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 Helmet Repair Techniques Course
This course will provide you with the fundamental skills to maintain and restore the structural integrity of vessels. You will learn everything from identifying common damage, such as osmosis, cracks, and dents, to applying…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts28 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Basic Helmet Repair Techniques Course?
The Basic Hull Repair Techniques course
This course will provide you with the fundamental skills to maintain and restore the structural integrity of vessels. You will learn everything from identifying common damage, such as osmosis, cracks, and dents, to applying repair techniques using fiberglass, epoxy resins, and marine sealants. You will also learn essential safety procedures and the correct use of specialized tools to achieve long-lasting, professional repairs.
Key Benefits
- Accurate Diagnosis: Identifies and assesses different types of damage to fiberglass hulls.
- Effective Repairs: Applies sanding, laminating, filling, and painting techniques to restore hull integrity.
- Appropriate Materials: Correctly selects and uses resins, catalysts, fiberglass, and other repair materials.
- Workplace Safety: Adopts safe practices for handling chemicals and using tools.
- Professional Finish: Achieves long-lasting repairs with a flawless aesthetic appearance.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Repair Fundamentals: Learn to identify and assess common damage to boat hulls.
- Materials and Tools: Master the use of resins, fiberglass, putties, and essential repair tools.
- Lamination Techniques: Practice lamination techniques to restore the hull's structural integrity.
- Professional Finishes: Achieve high-quality finishes through sanding, polishing, and gel coat application.
- Safety and Prevention: Understand safety measures and best practices for a safe working environment.
- Learn to repair hulls like a professional and extend the life of your boat with this hands-on course.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Repair of Hulls, Materials and Initial Diagnosis
- Hull repair basics and differences between maintenance, restoration, reinforcement, aesthetic repair and structural repair
- Types of hulls: fibreglass, wood, aluminium, steel, composites and pneumatic or semi-rigid boats
- Frequent damage: bumps, fissures, abrasion, delamination, osmosis, corrosion, rot, dents and leakage
- Visual inspection, percussion, humidity measurement, internal review and evaluation of the severity of damage
- Criteria for deciding between minor repair, structural intervention, replacement of material or referral to specialist
02
Tools, surface preparation and safety during repair
- Basic Tools: Sanders, Grinders, Spatulas, Brushes, Rollers, Formones, Drills, Saws and Measuring Tools
- Repair materials: resins, putty, fibres, primers, sealants, paints, screws and anti-corrosive products
- Preparation of surfaces by cleaning, degreasing, sanding, beveling, drying and removing damaged material
- Occupational safety: respiratory protection, eyepiece, gloves, ventilation, dust control, solvents, resins and power tools
- Environmental conditions: humidity, temperature, salinity, sun exposure, ventilation and curing times
03
Basic repairs in fibreglass and composite materials
- Basics of fibreglass laminate and ratio between resin, fabric, fibre orientation, thickness and strength
- Repair of cracks, shocks, small piercings, chips, abrasions and weakened areas of the hull
- Patch preparation, layer application, impregnation, compaction, bubble removal and overlap control
- Use of putty, gelcoat, topcoat, primers and finishes to recover watertightness and surface appearance
- Basic treatment of osmosis, blisters, internal humidity and preventive protection in fibre hulls
04
Basic repairs in wood, metal and auxiliary hulls
- Repair of wooden hulls: cracks, open joints, rotten parts, sealing, sanding, partial replacement and protection
- Repair of metal hulls: corrosion, bites, dents, minor welds, primers and anti-corrosion protection
- Repair of aluminium with criteria of compatibility, galvanic insulation, sealing and corrosion prevention
- Repairs in pneumatics and semi-rigids: patches, valves, technical fabrics, adhesives, pressure and sealing
- Sealing of peacocks, joints, joints, screws, keels, corners, reinforcements and areas subject to friction
05
Hull Basic Repair Applied Project
- Case definition: Fibre, wood, aluminium, steel, semi-rigid, localized hit, crack, minor perforation or abrasion damage
- Diagnosis of damage with identification of material, extension, depth, humidity, structural risks and intervention needs
- Design of the repair procedure with tools, materials, preparation, safety, work sequence and curing times
- Execution of the repair plan with cleaning, sanding, reconstruction, sealing, finishing and sealing check
- Preparation of the subsequent maintenance plan, quality control, photographic registration and prevention of new damages
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
Recreational boat owners who want to acquire basic skills for hull maintenance and repair, enabling them to solve minor problems and save on repair costs.Boat enthusiasts and marine DIYers looking for an introductory, hands-on course to learn how to work with fiberglass, resins, and other hull repair materials.Students of nautical or marine mechanics courses who require a solid foundation in h
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
- 01Identify and repair common damage to boat hulls.
- 02Apply temporary sealing and patching techniques to prevent leaks.
- 03Use appropriate tools and materials for basic helmet repairs
- 04Conduct detailed visual inspections to detect potential structural problems
- 05Evaluate the structural integrity of the hull after repair
- 06Prepare damaged surfaces for the application of repair materials
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Recreational and Sports Boat Repairer: Maintenance and repair of hulls made of fiberglass, polyester, and other materials.
02Shipyard Technician: Repair and maintenance work on hulls of various types of vessels.
03Composite Specialist: Repair and reinforcement of composite structures in various sectors, including nautical and aeronautical.
04Naval Surveyor: Assessment of damage to vessel hulls and preparation of technical reports.
05Naval Maintenance Worker: Performing hull repair and maintenance tasks under supervision.
06Self-Employed Worker: Offering hull repair services to individuals and companies.
07Employee at Yacht Clubs and Marinas: Maintenance and repair of boats. Partners.
08Boatbuilding: Collaboration in the construction and repair of new hulls.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
A patch covers the damage from the outside, while a plug is inserted into the hole from the inside.
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.
A patch covers a hole from the outside, while a plug is inserted into the hole from the inside.
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 boatbuilding, shipbuilding, or demonstrable experience in boat repair.Technical Knowledge:Basic knowledge of materials (fiberglass, resins, wood), repair tools, and workplace safety.Skills:Ability to follow instructions, attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a willingness to work as part of a team.Documentation:Updated CV, certificates of related courses (if any), ID/Passport.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.