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 Coatings and Painting
This program provides you with the specialized knowledge to protect and optimize the performance of naval structures. Master the techniques of surface preparation, selection of appropriate paint systems, and application in…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts9 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Marine Coatings and Painting?
The Diploma in Marine Coatings and Painting
This program provides you with the specialized knowledge to protect and optimize the performance of naval structures. Master the techniques of surface preparation, selection of appropriate paint systems, and application in accordance with international standards. Learn to identify and prevent corrosion, a critical factor in the maritime industry. This program equips you with the skills necessary to ensure the durability and efficiency of vessels.
Key Benefits
- Failure Analysis: Identifies the root causes of problems in coatings and paints.
- Regulations and Standards: Complies with IMO, ASTM, and other relevant regulations.
- Inspection and Quality Control: Ensures the correct application and performance of systems.
- Material Selection: Chooses the optimal paint and coating for each marine application.
- Project Management: Efficiently plans and oversees coating and painting projects.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
28-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Master the techniques: From surface preparation to the expert application of protective coatings and high-performance paints.
- Corrosion protection: Learn to identify and prevent the main types of corrosion in marine environments, extending the lifespan of structures.
- Material selection: Discover the latest innovations in paints and coatings, and choose the optimal solution for each specific application and need.
- Regulations and safety: Familiarize yourself with international regulations and best safety practices for the application of marine coatings.
- Case studies: Analyze real-world case studies and develop skills to solve common problems in marine coating and painting projects.
- Boost your career and become a specialist in the protection and enhancement of vessels and maritime structures.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Corrosion Fundamentals, Polymer Chemistry and Marine Environments
- Marine corrosion electrochemistry: galvanic cells, pitting, stress corrosion and hydrogen cracking
- Classification of marine environments according to ISO 12944: Atmospheric corrosivity categories (C1 to CX) and immersion (IM1 to IM4)
- Marine resin and polymer chemistry - epoxy, polyurethane, polysiloxanes, vinyl, acrylic and alkyd
- Protection mechanisms of paint schemes: barrier, passive inhibition and sacrificial cathodic protection
- Formulation and components of paints: functional pigments, fillers, solvents, additives and curators
- Coating degradation phenomena: Blistering, chalking, cracking, cracking and husking
- Compatibility between cathodic protection by sacrificial anodes/printed current (ICCP) and underwater hull paint schemes
- Corrosion mechanisms in seawater
02
Preparation of international surfaces and standards
- Mechanical and abrasive methods of surface preparation: Dry abrasive blasting (Abrasive Blasting) according to ISO 8501-1 / SSPC-NACE
- Degrees of visual surface preparation: SA 1, SA 2, SA 2.5, SA 3 (ISO) and their SSPC equivalences (SP 7, SP 6, SP 10, SP 5)
- Selection and specification of abrasives: steel shot, aluminium silicate, garnet (garnet) and contamination/profile testing
- Preparation of surfaces by blasting with water at high and ultra high pressure (Hydroblasting / UHP UHP-WJ) according to ISO 8501-4 and SSPC-VIS 4
- Manual and mechanical cleaning methods (ST 2, ST 3 / SSPC-SP 2, SP 3) and solvent cleaning (SSPC-SP 1)
- Measurement and evaluation of the anchor profile (Surface Profile): Replica tape (press-o-film), optical comparators and rugosmetres
- Detection and control of non-visible soluble contaminants: soluble salts (chlorides, sulfates, nitrates) by means of BRESLE test and SLEEVE method
- ISO 8501 and 8503 standards
03
Antifouling paint technology and biofouling control
- Biology of marine biofouling: micro-fouling (slime/biofilm) and macro-fouling (algae, cirripedes, molluscs) and its impact on fuel consumption
- Biocide Release Mechanisms: Soluble Matrix, Insoluble and Self-Polishing Matrix (CDP/TBT-Free SPC) Paints
- Non-stick coatings without biocides (Foul Release Coatings - FRC): Silicone and fluoropolymer technology
- International Environmental Regulations: IMO AFS (TBT and Cibutrine Restriction) and Biocide Directives (BPR)
- Selection of anti-fouling schemes according to the ship's operating profile: crossing speed, time spent in port and water temperature
- Emerging technologies: photocatalytic coatings, nanocomposites and integrated ultrasonic treatment with paint
- Underwater Hull Status Monitoring, Underwater Inspections and Impact of Hull Cleaning Maintenance (In-Water Cleaning) on the Paint
- Biocide-free antifouling
04
Painting and application schemes in critical sections of the ship
- Paint schemes for underwater hull (submerged hull) and float zone (boottopping): anti-corrosive primers, tie-coat and antifouling layers
- Topside protection (topids), superstructure and decks: resistance to UV radiation, mechanical abrasion and impact
- Ballast coverings of ballast according to the IMO PSPC (Performance Standard for Protective Coatings - Resolution MSC.215(82))
- Schemes of high chemical resistance for cargo tanks in chemical and oil tankers - epoxy novolac, zinc silicate and inorganic
- Protection of drinking water tanks, bulk carriers and high temperature areas (exhaust lines, chimneys)
- Selection and application of schemes in off-shore structures, platforms, submarine pipes and non-ferrous alloy components (aluminium, bronze)
- Shop Primer Painting Systems (Shop Primer) in Steel Sheets Before Cutting and Welding at Shipyards
- Painting of decks and superstructures
05
Application equipment, painting techniques and environmental conditions
- Airless Spray Application Equipment: Compression Ratio, Nozzles, Working Pressures, Filters and Maintenance
- Application equipment with assisted air, HVLP, conventional guns and multi-component spraying equipment (plural component)
- Manual methods of application: brush (stripe coat or reinforcement layer on edges and welds) and roller
- Control of previous and during application: Surface temperature, ambient temperature, relative humidity and dew point (dew point)
- Wet film thickness measurement (WFT) by combs and calculation of dry film thickness (DFT) Expected
- Measurement of dry film thickness (DFT) in magnetic and non-magnetic substrates according to SSPC-PA 2 and ISO 19840
- Typical Application Errors: Shocking (Sagging), Orange Skin, Overspray, Porosity (Pinholes) and Solvent Retention
- Airless application and thickness measurement
06
Quality control (QA/QC), paint inspection and regulations
- Role and responsibilities of the inspector of marine coatings according to certifications NACE / AMPP (CIP Levels 1-3) Frosio and Icorr
- Non-destructive coating tests: pore detection and interruptions (Holiday Detection / Pin-Hole Test) by high and low voltage
- Destructive Adhesion Tests: Pull-Off Adhesion Test - ISO 4624 / ASTM D4541) and Cross Cutting Test (Cross-Hatch)
- Inspector Instrumentation: Psychrometres, contact thermometres, salinity metres, thickness gauges and profile kits
- Preparation of the Technical Specification of Paint Specification and Technical Data Sheets (TDS) / Safety (MSDS/SDS)
- Quality Control Documentation: Daily Inspection Reports, Batch Traceability Records and Certificates of Conformity
- Dry-docking Surveys audit procedures: Failure assessment, touch-up percentage determination vs. Total repainting
- Paint Inspector Certification
07
Health, occupational safety, environmental protection (HSE) and maintenance on board
- Health risks associated with the handling of paints, solvents and abrasives: toxicity, irritation, inhalation of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and dust
- Specific personal protective equipment (EPI/EPP): Airline respirators/combined filters, protective suits and eye/auditive protection
- Security in application work in confined spaces (ballast tanks, double bottom, cargo tanks): forced ventilation, LEL measurement and work permits
- Fire and Explosion Prevention: Grounding of Airless Equipment, Classification of Tied Areas and Intrinsically Safe Lighting (Ex)
- Management of hazardous waste in shipyards and on board: used picket collection and disposal, paint cans, contaminated rags and washing water
- On-board paint maintenance plans carried out by the crew: Preparation of manual/mechanical surface and application of retouching (Maintenance & Repair)
- Regulations on VOC emissions (industrial emissions directive) and handling of microplastics derived from scraping/blasting
- Paint Waste Management
08
Surface preparation and marine primer
- Cleaning degrees according to ISO 8501
- Blasting and mechanical preparation
- Control of salts, humidity and roughness
- Selection and application of primers
- Preparation of welds and edges
- Workshop primers
- Register of Environmental Conditions
- Pre-painting inspection
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 engineers and naval architects seeking to deepen their knowledge of the selection and application of coatings for the protection of marine structures.Maintenance supervisors and shipyard personnel who need to optimize surface preparation and paint application processes to ensure the durability of vessels.Quality inspectors and naval experts who require an expert understanding of internat
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
- 01Mastering the application and quality control of marine coating systems
- 02Implement anti-corrosion protection strategies to extend the service life of naval structures
- 03Manage marine coating and painting projects in compliance with regulations and deadlines
- 04Select and apply marine paint systems optimized for each operating environment
- 05Diagnosing and solving common problems in marine coatings and paint
- 06Evaluate and certify the quality of marine coating and painting work
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Marine Coatings Applicator: Surface preparation, application of paints and protective coatings on ships and marine structures.
02Coatings Inspector: Quality control of painting work, fault detection, and preparation of technical reports.
03Marine Painting Project Supervisor: Management of work teams, cost and deadline control in coating projects.
04Sales Engineer in Marine Paints and Coatings Companies: Technical advice, product sales, and development of solutions for clients.
05Technical Consultant in Corrosion Protection: Diagnosis of corrosion problems, design of protection solutions, and technical advice.
06Court-Appointed Expert in Claims Related to Marine Paints and Coatings: Investigation of causes, damage assessment, and preparation of expert reports.
07Laboratory Technician in Marine Coating Companies: Development and quality control of new products, testing and analysis of properties.
08Trainer in Marine Coating Application Techniques: Delivery of courses and training programs for professionals in the sector.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
The naval industry, specifically in the application and maintenance of coatings and paints for vessels.
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 depends on the specific diploma program, but it generally covers both aspects, theory and practice.
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 Painting, Shipbuilding, Industrial Chemistry or related field; or demonstrable professional experience in applying coatings and paint in the naval sector.Recommended prior knowledge:Basic knowledge of shipbuilding materials, corrosion, and protection systems.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree (if applicable), proof of professional experience (if applicable), ID/Passport, letter of interest (optional).Specific requirements:In some cases, a personal interview or skills test may be required to assess the candidate's sui
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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