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 Meteorology for Navigation
This program provides you with the essential tools to interpret and apply meteorological information to make decisions on board. Learn to forecast adverse weather conditions, optimize routes, and ensure navigational safety…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Meteorology for Navigation?
The Diploma in Meteorology for Navigation
This program provides you with the essential tools to interpret and apply meteorological information to make decisions on board. Learn to forecast adverse weather conditions, optimize routes, and ensure navigational safety. Master the use of weather charts, forecast models, and early warning systems for safer and more efficient maritime navigation. This program prepares you to face weather challenges on any voyage.
Differential Advantages
- Weather Chart Analysis: Expert interpretation of isobars, fronts, and pressure systems.
- Marine Forecasting: Use of numerical models and prediction tools to anticipate the weather.
- Climate Risks: Identification and management of hazards associated with storms, fog, and extreme winds.
- Optimized Navigation: Planning safe and efficient routes considering weather conditions.
- Practical Applications: Real-world case studies and simulations to apply knowledge in specific situations.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
29-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Meteorological Fundamentals: Master the key principles that influence maritime and air navigation.
- Map and Chart Analysis: Learn to interpret essential meteorological information for strategic decision-making.
- Weather Forecasting: Develop skills to predict adverse weather conditions and optimize routes.
- Meteorological Instrumentation: Familiarize yourself with the equipment and sensors used to collect crucial data.
- Safety and Efficiency: Apply your knowledge to ensure navigational safety and optimize resource consumption.
- Make time your ally and elevate your navigation experience with a deep understanding of meteorology.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Nautical Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics
- The maritime atmosphere: composition, vertical structure of the marine planetary boundary layer and thermal balance surface-atmosphere
- Atmospheric pressure and gradients: precision barometres, sea level adjustment (QNH/QFF), isobars and surface pressure maps
- Atmospheric temperature, humidity and stability: air temperature versus TSM (Sea surface temperature), adiabatic gradients and air mass formation
- Wind dynamics at sea level: Corioles force, pressure gradient, surface friction and difference between real wind and apparent wind
- General atmospheric circulation: Hadley, Ferrel and Polar cells, Equatorial low pressure belt (ITCZ) and trade winds
- High and Low Pressure Systems: Thermal/Dynamic Cyclones, storms, divergence/convergence and buys-ballot law applied to navigation
- On-board measurement and instrumentation: marine meteorological stations, propeller and ultrasonic anemometres, psychrometres and sensor calibration
- On-board weather instruments
02
Frontal systems, air masses and local weather phenomena
- Sea and continental air masses: classification, modification when crossing ocean basins and associated stability
- Theory of fronts and cyclogenesis: cold front, warm front, occlusion and sequences of clouds and winds associated with the passage of the front
- Mid-latitude storms: life cycle of extratropical low pressures, families of storms and secondary fronts
- Explosive cyclogenesis ("weather bombs"): formation mechanisms, rapid pressure drop and evasion guidelines for ships
- Mesoscale meteorological phenomena: sea and land breezes, coastal orographic effects, wind channeling (venturi effect) and dangerous corporals
- Reduced sea visibility: advection mists, radiation mists, calima, sea mist and heavy rainfall
- Squalls and micro-shores (squalls): visual identification of cumulonimbus clouds, sudden variations of wind, change of course and preparation of the deck
- Mists and reduced visibility
03
Ocean meteorology, waves and sea dynamics
- Wind Wave Generation: Sea of Wind (WindSea), Range (Fetch), Wind Duration and Wind Speed as Determinants
- Propagation of the waves and sea in the background (swell): Wave dispersion, period, wavelength and transition from curly sea to sea in distant background
- Marine Weather Scales: Beaufort Scale for Wind Strength and Douglas Scale for Sea State
- Singular waves and giant waves (Rogue Waves): Mechanisms of constructive interference, wave-current interaction and high-risk geographic areas
- Interaction of the waves with shallow waters: refraction, diffraction, shoaling and breaking in coastal areas
- Ocean currents and their effect at sea: tidal currents, large ocean currents (Gulf, Kuroshio) and interaction with the apparent wind
- Sea ice and polar meteorology: formation of sea ice, icebergs (icebergs), drift ice limits and ice bulletins (International Ice Patrol)
- Ocean currents and their effect on navigation
04
Severe extratropical tropical cyclones and cyclones
- Genesis of tropical cyclones (hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones): necessary conditions, Saffir-Simpson scale and global development basins
- Anatomical structure of a tropical cyclone: the eye, the eye wall, spiral rain bands and pressure/wind profiles
- Hazardous and navigable semicircles: rotation dynamics, trajectory wind versus own wind and operating rules for removal
- Storm and storm surge tides: calculation of sea level rise due to low pressure and wind thrust on coasts and estuaries
- Extratropical transition: transformation of tropical warm cyclones into cold mid-latitude systems with expansion of the wind field
- Monitoring and Tracking of Cyclones: Specialised Meteorological Centre Notices (NHC, JTWC), Uncertainty Cones and Path Models
- Safe Harbour Strategies and Offshore Evasion: Advance Decision Making (Go/No-Go), Storm Mooring and Capeo/Running Storm Manoeuvres
- Navigation in the vicinity of cyclones
05
Interpretation of Weather Charts, GRIB files and numerical models
- Weather Prediction Numerical Models (NWP): Differences between Global Models (GFS, ECMWF, ICON) and High Resolution Regional Models (NAM, AROME, WRF)
- Reading and analysis of kinematic and baric time charts: Surface analysis, 500 hPa (winds in height) charts and thickness maps
- Structure and management of GRIB files (GRIB1 and GRIB2): understanding of data meshes, information layers (wind, waves, rain, pressure) and spatial/temporary resolution
- Meteorological data visualisation software: use of on-board viewers (UGRIB, XYGRIB, PredictWind, Windy) and integration in navigation platforms
- Wave Prediction Models: Marine Model Output Analysis (WaveWatch III, WAM) and Combined Sea Parameter Understanding
- Assessment of Meteorological Uncertainty: Analysis of Predictions by Ensembles (Ensemble Forecasting), Spaghetti Diagrams and Extreme Event Probability
- On-board prediction validation: comparison of numerical model data versus actual readings from ship's sensors for local bias adjustment
- Weather Information Sources at Sea
06
Weather Routing and Route Optimisation
- Principles of meteorological routing: optimisation of crossing time, fuel consumption, emission reduction and protection of cargo/ship
- Boat performance polar curves: Response of the ship (sailboats and motor ships) according to angle/force of the wind and state of the sea
- Defeat Optimisation Algorithms: isochronous method, dynamic programming calculation and minimum consumption routes (Leat Time / Least Fuel)
- Vessel restrictions on routing software: Vertical acceleration limits, rolling (rolling), water boarding in Deck and Draught Maximum
- Navigation in large circles (orthodromic) versus loxodromic: adaptation of short routes by land curvature adjusted to the changing weather
- Professional routing services from the ground: ship-coast communication, route recommendations by marine meteorologists and resolution of discrepancies
- Post-voyage analysis (Post-Voyage Analysis): Evaluation of the performance against the actual conditions found and route audit contracted
- Routing software for pleasure boats
07
Maritime bulletins, SOLAS/IMO security and emergency communications
- The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (SMSSM / GMDSS): Transmission and Receiving of Information on Maritime Safety (ISM)
- Meteorological data transmission services: reception via Navtex, calls to international groups (SafetyNet in Inmarsat) and radiofacsimile
- Standardized structure of maritime bulletins: temporary warnings (gale warnings), baric synthesis, zone prediction and ship observation (VOS)
- Global Metarea Areas: IMO/WMO Zoning for International Ocean Meteorological Distribution
- Marine Weather Code: SYNOP SHIP parts decoding and voluntary reporting of boat observations
- Legal aspects and responsibility of the captain: The role of weather prediction in decision-making, navigation journal and expertise in boarding or breakdowns
- Satellite weather communications on the high seas: use of restricted bandwidth connections (Iridium, Inmarsat) and high-speed solutions (StarLink)
- Weather Journal and Onboard Observations
08
Capstone Project: Weather Planning and Routing for an Ocean Crossing
- Definition of the crossing and characteristics of the ship: Selection of the oceanic route (e.g., North Atlantic, Pacific crossing or passage through southern Cabos) and specification of the boat
- Climatological analysis of the basin: study of meteorological courses (Pilot charts), dominant winds, currents and storm frequencies according to the time of year
- Downloading and processing of packets of meteorological data: Collection of files of wind grib, waves, pressure and currents for the selected output window
- Simulation of route alternatives by software: generation of multiple routes (pure orthodromic, route for safety and optimal route adjusted to NWP models)
- Critical Point Assessment and Contingency Plans: Identification of potential hazard zones (active cold fronts, cross seas or underperforming zones) and shelter alternatives
- Preparation of the weather report for the journey: Drafting of the weather briefing for the bridge, indicating operational limits, expected consumption and key hours
- Presentation of the cruise plan
- Final Presentation: Defence of the Navigation Plan and the Weather Routing Strategy before a court made up of captains from the Merchant Navy, Ocean Boaters and Marine Meteorologists
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
Recreational and professional sailors looking to interpret forecasts, anticipate risks, and optimize routes.Skippers of small craft who need to understand the impact of weather onboard safety and comfort.Sailing and watersports instructors who need to transmit meteorological knowledge practically and effectively.Maritime tour operators interested in minimizing delays, improving the customer
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
- 01Interpreting and applying meteorological information in nautical decision-making
- 02Optimize navigation efficiency by considering meteorological factors
- 03Forecasting and mitigating weather risks on maritime routes
- 04Analyze and communicate meteorological information to the crew effectively
- 05Use meteorological tools and technologies for safe navigation.
- 06Understanding the influence of meteorological phenomena on ship behavior
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Weather Forecaster for Air and Maritime Navigation: Preparation of specialized weather reports and forecasts for navigation routes and operations.
02Weather Consultant for Transport Companies: Advising on route optimization and weather risk management.
03Technician at Maritime and Airport Weather Stations: Operation and maintenance of meteorological measurement and observation equipment.
04Meteorological Data Analyst for Navigation: Interpretation and analysis of data to improve the safety and efficiency of operations.
05Researcher in Meteorology Applied to Navigation: Development of models and tools for the prediction and analysis of meteorological phenomena relevant to navigation.
06Meteorological Officer on Ships and Aircraft: Responsible for monitoring and analyzing meteorological conditions on board. Onboard.
07Meteorology Trainer for Navigation Professionals: Instructor in courses and training programs on nautical and aeronautical meteorology.
08Developer of Meteorological Software and Applications for Navigation: Creation of computer tools for the visualization and analysis of meteorological data.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Maritime and navigation sector.
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 and navigation sector.
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:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Physics, Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering, or a related scientific field; or accredited professional experience in the field of air or maritime navigation.Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of physics (mechanics, thermodynamics), calculus, and statistics.Language Proficiency:Level of technical English (B1/B2) for understanding meteorological documentation and international communications.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree or professional experience certificate, ID/Passport, cover letter.Technical Requ
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Frequently Asked Questions
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