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 Tide and Current Prediction
This program provides you with the essential tools to understand and accurately predict the behavior of ocean tides and currents. Learn to interpret oceanographic data, apply advanced mathematical models, and use specialized…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Tide and Current Prediction?
The Diploma in Tidal and Current Prediction
This program provides you with the essential tools to understand and accurately predict the behavior of ocean tides and currents. Learn to interpret oceanographic data, apply advanced mathematical models, and use specialized software to optimize navigation, coastal management, and maritime operations. This program prepares you to make informed and confident decisions in a dynamic and challenging environment.
This program provides you with the essential tools to understand and accurately predict the behavior of ocean tides and currents.
Differential Advantages
- Advanced Data Analysis: Master spectral and harmonic analysis techniques for tide prediction.
- Numerical Modeling: Understand and apply hydrodynamic models to simulate current behavior.
- Specialized Software: Use industry-leading software tools for data prediction and visualization.
- Practical Applications: Develop real-world projects in navigation, ports, aquaculture, and marine renewable energy.
- Professional Certification: Earn a recognized diploma that validates your knowledge and skills in tide and current prediction.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
29-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Predictive Modeling: Master cutting-edge techniques to accurately predict tides and currents.
- Oceanographic Data Analysis: Learn to interpret and use historical and real-time data for decision-making.
- Specialized Software: Use professional simulation and visualization tools to analyze oceanographic phenomena.
- Practical Applications: Develop real-world projects in navigation, coastal management, and marine renewable energy.
- Professional Certification: Earn a diploma that validates your knowledge and opens doors in the maritime sector.
- Boost your career with specialized knowledge in the prediction of tides and currents.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Oceanographic foundations and gravitational theory of tides
- Tide generating forces: Newton's law of universal gravitation and celestial mechanics of the Earth-Moon-Sun System
- Effect of Earth Rotation: Centrifugal Forces, Coriolis Force and Kelvin's Static Tide Theory
- Periodic Variations Astronomical: Live Tide (Sizigia), Dead Tide (Square), Periget, Apogee, and Lunar/Solar Declines
- Classification Tidal types: semi-diurnal, diurnal and mixed tides; Calculation of Formzahl index for basin typing
- Dynamic tide theory: The response of the real ocean, effect of bathymetry, background friction and continental borders
- Amphidromic systems: amphidromic points, coidal lines (phase) and co-amplitude lines in open and closed seas
- Tide datums and reference planes: Average sea level (NMM), Sizigia medium low tide (MLWS), zero hydrographic (LAT) and geodesic transformations
- Tides in different regions of the world
02
Dynamics of oceanic, coastal and estuarine currents
- Current generation mechanisms: tidal currents, wind-driven currents (Ekman spiral) and density gradients
- Thermohaline circulation and global ocean currents: transport of masses of water, formation of deep waters and large ocean turns
- Tide currents in channels and estuaries: current velocity, flow/reflux flows (Flood/EBB), stagnation (Slack water) and tidal asymmetry
- Hydrodynamics of the breaking zone: coastal drift currents (Longshore currents), return currents (Rip currents) and transport of sediments
- Internal waves and internal tides: generation by interaction of tidal currents with the bathymetry of the continental slope and thermoclines
- Sea level meteorological effects: meteorological tide (Storm Surge), seiches in ports/bays and variations of atmospheric pressure (inverted barometer)
- Current-Wave interaction: Modification of the wave period, length and height by opposite currents or in favor, and risks for navigation
- Density and stratification currents
03
Harmonic analysis and mathematical methods of prediction of tides
- Harmonic decomposition of the tidal generator potential: Main harmonic constants ($m_2$, $s_2$, $n_2$, $k_1$, $o_1$, $p_1$)
- Fourier analysis applied to sea level time series: time domain signal transformation to frequency domain
- Least Squares Method for Harmonic Constant Extraction: Numerical adjustment of tidal data for local calibration
- Shallow Water Effects on Tides: Higher Order Components ($m_4, $ms_4$) and Tide Curve Distortion in Coastal Areas
- Traditional tide tables and algorithm interpretation: computing computer methods (SLPR2, T_TIDE, UTIDE) in Python and Matlab environments
- Lunar Nodal Corrections: 18.6 Years Cycle of the Lunar Orbit and its Impact on Long-Term Predictions
- Error assessment and limits of harmonic prediction: margin of uncertainty, impact of stochastic events and validation of forecasts
- Harmonic Analysis Software
04
Hydrographic Instrumentation, Measurement and Data Intake
- Tide maintenance and technology: submersible pressure sensors, high-precision radar and acoustic tide gauges
- Doppler effect current profilers (ADCP): operating principles, bottom-mounted, hull, and on-board configurations (VMDCP)
- Measurement of currents with derivator buoys (Lagrangian) and anchors (Eulerians): spatial tracking techniques and propeller/electromagnetic current metres
- Real-time tide and meteorological stations: integration in hydrographic information systems and data transmission via satellite/4G
- Sea level measurement by satellite altimetry: integration of satellite mission data (Jason, Sentinel) into the open ocean
- Processing, filtering and quality control of hydrodynamic data: noise elimination, data void interpolation and anomaly detection
- Calibration and topographic levelling of instruments: linking the instrument zero to the national geodetic network by means of GNSS/RTK
- Tidewatches and data quality control
05
Hydrodynamic numerical modelling of tides and currents
- Shallow water equations (Shallow Water Equations): Conservation of mass (continuity) and conservation of momentum (Navier-Stokes)
- Hydrodynamic numerical model architectures: vertical integrated 2D models (2DH) versus three-dimensional (3D) baroclinic models
- Numerical meshes and spatial discretion: Structured grid models (Cartesian/curvy) versus unstructured grid (finite elements/finite volumes)
- Free and Commercial Hydrodynamic Modelling Software: Introduction to Industry Standard Tools (Delft3D, Telemac, Mohid, Mike 21, ROMs)
- Contour conditions and initialization: Forcing with global astronomical tides (TPXO, FES), winds, river discharges and open contour conditions
- Calibration and validation of numerical models: adjustment of background roughness parametres (Manning/Chezy), swirl viscosity and statistical metrics (RMSE, BIAS)
- Scalar transport simulation: modelling of dispersion of thermal pens, salinity, pollutants and tracers coupled to tidal currents
- Model validation with observations
06
Applications in navigation, maritime security and port operations
- Determination of the tide window for large draught vessels: Dynamic Bass Quilla Bass Calculation (UKC - Under Keel Clearance) and Tidal Contingencies
- Navigation in restricted channels and narrow passages: effect of cross-currents, current decay and hydrodynamic interaction forces
- Ports real-time information and forecasting systems (Ports): Integration of tidal/current data live in ECDIS and VTS systems
- Planning of towing, mooring and manoeuvreing operations: calculation of forces exerted by currents on the hull and stagnation manoeuvres (Slack)
- Rescue and Maritime Search Strategies (SAR): Modelling of drifting of people or objects in the sea coupled to sea current maps (Datum/Search and Rescue)
- Impact of currents on fuel consumption: optimisation of maritime routes taking advantage of tidal currents and ocean currents in favor
- Emergency management by hydrocarbon discharges: simulation of oil stain paths driven by the combination of wind and current
- Calculation of Draught and tide windows
07
Coastal engineering, marine energy and extreme tides
- Use of tidal energy: tidal current turbine technologies (Tidal turbines) and tidal dams; Evaluation of the energy resource
- Hydrodynamic design of port works and offshore (offshore): Estimation of current forces on piles, platforms, pipes and moorings
- Coastal erosion and sediment dynamics by tides: transport of bottom sediment/suspension, scour in structures and canal maintenance dredging
- Analysis of extreme tidal events and climate change: sea level variability, global rise of the NMM and recalculation of return periods for coastal works
- Extreme astronomical tides (century tide / PeriGee-Syzygy): Overlay mechanisms and their impact on coastal flooding and infrastructure
- Salt intrusion modelling in estuaries and coastal aquifers: dynamics of the salt wedge under the influence of the tidal and river flow cycle
- Ecological restoration of coastal wetlands and marshes: monitoring and design of tidal flow reconnections for the conservation of ecosystems
- Weather tides and overhead
08
Capstone Project: Hydrodynamic study and tide/current prediction system for a coastal or port environment
- Definition of the study area and data collection: port selection, estuary or navigation channel; Acquisition of bathymetric data and series of tidal/current
- Harmonic analysis and identification of the local tide: processing of tidal data, extraction of main harmonic constants and determination of the local datum
- Configuration and calibration of a 2D/3D numerical model: computer grid construction, astronomical border entry and friction coefficient adjustment
- Simulation of hydrodynamic scenarios: generation of current field maps (magnitude and direction) for Sizigia and quadrature in different tide phases
- Risk Assessment and Operational Applications: Calculation of tidal windows for design or evaluation of high-current zones for works/energies
- DESIGN OF A DASHBOARD OR ALERT/PREDICTION SYSTEM: Integrating model outputs into a cartographic viewer or interactive decision support table
- Presentation of the study
- Final presentation: Defence of the hydrodynamic study and operational proposal before a court of oceanographers, coast engineers and port authorities
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
Oceanographers and meteorologists who seek to refine their predictive models and interpret tidal data more accurately.Coastal and port engineers who need to optimize the design and management of maritime infrastructure sensitive to sea level variations.Navigators, fishermen, and tour operators who want to understand tides and currents for safe and efficient navigation.Marine science students
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
- 01Optimize maritime operations
- 02Assess coastal and maritime risks
- 03Develop accurate predictive models
- 04Interpreting complex oceanographic data
- 05Managing coastal resources sustainably
- 06Designing resilient maritime infrastructures
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Oceanographic Data Analyst: Prediction and modeling of tides and currents for various applications.
02Coastal and Port Project Consultant: Advising on the planning and design of maritime infrastructure.
03Research Scientist: Development of predictive models and analysis of the impact of climate change on coastlines.
04Marine Renewable Energy Technician: Optimization of the location and operation of wind farms and other energy sources.
05Nautical Cartographer: Creation and updating of nautical charts with accurate tidal and current information.
06Coastal Risk Manager: Assessment and mitigation of risks associated with flooding and coastal erosion.
07Marine Meteorological Forecaster: Prediction of ocean conditions for navigation and maritime safety.
08Aquaculture Specialist: Optimization of environmental conditions for the cultivation of marine species.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Tides and currents.
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.
The tides and the currents.
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 Marine Sciences, Oceanography, Physics, Mathematics, Civil Engineering (with specialization in hydrology/coastal studies) or related field; or demonstrable professional experience in numerical modeling, oceanographic data analysis, or coastal phenomenon prediction.Technical Skills:Familiarity with concepts of physical oceanography, tides, currents, statistics, and time series analysis. Desirable experience with modeling software (e.g., ROMS, FVCOM) and programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Fortran).Languag
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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