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 Systems Automation
This program offers you an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge technologies that drive efficiency and safety in the maritime industry. Learn to design, implement, and maintain automated systems for energy management, propulsion…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts9 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Marine Systems Automation?
The Diploma in Marine Systems Automation
This program offers you an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge technologies that drive efficiency and safety in the maritime industry. Learn to design, implement, and maintain automated systems for energy management, propulsion, cargo control, and onboard safety. This program prepares you to meet the challenges of autonomous navigation and resource optimization on modern vessels.
Differentiating Advantages
- Advanced Simulation Platforms: Experiment with real-world scenarios and virtualize the operation of complex marine systems.
- Industry Experts: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in naval automation and fleet management.
- Practical Case Studies: Analyze successful automation implementations on various types of vessels.
- Professional Certification: Gain recognition that validates your skills and knowledge in marine systems automation.
- Strategic Networking: Connect with other professionals in the sector and expand your career opportunities.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
27-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Master Automation: Learn to design, implement, and maintain automated systems in the marine industry.
- Cutting-Edge Technologies: Delve into PLCs, SCADA, sensors, actuators, and industrial communication networks applied to the naval sector.
- Efficiency and Safety: Optimize the operation of vessels and offshore platforms, reducing costs and minimizing risks.
- Simulation and Practice: Apply your knowledge in simulated environments and real-world cases, developing practical skills and solving industry challenges.
- Professional Certification: Earn a recognized diploma that will boost your career in marine systems automation.
- Boost your future and become an expert in maritime industry automation.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Automation and Naval Control
- Principles of automation applied to marine engineering
- Architecture of integrated control and monitoring systems (IAS/AMS)
- IMO regulations, SOLAS agreement and classification companies requirements
- Class notations for unattended machine spaces (UMS)
- Types of industrial signals - analog, discrete and fieldbus
- Naval Instrumentation and Marinized Sensors (Pressure, Temperature, Level)
- Fault-tolerant design philosophies and sea redundancy
- Naval sensors and actuators
02
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) in the Naval Industry
- Industrial and marine PLC hardware architecture
- Programming languages according to IEC 61131-3 (Ladder, ST, FBD)
- Configuration of local and distributed I/O modules on board
- PID control strategies in fluid and machine management
- Programming of Security Routines, Alarms and Emergency Stops (ESD)
- Redundancy of processors and power supplies in marine PLCs
- Code simulation tests and pre-installation validation
- Ladder language programming
03
Industrial communication networks and naval protocols
- On-board data network topologies: redundant ring, star and bus
- Industrial protocols in the marine environment: Modbus RTU/TCP, PROFIBUS and PROFINET
- CANopen standard and NMEA 2000 networks in auxiliary systems
- Ethernet Industrial Marinated, Manageable Switches and Fibre Optic
- Industrial cybersecurity OT on board according to IMO guide and IEC 62443 standard
- Multiplexing, galvanic isolation and media conversion
- Network traffic diagnostics, frame capture and fault detection
- CAN and Ethernet Industrial Networks
04
Man-machine interfaces (HMI) and SCADA systems
- Control console design for the command bridge and the ECR (Engine Control Room)
- Development of HMI applications for the supervision of the propulsion plant
- Marine SCADA Systems: Data Acquisition, Trends and Historical Archive
- Event management, alarm prioritisation and ergonomic interfaces (ISO 9241)
- Secure remote access, telemetry and ground fleet monitoring
- Integration of local touch panels in Deck subsystems
- Usability tests and user profile settings
- Monitoring screen design
05
Automation of the propulsive and auxiliary plant
- Automatic control of main diesel engines and turbines
- Speed regulation systems (Governors) and variable pitch drive (CPP)
- Automation of purifiers, Bilge separators and marine boilers
- Closed loop control of refrigeration and lubrication systems
- Automation of the ballast management and water treatment plant
- Fuel oil management systems and automatic tank transfer
- Starting, heating and automatic turning sequences of machines
- Control of auxiliary motors
06
Electric Power Management Systems (PMS)
- On-board Power Management System (PMS) Features
- Automatic starter, synchronisation and coupling of generators
- Automatic loading active and reactive between alternators
- Management and decoupling of non-essential loads (load shedding)
- Starting of large consumers and overloading
- Integration of diesel-electric plants, hybrids and batteries in the PMS
- Automatic recovery protocols to "Blackout" (reset)
- Automatic start of generators
07
Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Government Control
- Fundamentals of Dynamic Positioning Systems (DP1, DP2, DP3)
- Position sensors, heading references (gyroscopic) and anemometres
- Hydrodynamic modelling of the ship and Kalman filters in DP control
- Automatic thrust assignment (thrust allocation) in Azimuthal propellers
- Integration of the governance system, servo motors and autopilot
- Analysis of failure modes and their effects (FMEA) in DP systems
- Field tests, calibration and response to positioning contingencies
- FMEA testing of DP systems
08
Maintenance, diagnosis and commissioning
- Predictive maintenance strategies through vibration sensors and analysis
- Instrumentation of calibration and verification of on-board control loops
- Systematic Troubleshooting Procedures
- Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Port Acceptance Tests (HAT)
- Sea tests (SAT) for the validation of comprehensive automation
- Management of automation, firmware and backups of PLCs
- Systems commissioning
- Maintaining change history and change engineering
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 and Marine Engineers who wish to specialize in the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems on ships and offshore platforms.Maintenance and Operations Technicians seeking to acquire practical skills in programming and configuring PLCs, SCADA, and industrial communication networks in marine environments.Supervisors and Department Heads interested in optimizing the effi
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
- 01Implement and maintain automated machinery control and propulsion systems
- 02Diagnosing and troubleshooting faults in marine automated systems
- 03Manage the operation and security of automated navigation systems
- 04Optimizing the performance and energy efficiency of automated marine systems
- 05Integrate and monitor automated loading and unloading control systems
- 06Develop and implement predictive maintenance strategies for automated marine systems
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Marine Automation Technician on Board Ships: Maintenance, repair, and operation of automated systems.
02Control and Automation Engineer in Shipyards: Design, installation, and commissioning of automation systems in shipbuilding and repair.
03Service Technician in Marine Automation Companies: Technical support, preventive and corrective maintenance of automation equipment in ports and on ships.
04Automation Systems Designer for Offshore Platforms: Development of automation solutions for the marine energy sector.
05Marine Process Automation Consultant: Technical advice on the implementation of automation systems to optimize efficiency and safety in the maritime sector.
06Automated Systems Inspector in Classification Societies: Verification of compliance with regulations and safety standards in marine automation systems.
07Marine Automation Project Manager: Planning, coordination, and supervision of automation system implementation projects in the naval sector.
08Marine Automation Technologies Trainer: Instructor at vocational training centers and universities, providing knowledge about automation systems for the maritime sector.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Improve the efficiency, safety, and reliability of marine 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.
Maritime industry.
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 Engineering (Electronics, Mechatronics, Naval Engineering, or similar), Advanced Vocational Training in technical areas, or demonstrable professional experience in automation and control systems.Recommended Prior Knowledge:Fundamentals of electricity, electronics, automatic control, basic programming, and instrumentation systems. Basic knowledge of marine systems.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree or academic certificate, ID/Passport, cover letter (optional).Technical requirements (for online, if appl
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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