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
Boat Simulators Course
Learn to control vessels in diverse scenarios, from adverse weather conditions to complex port maneuvers, all in a safe and realistic virtual environment. This course will prepare you to face the challenges of the sea with…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Boat Simulators Course?
Master the art of navigation with our Ship Simulators course.
Learn to control vessels in diverse scenarios, from adverse weather conditions to complex port maneuvers, all in a safe and realistic virtual environment. This course will prepare you to face the challenges of the sea with confidence and precision.
Key Benefits:
- Risk-Free Hands-on Experience: Practice complex maneuvers and emergency situations without the real-life consequences.
- Advanced Skills Development: Improve your reaction time, decision-making, and coordination while navigating.
- Personalized Training: Adapt scenarios and challenges to your experience level and specific needs.
- Certification Preparation: Gain a solid foundation to advance your maritime career and obtain relevant certifications.
- Learning Flexibility: Access the simulator from anywhere and learn at your own pace.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Master Navigation: Learn to maneuver in diverse maritime scenarios with our state-of-the-art simulators.
- Realistic Training: Experience adverse weather conditions, equipment failures, and heavy traffic to improve your decision-making.
- Professional Certification: Earn industry-recognized credits and meet international maritime safety standards.
- Expert Instructors: Learn from captains and officers with extensive experience in navigation and simulations.
- Skills Development: Hone your emergency response capabilities and optimize fuel consumption.
- Prepare for a successful future in navigation with our intensive, hands-on Ship Simulator course.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of maritime simulation, simulator typologies and technological architecture for training and operational validation
- Concept and functions of maritime simulators: training, skills assessment, analysis of manoeuvres and validation of procedures
- Boat simulator typologies: bridge, machines, cargo, port manoeuvreing, emergencies, towing and integrated environments Multipost
- Architecture of a professional maritime simulator: hardware, software, physical engines, display, consoles and instructor systems
- Levels of loyalty and operational realism: hydrodynamic modelling, visual environment, equipment behaviour and ship response
- Critical variables of the simulated environment: waves, wind, currents, tides, traffic, visibility and port restrictions
02
Vessel modelling, manoeuvreing dynamics and scenario configuration for realistic simulation of maritime operations
- Fundamentals of dynamics of the ship in simulation: inertia, governance, propulsion, abatement, drift and response in different regimes
- Hull, propulsion and rudder modelling: main parametres, response curves and calibration of manoeuvreer behaviour
- Simulation of environmental conditions: wind, currents, waves, low visibility and hydrodynamic effects on navigation
- Configuration of ports, channels, anchorages and restricted zones: geometry, navigation aids and operational conditions
- Creation of traffic and complex scenarios: target vessels, Colreg interaction, congestion, crossings and risk situations
03
Bridge simulation, navigation and manoeuvreing: equipment operation, decision-making and resource coordination
- Simulation of bridge equipment: Radar, ECDIS, AIS, GNSS, autopilot, echo sounder and navigation alarm systems
- Planning and execution of defeats in simulated environment: routes, security margins, control of defeat and management of detours
- Docking, undocking, anchoring and restricted navigation: coordination, fine control and use of tugs/practice
- Bridge Resource Management in Simulator: Task Distribution, Communication, Leadership and Cross-Decision Verification
- Management of abnormal situations and emergencies of bridge: man to water, government failure, loss of propulsion and risk of collision
04
Engine room simulation, auxiliary systems and technical response to faults in ship operation
- Simulation of propulsive plants and marine engines: starting, loading, parameter control and performance monitoring
- Simulated operation of auxiliary systems: fuel, lubrication, refrigeration, compressed air, electricity and machine services
- Management of alarms and protections in Engine Room: Diagnosis, response sequence and stabilisation of the system
- Simulation of mechanical, electrical and automation failures: Troubleshooting, causal analysis and safe recovery
- Bridge Coordination-Machines in Critical Scenarios: Loss of Power, Emergency Manoeuvre and Contingency Management
05
Capstone Project for Configuration, Execution and Evaluation of a Complete Scenario in Boat Simulator
- Definition of the simulation case: type of ship, operating environment, training objectives and main risks of exercise
- Technical Configuration of the Scenario: Ship Model, Environmental Conditions, Traffic, Equipment and Assessment Parametres
- Development of the simulation session: briefing, operational execution, critical events and control of variables by the instructor
- Comprehensive performance evaluation: manoeuvre, decision making, resource coordination and incident response
- Preparation of the final simulation report: findings, deviations, strengths, recommendations and improvement plan
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
Naval engineering and marine architecture students looking to apply theory in a practical setting and develop design and simulation skills.Naval engineers and architects wanting to explore new ship configurations, optimize performance, and validate designs before construction.Shipyard operators and shipping companies interested in evaluating the impact of modifications to existing ships and op
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 navigation techniques in diverse climatic and geographical conditions
- 02Efficiently manage resources and crew in emergency situations
- 03Operate ship propulsion systems and machinery safely and efficiently
- 04Develop effective communication skills for team decision-making
- 05Apply maritime safety and risk prevention procedures in navigation
- 06Interpret and apply international and local maritime regulations
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Bridge Officer on Merchant and Passenger Ships: Safe navigation, maneuvering in port and restricted waters, emergency management.
02Tugboat and Port Support Vessel Operator: Towing maneuvers, dynamic positioning, vessel assistance.
03VTS Personnel: Monitoring and management of maritime traffic, navigational assistance, incident response.
04Instructor at Maritime Training Centers: Design and delivery of simulation courses, competency assessment, development of training programs.
05Consultant for Shipping and Maritime Services Companies: Risk analysis, operational optimization, maritime accident investigation.
06Technical Personnel at Simulator Manufacturers: Development and maintenance of simulators, technical support, training for users.
07Researcher at academic institutions and maritime research centers: Development of simulation models, data analysis, maritime safety studies.
08Forensic expert in the maritime field: Reconstruction of maritime accidents, analysis of causes, preparation of expert reports.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
To provide a safe and controlled training platform for sailors.
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 train and evaluate the navigation and handling skills of a boat in a safe and controlled environment.
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:Vocational Training Certificate in Operation and Maintenance of Sports and Recreational Vessels; or demonstrable work experience in vessel handling.Technical Knowledge:Familiarity with maritime navigation, safety procedures, navigation and communication systems.Basic knowledge of marine mechanics (engines, hydraulic systems, etc.) is desirable.Personal Aptitudes:Ability to concentrate, attention to detail, and quick response to unexpected situations.Communication and teamwork skills (especially for group simulations).Technical Requirement
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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