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 Marine Refrigeration Systems
This program provides you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to successfully design, operate, and maintain refrigeration systems used in the marine industry. Learn about thermodynamic cycles, components…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts16 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Marine Refrigeration Systems?
The Diploma in Maritime Refrigeration Systems
This program provides you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to successfully design, operate, and maintain refrigeration systems used in the marine industry. Learn about thermodynamic cycles, components, refrigerants, regulations, and best practices to ensure efficient and safe onboard refrigeration.
Differential Advantages
- Specialized Knowledge: Master the fundamental principles of refrigeration applied to vessels.
- Equipment Design and Selection: Learn to size and choose the appropriate components for each application.
- Preventive and Corrective Maintenance: Acquire the skills to troubleshoot and extend the lifespan of systems.
- Regulations and Safety: Familiarize yourself with international regulations and standards related to marine refrigeration.
- Case Studies and Simulations: Apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios and improve your problem-solving skills.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
27-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Master Onboard Refrigeration: Learn the fundamentals, technologies, and key regulations to ensure the operability and efficiency of onboard systems.
- Design and Maintenance: Delve into the design, calculation, and selection of equipment, as well as predictive and corrective maintenance techniques.
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Implement strategies to optimize energy consumption and reduce the environmental impact of marine refrigeration systems.
- Safety and Regulations: Understand international regulations, safety protocols, and best practices for operating refrigeration systems safely and responsibly.
- Case Studies and Simulations: Apply your acquired knowledge through real-world case studies and interactive simulations, developing problem-solving skills.
- Boost Your Career in the Industry maritime with a specialized and highly demanded diploma.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of marine thermodynamics, refrigeration cycles and on-board environment
- Introduction to maritime cooling: applications on board merchant ships, reefer vessels, processing fisheries, mega-yachts and cruise ships
- Principles of thermodynamics applied to the sea: heat transfer, phase change, enthalpy, overheating, subcooling and use of the mollier diagram (P-H)
- On-board steam compression refrigeration cycle: evaporation, compression, condensation and expansion under tilt, rolling and pitching variables
- Physical properties and classification of marine refrigerants: Synthetic refrigerants (HFC, HFO), Zeotropic/tropic mixtures and natural refrigerants (R717 Ammonia, R744 CO2)
- International regulations on refrigerants (MARPOL Annex VI): Montreal Protocol, Kigali Amendment, F-Gas regulation on board and Record Book of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS Record Book)
- Marine lubricants for refrigeration systems: mineral oils, alkylbenzenes, polyolester (PoE) and polyalkylene glycol (PAG); Solubility and oil return at sea
- Safety and prevention of occupational hazards in refrigeration plants: handling of high pressure gases, prevention of suffocation in confined spaces, toxicity and flammability (ASHRAE classification)
- Natural refrigerants: CO2 and ammonia
02
Maritime refrigeration compressors and main equipment
- Marine reciprocating/alternative compressors - design, valve plates, crankshafts, marine glands, forced lubrication and cylinder decompression capacity control
- Helical screw compressors in marine plants: male/female rotor, slide valve (slide valve) for capacity control, liquid injection and economizers (Vivariable)
- Hermetic, semi-hermetic and spiral compressors (scroll): applications in independent air conditioning units and reefer containers
- Marine condensers: seawater-cooled multitubular condensers, titanium plate exchangers and organic scale prevention (Biofouling)
- Marine evaporators and fancoils: direct expansion, flooded, plate evaporators, finned tube and defrost systems (by hot gas, sea water or electrical resistance)
- Marine Expansion Devices: Thermostatic Expansion Valves (VET) with External Pressure Compensation, Electronic Expansion Valves (VEE) and Capillary Tubes
- Refrigeration Circuit Accessories: Liquid Containers, Oil Separators, Suction Accumulators, Dehydrator Filters, Liquid Visors and Marine Grade Service Valves
- Heat exchangers and seawater circuits
03
Cargo refrigeration plants (reefer vessels and containers) and high fishing
- Refrigeration systems in container ships Reefer: Monitoring of power outlets, air distribution (bottom-air delivery), CO2 ventilation and modified atmosphere control
- Installation in refrigerated cargo ships (Reefer Ships): Warehouse cooling, nautical thermal insulation, air renewal and maintenance of setpoint temperature
- Quick freezing tunnels and plate cabinets in fishing: freezing by brine, direct contact plates and air burst tunnels for the conservation of catches
- Cooled Seawater Systems (RSW - Refrigerated Seawater): refrigeration of fish cellars by means of high-flow circulation pumps and shell and tube exchangers
- Ice production on board: Flake ice generators, liquid ice (Slurry Ice) using seawater and its storage logistics
- Waterfall and low temperature systems (CO2 / ammonia): dual stage architectures for ultra-freezing on board (-50°C / -60°C) on tuna and shipment vessels
- Temperature data logging (data loggers) and traceability: regulations of the cold chain for maritime export of food and veterinary certifications
- Controlled atmosphere in refrigerated containers
04
Air conditioning systems (HVAC) and air quality on board ships and mega-yachts
- HVAC Systems Architecture in Passenger and Merchant Vessels: Air Treatment Units (UTA), Water Cooling Plants (Chillers), Fancoils and Distribution Conduits
- Marinated variable refrigerant flow systems (VRF) - applications in mega-yachts and superstructures of commercial ships
- Control of humidity and ventilation in marine environments: dehumidification, hot air batteries, fresh air recharge and salinity infiltration
- Air distribution in cabins and public areas: low sound diffusers, marine noise dampers, fire dampers (fire dampers) and flow balance
- Microbiological control and indoor air quality (IAQ): Prevention of Legionella in condensates, HEPA filtering, disinfection by ultraviolet light (UV-C) and duct cleaning
- Air conditioning systems in the engine room and control bridge: forced extraction, pressurization of navigation and cooling spaces of electrical cabinets/PLC
- Energy efficiency in marine HVAC systems: Pump/fan frequency drives, exhaust heat recovery systems (Waste Heat Recovery) and Iced Water Economy
- Heat recovery and heat pumps on board
05
Automation, electronic control, sensors and refrigeration panels
- Automatic control systems in marine refrigeration: high/low pressure pressure switches, oil differential pressure switches, safety thermostats and pressure transducers
- Pressure control and regulation valves: evaporation pressure regulators (KVP), condensation (KVR), crankcase (KVL) and integrated solenoid valves
- Integration with the Vessel Alarm Management System (AMS / SCADA): Remote Monitoring from the Machine Control Room (ECR) and the Bridge
- Programmable Controllers (PLC) applied to refrigeration plants: Programming of algorithms for automatic defrost, alternation of compressors and cooling ramps
- Nautical Bus Communication Systems (NMEA 2000 / Modbus / CAN Bus): Interconnection of cellar temperature sensors, humidity and actuator status
- Electrical panels and starters for high power compressors: star-delta starters, soft starters (soft-starters), speed drives and thermal protections
- Troubleshooting by telemetry and software from manufacturer: analysis of superheat/subcooling trends and remote detection of anomalies in transoceanic crossings
- Energy efficiency of compressors with drive
06
Preventive maintenance, leak detection and loading/evacuation procedures
- Preventive Maintenance Plans (PMS) for refrigeration plants: daily, weekly and hourly routines (vibration analysis, oil acidity and filter cleaning)
- Detection techniques for refrigerant leak detection on the high seas: electronic gas detectors, UV lamps, soapy water and fixed engine room sensors with audible alarms
- Seal and pressurization test procedures: use of high purity dry nitrogen, high/low pressure tests and location of microleaks in flanged joints
- Evacuation and High Vacuum Protocol: Use of double-stage vacuum pumps, micron measurement and moisture removal/incondensable in the circuit
- On-board refrigerant loading procedures: liquid/vapor loading, weight control, container volume calculation and subcooling adjustment
- Compressor oil management, analysis and change: extraction of oil samples for acidity test, drainage under pressure and lubricant recharge technique without air intake
- Recovery and recycling of refrigerants on board: use of portable recovery stations, approved storage bottles and purge of inconsistent gases
- Refrigerant Maintenance and Management Records
07
Diagnosis of complex faults, corrective repair and emergency protocols
- Mechanical fault diagnosis in compressors: breaking of valve sheets, piston seizure, bearing wear and liquid slug (slugging)
- Troubleshooting High Pressure Condensing: Lack of seawater flow, circulation pump failure, dirty condenser or incondensable system
- Troubleshooting low evaporation pressure: excessive frost on evaporator, clogging filter dehydrator, VET failure or lack of refrigerant
- Flooding of the system due to seawater inlet: Protocol for immediate action before drilling tubes in capacitors, washing the circuit, drying and substitution of inputs
- Repair of pipes and welding under marine standards: Oxyacetylene, brazing with silver (brazing), bending of copper/cupronickel pipes and marinated flanges
- Contingency plans for total failure of the plant in crossing: Temporary conservation of perishable cargo through auxiliary systems and ammonia emergency purge (R717)
- Safety during emergencies due to massive gas exhaust: use of self-contained breathing equipment (ERA), chemical protective suits and ventilation manoeuvres of the cooling room
- Root Cause Analysis and Fault Research
08
Capstone Project: Auditing, Sizing and Operational Plan for a Marine Refrigeration Plant
- Vessel selection and navigation scenario: Definition of the boat (Reefer ship, tuna, container ship or cruise ship), commercial route and projected thermal cargo
- Component sizing and selection: calculation of thermal balance, compressor selection, condenser/evaporator area and choice of refrigerant suitable
- Design of refrigerated and electrical schemes (P&ID): Preparation of pipe diagrams, instrumentation, control valves and plant automation panel
- Preventive Maintenance Plan (PMS) and spare parts management: Drafting of the routines manual for machine equipment and minimum stock of critical parts in Pañol
- Environmental and Safety Compliance Plan (MARPOL VI / SOLAS): Leakage management protocols, ozone substance registration book and evacuation procedures
- Operating Cost Estimation (OPEX) and Energy Efficiency: Analysis of the plant's electricity consumption, optimisation of compressor speed and return on investment
- Crew Training Plan
- Presentation and final defence: Presentation of the technical project before a court made up of chief machines, naval engineers and auditors of refrigeration classification companies
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 engineers and marine mechanics seeking to specialize in refrigeration systems used on vessels.Refrigeration and air conditioning technicians interested in applying their knowledge to the maritime environment and its specific challenges.Onboard maintenance personnel wishing to deepen their knowledge of the operation and repair of marine refrigeration equipment.Supervisors and chief engi
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
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Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Diagnosing and repairing faults in marine refrigeration systems
- 02Optimizing the performance and energy efficiency of marine refrigeration systems
- 03Select and install appropriate cooling components for marine vessels
- 04Comply with the safety and environmental regulations applicable to marine refrigeration
- 05Manage preventive and corrective maintenance of refrigeration systems in maritime environments
- 06Monitor the operation and control of refrigeration systems on board ships
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Onboard Refrigeration Technician: Maintenance, repair, and installation of refrigeration systems on merchant, fishing, and passenger ships.
02Port Service Technician: Diagnosis and repair of refrigeration systems on refrigerated containers and vessels in ports.
03Marine Refrigeration System Designer: Participation in the creation and improvement of efficient and safe refrigeration systems for vessels.
04Marine Refrigeration Technical Consultant: Advising shipping companies and shipyards on the selection, installation, and maintenance of refrigeration equipment.
05Refrigeration System Inspector: Verification of compliance with regulations and safety standards for onboard refrigeration systems.
06Salesperson/Technical Representative: Promotion and sale of refrigeration equipment and systems to companies in the maritime sector.
07Fleet Maintenance Manager: Supervision and coordination of refrigeration system maintenance across a fleet of vessels.
08Research and Development: Participation in innovation projects to improve the efficiency and sustainability of marine refrigeration.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
The main focus is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate, maintain, and repair refrigeration systems on merchant ships, fishing vessels, and other boats.
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.
Maritime sector, specifically the area of refrigeration and air conditioning in vessels.
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 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Installations, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Engineering, or similar; or demonstrable professional experience in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector, preferably in maritime environments.Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of thermodynamics, electricity, and electronics applied to refrigeration systems. Familiarity with refrigeration components and circuits.Documentation:Updated curriculum vitae, copy of academic degree or work experience certificate, ID/Passpo
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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