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 boat carpentry course
Give your boat a new lease on life. This course provides you with the essential skills to carry out repairs, modifications, and custom projects on board. Master the use of hand and power tools, learn joining, assembly, and…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Basic boat carpentry course?
Learn the fundamentals of Basic Boatbuilding
Give your boat a new lease on life. This course provides you with the essential skills to carry out repairs, modifications, and custom projects on board. Master the use of hand and power tools, learn joining, assembly, and finishing techniques, and work with a variety of woods and materials commonly used in shipbuilding.
Give your boat a new lease on life. This course provides you with the essential skills to carry out repairs, modifications, and custom projects on board.
Key Benefits
- Practical Knowledge: Learn to diagnose problems, plan projects, and execute repairs with confidence.
- Essential Techniques: Master cutting, sanding, planing, assembling, and finishing boat wood.
- Safety and Best Practices: Familiarize yourself with safety procedures and best practices in boatbuilding.
- Custom Projects: Apply your skills to build or repair items such as shelving, tables, benches, and more.
- Maintenance and Appreciation: Keep your boat in top condition and increase its value through boatbuilding.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Fundamentals of Shipbuilding: Learn the essential techniques for working with wood in maritime environments.
- Tools and Materials: Learn about the specific tools and types of wood most commonly used in boatbuilding.
- Repairs and Maintenance: Master the repair of wooden structures and their preventative maintenance to extend their lifespan.
- Safety and Best Practices: Gain knowledge about workshop safety and best practices in shipbuilding.
- Practical Projects: Participate in practical projects to apply what you've learned and develop your skills.
- Enroll now and take your first steps into the world of boatbuilding!
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of naval carpentry, wood materials and construction bases applied to small and medium vessels
- Carpentry concept for boats and differences between naval carpentry, general carpentry and marine cabinetry work
- Typologies of wooden boats and structural and non-structural components where basic carpentry intervenes
- Physical and mechanical properties of wood used in marine environments and their behaviour against moisture, salinity and thermal changes
- Solid woods, marine panels, plywood, laminates and complementary materials used in construction and nautical repair
- Material selection criteria according to strength, workability, durability, weight and exposure to the marine environment
02
Tools, equipment and safety in basic carpentry work for boats
- Essential hand tools for measuring, marking, cutting, lowering, assembling and adjusting pieces of wood in the nautical field
- Portable power tools and basic shop equipment used in small-scale naval carpentry
- Measuring, tracing and squaring techniques applied to curved surfaces, angles and parts of boats
- Maintenance, adjustment and correct use of tools to ensure precision, safety and quality of work performed
- Occupational risks in cutting, sanding, drilling, gluing and assembly of wood elements in nautical environments
03
Cutting, forming, joining and assembly of wooden parts in boats
- Basic techniques of longitudinal, cross, curved and adjusting for parts for structural use and finishing on boats
- Brushing, recess, sanding and forming of wood for adaptation to naval geometries and irregular surfaces
- Basic mechanical joints by means of screws, bolts, pins and fixings resistant to the marine environment
- Gluing, Marine Adhesives and Surface Preparation Criteria for Sturdy and Durable Joints
- Basic assemblies used in banks, bulkheads, covers, registers, frames and interior furnishings of boats
04
Basic construction and repair of wooden interior and exterior elements in boats
- Basic manufacture of seats, chests, benches, lids, logs and supports for small boats
- Assembly and adjustment of light bulkheads, interior panels, coverings and functional compartments in small spaces
- Repair of parts damaged by moisture, impacts, rot, wear or defective fixings on wooden elements
- Replacement of boards, reinforcements, slats and basic components respecting the shape, adjustment and functionality of the assembly
- Integration of hardware, hinges, closures, supports and nautical accessories in marine carpentry components
05
Basic carpentry project for boats
- Definition of the work case: naval carpentry element to be built, repaired or refurbished inside a boat
- Selection of materials, tools, fixings and finishing products according to function, location and requirement of the component
- Elabouration of the layout, cutting and forming of the necessary pieces for the selected basic project
- Assembly, adjustment and assembly of the carpentry element respecting criteria of functionality, safety and adaptation to the marine environment
- Application of the surface treatment and the protection system of the wood corresponding to the intended use
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
Boat owners who want to carry out minor repairs and preventative maintenance on wood.Boating enthusiasts looking to acquire practical skills to customize and improve their boats.Maritime professionals (mechanics, electricians) who want to expand their knowledge of basic carpentry.Nautical and shipbuilding students looking for a practical introduction to boat carpentry.DIY enthusiasts looki
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
- 01Perform basic repairs on structural and finishing wood in boats.
- 02Interpreting plans and technical specifications for the construction and repair of wooden elements in boats
- 03Select and use hand and power woodworking tools safely and efficiently
- 04Apply wood assembly techniques to build or repair carpentry elements on boats
- 05Apply protective and finishing treatments to the wood to preserve its durability in marine environments
- 06Identify and diagnose common boat carpentry problems
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Shipwright: Construction, repair, and maintenance of wooden boats.
02Shipbuilder: Design and manufacture of wooden components for boats.
03Classic Boat Restorer: Conservation and restoration of historic wooden boats.
04Nautical Furniture Maker: Manufacture of custom-made furniture for boat interiors.
05Carpentry Work in Ports and Marinas: Repair of docks, walkways, and other wooden structures.
06Shipbuilding Companies: Collaboration on boat construction and repair projects.
07Self-Employed/Entrepreneur: Creation of your own workshop specializing in boat carpentry.
08Marine Carpentry Professor/Instructor: Transmission of knowledge and skills in nautical training centers.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Carpenter's plane
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.
Okoume
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 Carpentry, Cabinetmaking, or similar; Demonstrable experience in carpentry, preferably in the naval sector.Specific Knowledge:Basic knowledge of geometry, technical drawing, and materials (types of wood, hardware, adhesives). Familiarity with hand and power carpentry tools.Skills:Ability to work with precision and attention to detail. Ability to follow instructions and blueprints. Aptitude for teamwork.Additional Requirements: Previous experience in repairing or constructing wooden elements on boats is desirable. Basic knowledg
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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