Diploma in Marine Systems Automation
Why this certificate program?
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.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Diplomado
- Hours: 800 H
- Start date: 19-06-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- 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 efficiency and safety of maritime operations through automation and advanced control.
- Students of Mechatronics Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related fields aspiring to a career in the maritime industry and seeking specialized knowledge in automation.
- Offshore and Port Industry Professionals seeking to understand and apply the latest automation technologies to improve productivity and reduced operating costs.
Flexibility and applicability
Designed for working professionals: online format with live and recorded classes, access to virtual simulators, and practical projects applicable to real-world environments.
Objectives and competencies
Implement and maintain automated machinery control and propulsion systems:
“Configure and optimize control systems (PID, fuzzy logic) for efficiency and safety, documenting parameters and procedures.”
Diagnosing and troubleshooting faults in marine automated systems:
“Identify the root cause using diagrams, technical manuals and diagnostic tools, prioritizing navigational safety and environmental protection.”
Manage the operation and security of automated navigation systems:
“Interpreting information from sensors (RADAR, AIS, GNSS) and integrated systems (ECDIS) to build accurate situational awareness and anticipate risks.”
Optimizing the performance and energy efficiency of automated marine systems:
Implement predictive and adaptive control strategies for optimized energy management, minimizing consumption and maximizing the lifespan of components.
Integrate and monitor automated loading and unloading control systems:
Efficiently manage the human-machine interface (HMI) to optimize the flow of materials, ensuring the safety and integrity of the product throughout the process.
Develop and implement predictive maintenance strategies for automated marine systems:
Implement vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis to diagnose incipient failures and optimize maintenance programs, reducing costs and downtime.
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Naval Automation: History, Trends, and Benefits
- Sensors in Naval Automation: Types, Operating Principles, and Applications
- Actuators in Naval Automation: Types, Characteristics, and Applications
- Control Systems: ON/OFF Control, PID, Predictive and Adaptive Control
- Industrial Communication Networks: Protocols, Standards, and Security
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems: Architecture, Functions, and Security
- Intrinsically Safe Systems: Principles, Design, and Implementation
- Safety Standards and Regulations in Naval Automation (IEC, ISA, etc.)
- Risk Analysis in Automated Systems: HAZOP, SIL, and LOPA
- Cybersecurity in Naval Automation: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and countermeasures
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- Introduction to Industrial Instrumentation: Types of Sensors and Actuators
- Measurement of Physical Variables: Pressure, Temperature, Level, Flow Rate
- Transmitters: Operating Principles, Calibration, and Adjustment
- Control Systems: Open Loop, Closed Loop, PID Control
- Control Valves: Types, Characteristics, and Selection
- Data Acquisition Systems (DAS): Hardware and Software
- Industrial Communications: Protocols (HART, Modbus, Profibus)
- Troubleshooting Instrumentation: Methodologies and Tools
- Preventive and Corrective Maintenance of Instruments
- Safety in Instrumentation and Process Control
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- Introduction to Marine Automation: Scope, Benefits, and Challenges.
- Measuring Sensors: Types, Operating Principles, Calibration, and Maintenance.
- Signal Transmitters and Converters: Standardized Signals, HART, Fieldbus.
- Control Valves: Types, Actuators, Positioners, and Characteristic Curves.
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Architecture, Programming (IEC 61131-3), and Marine Applications.
- Distributed Control Systems (DCS): Architecture, Communication, and Applications in the Propulsion Plant.
- Industrial Communication Networks: Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Profibus DP/PA.
- Instrumentation for Level Measurement, Pressure, temperature, and flow: selection, installation, and diagnostics.
Alarm and monitoring systems: design, configuration, and testing.
Functional safety: Safety Integrity Level (SIL) and applications in marine automation.
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- Introduction to Marine Automation: Needs and Benefits
- Sensors and Transducers: Types, Operating Principles, Calibration, and Maintenance
- Process Instrumentation: Measurement of Pressure, Temperature, Level, Flow Rate, and Other Parameters
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Architecture, Programming (IEC 61131-3), and Applications in the Marine Environment
- Distributed Control Systems (DCS): Architecture, Communication, and Applications in Process Management
- Industrial Communication Networks: Protocols (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP), Topologies, and Security
- Actuators and Final Control Elements: Valves, Motors, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and Their Integration into Systems Automated systems.
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems: Data collection, visualization, alarms, and report generation.
- Cybersecurity in marine automation systems: Vulnerabilities, threats, and protection measures.
- Maintenance and troubleshooting of instrumentation, control, and network systems in marine automation.
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- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Marine Automation: Benefits, Challenges, and Trends
- Marine Sensors: Types, Operating Principles, Calibration, and Maintenance
- Signal Transmitters and Converters: Characteristics, Selection, and Applications
- Control Systems: PID, Fuzzy Logic, Neural Networks
- Actuators: Valves, Motors, Pumps, Cylinders
- Industrial Communication Networks: Protocols (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP), Topologies, and Security
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems in Marine Automation
- Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS): SIL, Layers of Protection, and Risk Analysis
- Regulations and Safety Standards in Marine Automation (IEC 61508, IEC 61511)
- Cybersecurity in marine automation: vulnerabilities, protection, and incident response
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Career opportunities
- Marine Automation Technician on Board Ships: Maintenance, repair, and operation of automated systems.
- Control and Automation Engineer in Shipyards: Design, installation, and commissioning of automation systems in shipbuilding and repair.
- Service Technician in Marine Automation Companies: Technical support, preventive and corrective maintenance of automation equipment in ports and on ships.
- Automation Systems Designer for Offshore Platforms: Development of automation solutions for the marine energy sector.
- Marine Process Automation Consultant: Technical advice on the implementation of automation systems to optimize efficiency and safety in the maritime sector.
- Automated Systems Inspector in Classification Societies: Verification of compliance with regulations and safety standards in marine automation systems.
- Marine Automation Project Manager: Planning, coordination, and supervision of automation system implementation projects in the naval sector.
- Marine Automation Technologies Trainer: Instructor at vocational training centers and universities, providing knowledge about automation systems for the maritime sector.
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Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
Documentation:
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- 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.
Testimonials
This diploma program provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to develop an automated ballast control system for cargo ships. I implemented this system in my company, reducing operating time by 30% and minimizing the risk of human error, resulting in a significant improvement in the efficiency and safety of our maritime operations.
The Diploma in Naval Electricity & Electronics provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to diagnose and troubleshoot complex problems in naval electrical systems. I directly applied what I learned to my work, optimizing the performance of onboard systems and significantly reducing downtime, which resulted in a 15% increase in the vessel’s operational efficiency.
This diploma program provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to optimize the navigation system of our fishing fleet. I implemented an automated route control system that reduced fuel consumption by 12% and increased fishing efficiency by 15%, positively impacting the company’s profitability.
This diploma program provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to develop an automated ballast control system for cargo ships. I implemented this system in my current company, reducing operating time by 30% and minimizing the risk of human error.
Frequently asked questions
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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to Advanced Control: Concepts, Strategies, and Applications
- Industrial Instrumentation: Sensors, Transmitters, and Actuators
- Control Systems: Open Loop, Closed Loop, PID, and Predictive Control
- Process Control: Process Variables, Flow, Pressure, Level, and Temperature Control
- Intrinsic Safety: Classified Areas, Safety Barriers, and Regulations
- Safety Systems: ESD, SIS, and SIL (Safety Integrity Level)
- Risk Analysis: HAZOP, What-If, and FMEA
- Safety Standards and Regulations: IEC 61508, IEC 61511
- Maintenance and calibration of instrumentation and control systems
- Troubleshooting and troubleshooting of control and safety systems
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Request information
Complete the Application Form.
Attach your CV/degree certificate (if you have it to hand).
Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you would like the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
An academic advisor will contact you within 24–48 hours to guide you through the admission process, scholarships, and compatibility with your professional schedule.
Faculty
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.