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
Basic Electricity Course for Boats
This course provides you with the fundamental knowledge to understand and maintain your boat's electrical system. Learn about circuits, wiring, batteries, and generators, ensuring the safety and efficiency of your onboard…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Basic Electricity Course for Boats?
The Basic Electricity for Boats
This course provides you with the fundamental knowledge to understand and maintain your boat's electrical system. Learn about circuits, wiring, batteries, and generators, ensuring the safety and efficiency of your onboard installation. This program is designed for both beginners and those looking to consolidate their skills.
Differential Advantages
- Key concepts explained clearly: from Ohm's Law to surge protection.
- Practice with diagrams and schematics: learn to interpret plans and troubleshoot common problems.
- Electrical safety: understand the risks and how to prevent them to protect yourself and your vessel.
- Preventive maintenance: extend the life of your equipment and avoid costly breakdowns.
- Additional resources: access to videos, guides, and tools to continue learning at your own pace.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Electrical Fundamentals: Learn the basic principles of electricity applied to boats.
- Onboard Systems: Master the operation and maintenance of essential electrical systems.
- Electrical Safety: Identify and mitigate risks to ensure safe navigation.
- Troubleshooting: Acquire skills to troubleshoot common electrical problems.
- Hands-on Practice: Apply your knowledge in practical exercises with boat equipment and components.
- Get ready to maintain and repair your boat's electrical system with confidence!
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of nautical electricity, electrical safety and basic systems on board
- Concept of electricity in boats and differences between direct current, alternating current, low voltage and auxiliary systems
- Basic magnitudes: voltage, current, resistance, power, capacity, energy consumption and electric autonomy
- Main components: batteries, cables, fuses, switches, electrical panels, chargers, alternators and consumers
- Peculiarities of the marine environment: humidity, salinity, vibration, corrosion, movement and reduced spaces
- Electrical hazards: short circuits, overloads, discharges, fires, sulfation, poor connection and reverse polarity
02
Batteries, charging, electrical distribution and circuit protection
- Types of batteries: Lead-acid, AGM, Gel, Lithium and basic selection criteria according to use, capacity and safety
- Battery banks, starter battery, service battery, parallelization, disconnectors and circuit separation
- Charging systems: alternator, port charger, solar panels, regulators, generators and auxiliary sources
- Fuses, circuit breakers, relays, switches, busbars, masses, common negatives and overcurrent protection
- Basic calculation of consumption, autonomy, available capacity, voltage drop and initial sizing of cables
03
Wiring, connections, panels, lighting and basic electrical equipment
- Types of marine cables, sections, insulation, colours, labelling, pipes and protection against moisture or friction
- Connectors, Terminals, Crimping, Welding, Heat Shrink, Connection Boxes and Galvanic Corrosion Prevention
- Electrical panels, switches, indicators, voltmetres, ammetres, battery monitors and circuit organisation
- Installation of interior lighting, navigation lights, Bilge pumping pumps, USB sockets, plugs, fans and small consumers
- Good practices of order, accessibility, wiring, circuit documentation and future maintenance
04
Diagnosis of electrical faults, use of multimeter and preventive maintenance
- Frequent faults: Battery discharged, fuse blown, sulfated cable, faulty switch, weak ground and phantom consumption
- Basic use of the multimeter to measure tension, continuity, resistance, polarity, consumption and voltage drop
- Diagnosis of charging problems, alternator, charger, solar regulator, loose connections and deteriorated batteries
- Identification of overheating, burning smell, sparks, corrosion, humidity, false contacts and poorly protected circuits
- Preventive maintenance: terminal cleaning, retightening, anti-corrosive protection, fuse checking and periodic testing
05
Applied Basic Electricity for Boats
- Case definition: boat, small sailboat, auxiliary, catamaran, recreational boat, auxiliary electrical equipment or specific circuit
- Diagnosis of the existing electrical system with batteries, consumption, wiring, protections, charging, failures and observable risks
- Design of the basic electrical scheme with distribution, fuses, disconnectors, cables, panels, lighting and main equipment
- Preparation of the installation plan, connection, labelling, testing, use of multimeter and verification of operation
- Development of the maintenance plan, safety, corrosion prevention, battery check and energy efficiency 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
Owners of recreational and fishing boats who want to understand and maintain their vessel's basic electrical systems.Shipyard and boatyard personnel looking to acquire fundamental knowledge for the installation and repair of electrical equipment.Nautical students and marine DIY enthusiasts who want to get started in marine electricity safely and effectively.Marine mechanics looking to expand
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
- 01Diagnosing and repairing common electrical faults in boats
- 02Interpret and apply current maritime electrical regulations
- 03Install and maintain basic electrical systems on boats
- 04Selecting and sizing electrical components for boats
- 05Perform electrical measurements with appropriate instruments and analyze the results
- 06Understanding the fundamental principles of electricity and its application in boats
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Marine Electrician: Installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems on recreational, commercial, and military vessels.
02Marine Electronics Technician: Diagnosing and troubleshooting navigation, communication, and entertainment equipment on board.
03Renewable Energy Installer on Vessels: Designing and implementing solar, wind, and other alternative energy systems on ships.
04Marine Automation Technician: Programming and maintaining automated control systems for engines, lights, and other equipment on board.
05Technical Advisor for Marine Electrical Equipment Sales: Providing technical support and advice to clients on the selection and use of electrical equipment for vessels.
06Electrical Installation Inspector on Ships: Conducting inspections to ensure compliance with electrical safety standards on ships. vessels.
07Marine Electric Motor Repairer: Maintenance and repair of electric motors used in propulsion, pumps, and other onboard equipment.
08Marine Electrical Safety Systems Technician: Installation and maintenance of protection systems against overloads, short circuits, and other electrical hazards on vessels.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Volts (V)
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.
In AC, the voltage polarity changes periodically, while in DC, the polarity remains constant.
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 in electricity or electronics; Demonstrable experience in electrical installations, preferably in maritime environments or on vessels.Previous Knowledge:Basic knowledge of electricity (voltage, current, resistance, etc.) and use of electrical tools. Documentation: Updated CV, copy of qualification (if applicable), ID/Passport. Technical Requirements (optional, if online): Computer with internet access for study materials and possible videoconferences.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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