temperature alarms
- Generation of drinking water on board (desalination machines/reverse osmosis): purifying plants, high pressure membranes, ultra-high pressure pumps, remineralization and UV treatment
- Sewage Treatment Plants - STP: Biological and physical/chemical plants (Hamann, Headhunter), Black and grey water management under MARPOL IV regulations
- Bilge Water and Hydrocarbon Separation (Oily Water Separator - OWS): Bilge centrifuges, 15 ppm download monitors and Hydrocarbon Record Book (Oil Record Book)
- Drinking water treatment and disinfection: automatic chlorination, activated carbon filtering, bacteria removal (Legionella) and microbiological analytical controls
- Desalination and membrane maintenance
07
Fire prevention, machine safety and emergency management
- Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems in Engine Room: Release of Clean Agents (FM200 / Novec 1230), High Pressure CO2 and Spray Water Systems (Hi-fog)
- Fire and smoke early detection systems: optical sensors, thermal detectors, oil mist detectors in the crankcase (oil mist detectors) and zone panels
- Emergency and fuel shutoff closures: Remote fuel fast shut-off valves, machine ventilation dampers, and transfer pump emergency stop
- Emergency Bilge Pumping Systems: Bilge Pumping Pumps Connected to Main Engine, Bilge Manifolds, and High Level Flood Sensors
- Safety in on-board mechanical work: hot work permits, consignment/electrical locking (lotus) and measuring of atmospheres in tanks
- Contingency plans for critical failures: protocols against total blackout, loss of government (Steering failure), waterway in engine room and propulsion failure
- Compliance with environmental regulations (MARPOL I to VI): prevention of contamination by oil, garbage, dirty water and control of greenhouse gases
- Emergency Exercises in Engine Room
08
Capstone Project: Audit, maintenance plan and mega yacht refit
- Megayacht case selection: Length Overall specification (30 to 70 metres), propulsion configuration (Double MTU/CAT/Pods), generators and auxiliary equipment
- Development of the Preventive Maintenance Plan (PMS): Structuring maintenance tasks by hours of operation (250h, 1000h, 5000h) using specialised software (IDEA, Seastar, AMOS)
- Design of the Intervention Plan for a Great Review (Overhaul): Planning for disassembly, grinding and reconditioning of main engines or onboard generators
- Fluid Management and Environmental Management Plan: Bilge Pumping Flow Chart Design from Bilges, Gray/Black Water Treatment and Used Waste Disposal
- Technical specification for Shipyard period (Yard Refit Plan): draughting of job list for Boatyard, Replacement of Axle Seals, Alignment, Antifouling and Tank Painting
- Marine Spare Parts Budget and Logistics: Annual Maintenance Cost Estimation, Garment Critical Spare Parts Stowage and Ship Chandlers Management
- Final report to the captain and the shipowner
- Presentation and Final Defence: Exhibition of the Comprehensive Mechanical Management Project before a Tribunal composed of Superyacht Chief Engineers, Port Captaincy Inspectors and Auditors of Classification Societies
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
Naval technicians and mechanics seeking to specialize in the propulsion, hydraulic, and electronic systems of luxury yachts.Mechanical engineers interested in the high-end nautical industry and the application of advanced technologies in yachts.Boat maintenance professionals wishing to expand their knowledge in the diagnostics and repair of luxury yachts.Yacht fleet owners and managers seeki
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
- 01Mastering the comprehensive maintenance of complex mechanical systems
- 02Diagnosing and repairing faults in engines, transmissions and hydraulic systems
- 03Monitor and optimize the performance of propulsion and power generation systems
- 04Manage luxury yacht refurbishment and modernization projects
- 05Implement safety and efficiency protocols in yacht operations
- 06Select and apply advanced technologies in yacht mechanics
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Yacht Mechanic: Maintenance and repair of engines, hydraulic systems, and other mechanical equipment on board luxury yachts.
02Yacht Engineer: Comprehensive management of the yacht's engineering systems, including supervising repairs and preventive maintenance.
03Chief Engineer: Responsible for the operation and maintenance of all mechanical and electrical systems on board the yacht.
04Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Technician: Specialized in the maintenance and repair of climate control systems on luxury yachts.
05Propulsion Systems Installer and Repairer: Work on the installation and maintenance of advanced propulsion systems on yachts.
06Technical Consultant: Advising owners and shipyards on the selection, installation, and maintenance of equipment Mechanics.
07Yacht Technical Inspector: Inspection and evaluation of the condition of mechanical systems on yachts to ensure compliance with safety standards.
08Yacht Fleet Maintenance Manager: Planning and supervision of the maintenance of a fleet of luxury yachts.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Luxury yachts.
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.
Luxury yachts.
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:Advanced Vocational Training Certificate in Electronic Maintenance, Mechatronics, Automotive Engineering, or similar; or demonstrable professional experience in mechanics, maintenance, or repair of engines and mechanical systems.Technical Knowledge:Solid knowledge of mechanics, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electricity; Familiarity with diesel engines and marine propulsion systems.Language proficiency:Recommended: Technical English for understanding manuals and technical documentation.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of qualifications or wo
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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