Diploma in Carpentry and Yacht Finishing
Why this certificate program?
The Diploma in Yacht Carpentry and Finishing
This program provides you with the essential skills to excel in the construction and embellishment of luxury yachts. Learn everything from selecting fine woods to the most advanced lacquering and varnishing techniques, mastering the creation of bespoke interiors and flawless decks. This program prepares you for a demanding market where precision and aesthetics are paramount.
This program provides you with the essential skills to excel in the construction and embellishment of luxury vessels.
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Approach: Real-world shipbuilding projects and high-end finishes.
- Cutting-Edge Materials: Use of innovative tools and products in the nautical sector.
- Custom Design: Creation of bespoke furniture and smart storage solutions.
- Expert Instructors: Direct instruction from carpenters and finishers with extensive experience on yachts.
- Professional Certification: Recognition of your skills in the shipbuilding industry.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Diplomado
- Hours: 800 H
- Start date: 15-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Carpenters and cabinetmakers looking to specialize in yacht construction and repair, mastering advanced techniques and high-end materials.
- Yacht owners interested in gaining a thorough understanding of the maintenance and customization of their vessels, ensuring the durability and value of their investment.
- Marine professionals who wish to expand their skills and offer specialized carpentry and finishing services to discerning clients.
- Interior designers and naval architects looking to deepen their knowledge of yacht interior design and execution, combining aesthetics and functionality.
- Sailing and carpentry enthusiasts who wish to acquire technical and practical knowledge to build or Restore high-quality boats.
Study flexibility
Adapt to your schedule: live and recorded online classes, 24/7 access to study materials, and personalized follow-up by experts.
Objectives and competencies

Mastering the construction and repair of wooden structures on boats:
Select and apply assembly techniques (butt joints, miter joints, tongue and groove joints, tenon joints) according to the structural and environmental requirements of the vessel.

Apply advanced finishing techniques to protect and beautify yachts:
“Master polishing, waxing, sealing, and ceramic coatings to optimize shine, durability, and resistance to marine corrosion.”

Manage shipbuilding projects from design to final delivery:
“Define scope, deadlines and budgets, supervising quality and complying with safety and environmental regulations.”

Interpreting plans and technical specifications for naval carpentry:
“Identify symbols, scales, and materials, ensuring the correct execution of the project and compliance with regulations.”

Select and use appropriate tools and materials for yacht carpentry and finishing:
“Identify the optimal wood, hardware, adhesives, and coatings according to manufacturer specifications and nautical standards.”

Ensuring the watertightness and durability of wooden structures on yachts:
“Select appropriate marine sealants and adhesives, apply caulking techniques, and protect the wood against moisture and galvanic corrosion.”
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 Yacht Interior Design: History, Trends, and Styles
- Materials: Types of wood, composites, metals, fabrics, and nautical finishes
- Design Software: AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, and Yacht-Specific Programs
- Ergonomics and Functionality: Space optimization, circulation, and accessibility
- Regulations and Safety: IMO and MCA standards and yacht-specific regulations
- Project Planning: Phases, budget, schedule, and resource management
- Furniture Manufacturing: Carpentry, joinery, and nautical upholstery techniques
- Installations: Lighting, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems
- Finishes: lacquering, varnishing, polishing, coatings, and final decoration
- Quality control and project delivery: inspections, testing, and customer satisfaction
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- Introduction to Luxury Shipbuilding: History, evolution, and current trends.
- Selection and properties of fine woods: Types, characteristics, treatment, and preservation.
- Tools and specialized machinery: Use, maintenance, and safety.
- Advanced assembly techniques: Joining, gluing, fitting, and finishing.
- High-precision veneering and marquetry: Design, materials, and application techniques.
- Luxury finishes: Varnishing, lacquering, polishing, and waxing.
- Custom furniture construction: Design, manufacturing, and installation on vessels.
- Interior and exterior cladding: Panels, moldings, decking, and Decks.
- Restoration and repair of wooden elements in classic vessels: Techniques and materials.
- Regulations and quality standards in luxury marine carpentry: Safety, sustainability, and certification.
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- Introduction to Shipbuilding: History, Evolution, and Types of Vessels.
- Materials: Hardwoods and Softwoods, Properties, Selection, and Preservation.
- Hand Tools: Use, Sharpening, and Maintenance of Chisels, Planes, Saws, and Jointers.
- Woodworking Machinery: Band Saw, Planer, Sander, and Router: Safe and Precise Operation.
- Wood Joining Techniques: Half-Lap Joints, Mortise and Tenon Joints, Dovetail Joints, and Glued Joints.
- Wood Bending Techniques: Steam Bending, Laminating, and Traditional Methods.
- Ship Structural Construction: Frames, Keel, Stem, and Sternpost.
- Hulge Planking: clinker-and-lintel, planking, and plain planking techniques.
- Finishes and Protection: varnishes, paints, oils, and waterproofing treatments.
- Introduction to Luxury Cabinetmaking: veneering, marquetry, and inlay techniques.
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- Introduction to Shipbuilding: History, Evolution, and Applications
- Materials in Shipbuilding: Hardwoods, Softwoods, Marine Plywood, Epoxy Resins
- Basic Hand Tools: Planes, Chisels, Gouges, Saws, Rasps, Sandpaper
- Power Tools: Drills, Sanders, Jigsaws, Routers, and Their Safe Use
- Joints in Shipbuilding: Half-Lap Joints, Mortise and Tenon Joints, Dovetail Joints, Biscuit Joints
- Wood Bending Techniques: Steam Bending, Rolling, Heat Bending
- Construction of Basic Structures: Frames, Floors, Beams, Keels
- Exterior Sheathing: Planks Tongue and groove, clinker, butt planking
Finishes and protection: marine varnishes, antifouling paints, protective oils
Workshop safety: prevention measures, personal protective equipment (PPE)
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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 Modern Shipbuilding: History, Materials, and Specialized Tools
- Selection and Treatment of Hardwoods: Teak, Mahogany, Cedar, and Other Species Suitable for Marine Environments
- Advanced Joints and Assembly: Dovetails, Tenons, Miters, and Glued Joints Resistant to Saltwater
- Laminating and Bending Techniques: Construction of Complex Structures and Curved Surfaces
- Premium Cladding and Veneering: Application of Thin Veneers and Decorative Materials for Luxury Finishes
- Design and Construction of Custom Boat Furniture: Space Optimization and Ergonomics
- Protective and Decorative Finishes: Marine varnishes, special oils, and weather-resistant paints.
Repair and restoration of antique shipwrecks: conservation techniques and replacement of damaged elements.
Quality control and safety: industry standards and best practices in the shipyard.
Interpretation of plans and computer-aided design (CAD) for shipwrecks.
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Career opportunities
- Yacht Carpenter: Construction, repair, and maintenance of wooden structures on yachts, including furniture, decks, and cladding.
- Yacht Finishing Specialist: Application of high-quality varnishes, lacquers, and paints to protect and beautify the surfaces of wood and other materials on yachts.
- Marine Furniture Installer: Assembly and installation of furniture and accessories on yachts, ensuring proper fastening and functionality.
- Classic Yacht Restorer: Restoration and conservation of antique wooden vessels, applying traditional carpentry and finishing techniques.
- Yacht Interior Designer (with additional training): Creation of customized interior spaces on yachts, combining functionality with aesthetics and comfort.
- Shipyard Carpentry Project Supervisor: Management and coordination of teams of carpenters and finishing specialists in the construction or repair of yachts.
Technical advisor for nautical product companies: Providing technical knowledge about materials, tools, and carpentry and finishing techniques for yachts to clients and professionals in the sector.
Entrepreneur: Creation of my own workshop specializing in yacht carpentry and finishing.
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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 marine carpentry: Learn specialized techniques in the construction and repair of luxury vessels.
- High-end finishes: Hone your skills in varnishing, lacquering, and coating to achieve flawless surfaces.
- Innovative materials: Explore the use of exotic woods, composites, and other cutting-edge materials in the marine industry.
- Design and customization: Develop unique projects tailored to the aesthetic and functional requirements of exclusive yachts.
- Professional certification: Earn a recognized diploma to boost your career in shipyards and vessel maintenance companies.
Testimonials
This diploma program exceeded my expectations. I acquired solid practical and theoretical skills in naval carpentry, from wood selection to the application of high-quality finishes. I was able to build a scale model of a sailboat, applying the techniques I learned, and now I feel confident taking on yacht restoration and construction projects.
This diploma program exceeded my expectations. I gained practical skills in 3D design, material selection, and project management, enabling me to lead the complete refurbishment of a 40-foot yacht. The hands-on approach and the instructors’ expertise were key to my success.
This diploma program exceeded my expectations. I acquired practical skills in marine carpentry, from wood selection to the application of high-quality finishes. Now I feel confident to tackle complex projects in the nautical industry and apply the techniques I learned to the construction and restoration of yachts.
This diploma program exceeded my expectations. I acquired solid practical and theoretical skills, from hull construction to the finest finishes. Now I feel confident tackling complex projects and I’m applying what I’ve learned to the restoration of a classic sailboat, with results that fill me with pride.
Frequently asked questions
It focuses on construction and finishes, which could include restoration as part of the finishing process.
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.
It focuses on the carpentry and finishing aspects of yachts, not the complete construction.
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 Nautical Carpentry: History, Evolution, and Applications
- Materials: Types of wood (teak, mahogany, iroko, etc.), characteristics, selection, and storage.
- Hand Tools: Use, maintenance, and sharpening of traditional tools.
- Carpentry Machinery: Saws, planers, routers, sanders: Safety and operation.
- Wood Joinings: Classic (dovetail, tenon, tongue and groove, etc.) and modern joints.
- Adhesives and Glues: Types, properties, application, and environmental considerations.
- Basic Design: Plans, scales, views, and graphic representation of nautical elements.
- Layout and Marking: Techniques for transferring designs to the wood.
- Construction of structural elements: frames, beams, rafters, and other key pieces.
- Workshop safety: regulations, personal protective equipment, and occupational risk prevention.
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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
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