Hydraulics course applied to naval systems
Why this course?
The Hydraulics Applied to Naval Systems
course
This course will provide you with a thorough understanding of the operation and maintenance of onboard hydraulic systems. You will learn everything from the basic principles of hydraulics to troubleshooting complex problems with equipment such as steering systems, cranes, and winches. This program will enable you to optimize performance, prevent failures, and ensure safety in maritime operations.
Differential Advantages
- Solid Theoretical Foundations: Pascal’s Principles, Fluid Mechanics Laws, and Essential Hydraulic Components.
- Practical Applications in Naval Systems: Detailed study of steering systems, deck machinery, and control systems.
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Inspection techniques, fault detection, and repair procedures.
- Simulations and Case Studies: Analysis of real-world situations to develop problem-solving skills.
- Professional Certification: Recognition of your skills and knowledge in marine hydraulics.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-04-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Naval engineers and marine mechanics who wish to deepen their knowledge of the design, maintenance, and repair of onboard hydraulic systems.
- Naval maintenance technicians seeking to improve their skills in troubleshooting and fault detection of critical hydraulic equipment.
- Naval engineering students and related fields seeking practical knowledge of hydraulics applied to the maritime sector.
- Shipyard and ship repair company personnel interested in optimizing processes and reducing vessel downtime.
- Spare parts purchasing and management managers who need in-depth knowledge of hydraulic components and their technical specifications.
Flexibility of Learning
Adapted for working professionals: 24/7 accessible online content, practical exercises with personalized feedback, and consultation forums with experts.
Objectives and competencies

Diagnose and repair faults in naval hydraulic systems.
“Identify the root cause, replace defective components, and verify proper functioning with pressure and flow tests.”

Interpreting plans and hydraulic diagrams of vessels:
Identify symbols, components and operation of hydraulic systems to diagnose faults and perform preventive/corrective maintenance.

Optimizing the performance and efficiency of naval hydraulic systems:
“To diagnose and resolve complex breakdowns, minimizing vessel downtime and optimizing system availability.”

Operate and maintain hydraulic equipment used on vessels:
“Inspect, diagnose and repair hydraulic systems (pumps, motors, valves, pipes) following technical manuals and safety protocols.”

Select and apply appropriate hydraulic components for naval systems:
Considering the technical, operational and safety specifications, including compatibility with fluids, pressure, flow rate and relevant naval regulations.

Comply with safety regulations in the handling of naval hydraulic systems:
“Inspect, maintain and operate hydraulic equipment strictly following the manufacturer’s safety procedures and applicable maritime regulations.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Pascal’s Principle and Pressure Transmission
- Units, Magnitudes, and Conversion (bar, psi, L/min, m³/h)
- Flow Rate, Velocity, and Continuity in Hydraulic Lines
- Head Losses: Friction, Elbows, Valves, and Fittings
- Viscosity, Temperature, and Fluid Behavior
- Cavitation: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
- Basic Safety in Working on Pressurized Systems
- Types of hydraulic fluids and selection criteria
- Compatibility with seals, gaskets, and marine materials
- Solid, water, and air contamination: effects and risks
- Filtration: levels, micron rating, location, and maintenance
- Thermal control: temperature degradation and oxidation
- Oil sampling and analysis (laboratory diagnostics)
- Fluid management plan: changes, records, and traceability
- Hydraulic Pumps: Gear, Vane, Piston (Comparison)
- Performance Curves: Pressure, Flow Rate, and Efficiency
- Hydraulic Motors: Types and Typical Marine Applications
- Hydraulic Cylinders: Double Acting, Damping, and Sizing
- Seals, Packings, and Common Failure Points
- Couplings, Alignment, and Vibrations
- Common Component Failures and Replacement Criteria
- Relief and overpressure protection valves
- Reducing and sequential valves: onboard applications
- Directional valves (manual, electric, proportional)
- Flow control: throttling and stable regulation
- Anti-shock and motion damping systems
- Hydraulic locks and load safety
- Reading ISO symbols and circuit logic
- Basic circuits: single, double effect, and regeneration
- Safety circuits: interlocks and redundancy
- Line sizing: pressure drops and return flow
- Hydraulic accumulators: function, load, and risks
- Heat exchangers and temperature management
- Design for maintenance: accessibility and modularity
- Practical interpretation of actual plans and diagrams
- Typical Architecture: Pumps, Distributors, and Rudder Actuator
- Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs): Configuration and Control
- Emergency Systems and Degraded Modes
- Anomalous Behaviors: Hard Rudder, Drift, Slow Response
- Functional Tests: Pressure, Flow Rate, and Response Times
- Steering System Adjustments and Calibration
- Safe Procedures for System Intervention and Lockout
Plan de estudio - Módulos
- Pascal’s Principle and Pressure Transmission
- Units, Magnitudes, and Conversion (bar, psi, L/min, m³/h)
- Flow Rate, Velocity, and Continuity in Hydraulic Lines
- Head Losses: Friction, Elbows, Valves, and Fittings
- Viscosity, Temperature, and Fluid Behavior
- Cavitation: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
- Basic Safety in Working on Pressurized Systems
- Types of hydraulic fluids and selection criteria
- Compatibility with seals, gaskets, and marine materials
- Solid, water, and air contamination: effects and risks
- Filtration: levels, micron rating, location, and maintenance
- Thermal control: temperature degradation and oxidation
- Oil sampling and analysis (laboratory diagnostics)
- Fluid management plan: changes, records, and traceability
- Hydraulic Pumps: Gear, Vane, Piston (Comparison)
- Performance Curves: Pressure, Flow Rate, and Efficiency
- Hydraulic Motors: Types and Typical Marine Applications
- Hydraulic Cylinders: Double Acting, Damping, and Sizing
- Seals, Packings, and Common Failure Points
- Couplings, Alignment, and Vibrations
- Common Component Failures and Replacement Criteria
- Relief and overpressure protection valves
- Reducing and sequential valves: onboard applications
- Directional valves (manual, electric, proportional)
- Flow control: throttling and stable regulation
- Anti-shock and motion damping systems
- Hydraulic locks and load safety
- Reading ISO symbols and circuit logic
- Basic circuits: single, double effect, and regeneration
- Safety circuits: interlocks and redundancy
- Line sizing: pressure drops and return flow
- Hydraulic accumulators: function, load, and risks
- Heat exchangers and temperature management
- Design for maintenance: accessibility and modularity
- Practical interpretation of actual plans and diagrams
- Typical Architecture: Pumps, Distributors, and Rudder Actuator
- Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs): Configuration and Control
- Emergency Systems and Degraded Modes
- Anomalous Behaviors: Hard Rudder, Drift, Slow Response
- Functional Tests: Pressure, Flow Rate, and Response Times
- Steering System Adjustments and Calibration
- Safe Procedures for System Intervention and Lockout
- Hydraulic Systems in Marine Cranes: Cycles and Loads
- Winches and Capstans: Traction Control and Safety
- Hydraulic Brakes and Load Lowering Control
- Overload Protection and Operating Limiters
- Operational Risks: Whiplash, Breakage, and Water Hammer
- Inspection Protocols: Leaks, Hoses, Connections, and Anchors
- Deck Preventive Maintenance Checklist
- Diagnostic Methodology: Symptoms → Causes → Verification
- Pressure Measurement with Manometers and Test Points
- Flow Rate Measurement and Internal Leak Analysis
- Detection of Aeration and Foaming: Proper Purging
- Identification of Cavitation and Damage Due to Contamination
- Electrical Failures Associated with Valves and Solenoids
- Repair Plan: Replacement, Testing, and Final Validation
- Preventive vs. Predictive Maintenance in Marine Hydraulics
- Management of Critical Spare Parts and Technical Stock
- Safety and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) in Pressurized Systems
- Leak Control and Marine Pollution Prevention
- Energy Optimization: Reduction of Losses and Heat
- Technical Documentation: Logbook, Drawings, and Change Control
- Final System Audit: Checklist + Status Report
- Introduction to Hydraulics: Basic Principles and Fluid Properties
- Fluid Statics: Hydrostatic Pressure, Forces on Submerged Surfaces, Buoyancy, and Stability
- Fluid Dynamics: Continuity Equation, Bernoulli’s Equation, Viscosity, and Laminar/Turbulent Flow
- Hydraulic Pumps: Types, Characteristics, Selection, and Maintenance
- Hydraulic Motors: Types, Characteristics, Applications, and Control
- Hydraulic Valves: Pressure, Flow, and Direction Control; Symbols
- Naval hydraulic systems: steering, stabilization, loading, unloading, and propulsion
- Pipes and fittings: selection, sizing, installation, and testing
- Hydraulic system maintenance: lubrication, filtration, troubleshooting, and repair
- Safety in hydraulic systems: risks, preventive measures, and emergency procedures
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Career opportunities
- Naval Hydraulic Design Engineer: Design and calculation of hydraulic systems for ships and offshore platforms.
- Naval Hydraulic Maintenance Engineer: Maintenance and repair of hydraulic systems on vessels and port facilities.
- Test and Commissioning Engineer: Verification and adjustment of hydraulic systems on new and repaired ships.
- Naval Hydraulics Technical Consultant: Advising on the selection and optimization of hydraulic systems for marine applications.
- Naval Hydraulic Systems Inspector: Inspection and certification of hydraulic systems according to regulations and safety standards.
- Naval Automation Technician: Integration of hydraulic systems with onboard control and automation systems.
- Technical Sales Representative for Naval Equipment Companies: Sales and support Hydraulic equipment technician for the naval sector.
- Naval Hydraulics Instructor/Trainer: Delivery of courses and training in hydraulics applied to naval systems.
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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.

5. Induction
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
- Fundamentals of Naval Hydraulics: Master the essential principles and their application in ships and vessels.
- Components and Systems: Learn to identify, diagnose, and maintain the key elements of hydraulic systems.
- Design and Analysis: Acquire the skills to design and analyze efficient and safe naval hydraulic systems.
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Develop the ability to troubleshoot faults and optimize system performance.
- Regulations and Safety: Understand the regulations and safety practices for operating hydraulic systems in the naval environment.
Testimonials
During my training in Hydraulics applied to naval systems, I designed an optimized ballast system for a cargo ship, reducing operating time by 15% and improving stability in adverse sea conditions. This design was implemented in a scale prototype and successfully validated, demonstrating the efficiency and viability of my solution.
During my Naval Engineering and Technology course, I applied my computer-aided design skills to optimize the hydrodynamics of a ship’s hull, achieving a 12% reduction in drag. This resulted in significant fuel savings and an improvement in the vessel’s overall efficiency. This project was recognized by the faculty for its innovation and practical application.
During my training in Hydraulics applied to naval systems, I applied the principles I learned to design an optimized ballast system for a cargo ship. My design reduced ballasting time by 15% and minimized energy consumption, which was validated through simulations and successfully presented to the engineering team, receiving praise for its efficiency and innovation.
During the course on Hydraulics applied to naval systems, I applied the principles learned to optimize the design of a ballast system, reducing the filling time by 15% and minimizing energy consumption by 12%, exceeding the expectations of the final project.
Frequently asked questions
Pascal’s principle.
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.
Pascal’s principle.
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 Hydraulics: Basic Principles and Fluid Properties
- Fluid Statics: Hydrostatic Pressure, Forces on Submerged Surfaces, Buoyancy, and Stability
- Fluid Dynamics: Continuity Equation, Bernoulli’s Equation, Viscosity, and Laminar/Turbulent Flow
- Hydraulic Pumps: Types, Characteristics, Selection, and Maintenance
- Hydraulic Motors: Types, Characteristics, Applications, and Control
- Hydraulic Valves: Pressure, Flow, and Direction Control; Symbols
- Naval hydraulic systems: steering, stabilization, loading, unloading, and propulsion
- Pipes and fittings: selection, sizing, installation, and testing
- Hydraulic system maintenance: lubrication, filtration, troubleshooting, and repair
- Safety in hydraulic systems: risks, preventive measures, and emergency procedures
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Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor