Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Vessel Operations Planning Course
This course provides you with the essential tools to optimize safety and efficiency on every voyage. Learn to minimize risks, manage resources, and comply with current regulations. This program prepares you to lead maritime…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts28 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Vessel Operations Planning Course?
The Vessel Operations Planning Course
This course provides you with the essential tools to optimize safety and efficiency on every voyage. Learn to minimize risks, manage resources, and comply with current regulations. This program prepares you to lead maritime operations with confidence and professionalism, mastering everything from initial planning to execution and final evaluation.
Differential Advantages
- Comprehensive Planning: Development of detailed navigation plans, considering environmental and operational factors.
- Risk Management: Identification and mitigation of potential hazards to ensure the safety of the crew and vessel.
- Resource Optimization: Efficient allocation of personnel, equipment, and supplies to maximize productivity.
- Regulatory Compliance: Application of national and international maritime regulations to avoid penalties and protect the environment.
- Practical Simulations: Realistic scenarios to apply acquired knowledge and develop decision-making skills.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Resource Optimization: Master the techniques for efficient planning, reducing costs and maximizing the profitability of each operation.
- Maritime Safety: Learn to integrate advanced safety protocols into planning to minimize risks and ensure the integrity of the vessel and crew.
- Time Management: Acquire skills to create realistic and adaptable schedules, optimizing the execution of operations and meeting established deadlines.
- Route Analysis: Delve into the study of meteorological, geographical, and regulatory factors to select the safest and most efficient routes.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the correct application of national and international regulations in operations planning, avoiding penalties and delays.
- Boost Efficiency and the safety of your maritime operations with expert planning.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of operational planning, nautical management and safe organisation of boats
- Boat operations planning concept and differences between navigation, service, maintenance, logistics and daily management
- Types of operations: recreational, tourist, commercial, technical, sports, port and maritime support
- Key players: Skipper, Crew, Shipowner, Operator, Clients, Port, Suppliers, Authorities and Technical Personnel
- Relationship between route, boat, crew, climate, fuel, security, documentation and objectives of the service
- Poor planning risks: Delays, cost overruns, technical failures, incidents, cancellations and loss of operational quality
02
Preparation of departures, routes, meteorology and operating resources
- Definition of route, duration, points of departure, arrival, anchoring, shelter, stops and navigation alternatives
- Assessment of weather, wind, waves, tides, currents, visibility, temperature and safe operating windows
- Fuel, water, energy planning, groceries, spare parts, communications and support equipment
- Organisation of crew, roles, shifts, responsibilities, rest and needs of previous training
- Verification of documentation, permits, insurance, certificates, passenger lists and activity requirements
03
Operational coordination, security, checklists and control during navigation
- Previous briefing with crew, passengers or clients on route, rules, risks, roles and action in the face of emergencies
- Checklists before sailing, during navigation, anchoring, manoeuvres, return, closing of the day and delivery of the boat
- Coordination of docking, undocking, anchoring, loading, unloading, boarding, disembarking and passenger assistance
- Communications management with port, marina, operating base, authorities, suppliers and nearby vessels
- Tracking of the operation in real time through log, position, consumption, incidents, times and changes of plan
04
Maintenance, technical availability and logistics management of the boat
- Preventive maintenance planning, corrective, periodic revisions, dry-docking, cleaning and technical preparation
- Control of motors, electrical systems, batteries, pumps, electronics, hull, deck, anchoring and safety equipment
- Management of spare parts, tools, consumables, inventory, suppliers, purchases and storage on board
- Coordination of repairs, inspections, certifications, technical assistance and times out of service
- Log of breakdowns, interventions, hours of motor, consumption, expiration, incidents and technical traceability
05
Applied boat operations planning project
- Case definition: sailboat, boat, yacht, catamaran, tourist boat, work boat or small fleet
- Operation diagnosis, routes, crew, clients, climate, maintenance, documentation, costs and main risks
- Design of the operational plan with routes, resources, roles, checklists, communications, security and navigation alternatives
- Preparation of the maintenance plan, logistics, inventory, suppliers, records and technical availability
- Development of the cost model, indicators, quality of service, sustainability and continuous improvement
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 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
Heads of operations looking to optimize efficiency and safety in route planning and resource allocation.Fleet supervisors wanting to reduce operating costs and minimize risks through improved strategic planning.Maritime logistics personnel needing to efficiently coordinate freight transport and vessel scheduling.Maritime students and professionals seeking to update their knowledge of the lat
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
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Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Optimize resource allocation to maximize operational efficiency
- 02Ensure regulatory and environmental compliance in all maritime operations
- 03Establish effective communication protocols for smooth coordination between the crew and ground personnel
- 04Develop skills for risk management and emergency response in navigation
- 05Implement preventive maintenance strategies to ensure the availability and reliability of vessels
- 06Mastering cargo optimization techniques to maximize the capacity and safety of maritime transport
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Ocean Route Planner: Optimizing routes, considering weather conditions and traffic restrictions.
02Port Operations Coordinator: Liaising between vessels, terminals, and support services for smooth operations.
03Maritime Logistics Manager: Organizing the transport of goods, including documentation, insurance, and tracking.
04Vessel Performance Analyst: Monitoring and evaluating fuel consumption, travel times, and operational efficiency.
05Shipping Operations Consultant: Advising on improvement strategies for the planning and execution of maritime operations.
06Loading and Unloading Supervisor: Ensuring the safe and efficient handling of cargo, complying with regulations and procedures.
07Maritime Risk Management Specialist: Identifying and mitigating risks in planning and execution of shipping operations.
08Regulatory Compliance Auditor: Verification of compliance with maritime regulations and safety standards in operations planning.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
To ensure the safety and efficiency of maritime operations.
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.
To ensure the safety and efficiency of maritime operations.
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:Professional training in port operations management or logistics; or demonstrable experience in vessel planning.Specific Knowledge:Mastery of maritime regulations, loading/unloading procedures, and maritime route optimization.Skills:Problem-solving skills, decision-making under pressure, and effective communication.Documentation:Updated CV, certificates of related courses, letter of recommendation (optional).```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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