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 Nautical Painting and Coatings
This program offers you a complete immersion in the essential techniques and materials for the protection and enhancement of vessels. Master surface preparation, the application of advanced paint systems, and the identification…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Nautical Painting and Coatings?
The Diploma in Marine Painting and Coatings
This program offers you a complete immersion in the essential techniques and materials for the protection and enhancement of vessels. Master surface preparation, the application of advanced paint systems, and the identification of common pathologies in marine environments. Learn to select the appropriate coatings for every need, from antifouling protection to highly durable aesthetic finishes, with a focus on environmental regulations and workplace safety.
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Approach: Application workshops and demonstrations on real vessels.
- State-of-the-art Materials: Experimentation with innovative paints, primers, and sealants.
- Diagnostics and Repair: Analysis of common failures and coating restoration techniques.
- Industry Experts: Masterclasses taught by professionals with extensive experience in the marine industry.
- Professional Certification: Recognition of your skills and knowledge in the field of marine painting.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
27-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Fundamentals of Marine Painting: Master material selection, surface preparation, and application techniques for a professional and durable finish.
- Protective Coatings: Learn about antifouling paints, varnishes, and sealants, protecting vessels against corrosion, wear, and marine organisms.
- Regulations and Safety: Understand environmental regulations and safety protocols for applying paints and coatings in the marine industry.
- Inspection and Repair: Develop skills to identify defects, assess damage, and apply effective repair techniques on different types of surfaces.
- Case Studies: Apply your knowledge to real-world projects, from small boats to large yachts, ensuring comprehensive and practical learning.
- Boost your career in the industry Nautical professional with specialized knowledge and highly sought-after skills.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Marine Corrosion Basics, Types of Substrates and Surface Preparation
- Introduction to the protection of marine structures: economic and structural impact of corrosion on ships, yachts, port facilities and offshore platforms
- Mechanisms of marine electrochemical corrosion: corrosion cells, anode, cathode, electrolyte and prevention of galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals on board
- Types of substrates in the naval industry: characteristics and behaviour of carbon steel, marine aluminium, fibreglass (PRFV/Gelcoat), wood and special alloys
- Identification of surface contaminants: detection of soluble salts (chlorides, sulfates), fats, oils, residual moisture, calamine and degraded biocides
- Manual and Mechanical Cleaning Degrees (ISO 8501-1/SSPC): Use of scraper, wire brushes, needle guns, abrasive discs and grinders (ST 2, ST 3 / SSPC-SP 2, SP 3)
- Evaluation of the anchor profile (roughness): Importance for the mechanical adhesion of coatings and measurement methods with Press-O-Fil replica tape and profile comparators
- Technical Terminology in Naval Paint Systems: Scheme Compatibility, Repainting Intervals (Overcoating Interval), Drying Times, Curing and Mixing Life (Pot Life)
- Corrosion in immersion and splash environments
02
Chemistry of marine coatings, primers and background paints (antifouling)
- Composition of marine paints: vehicle/resin, anti-corrosive pigments, loads, solvents and additives for rheology and marine resistance
- Anticorrosive primers (Primers): Zinc-rich epoxy, inorganic zinc silicates, high-thickness universal epoxy (High Build) and Wash Primers for aluminium
- Intermediate layers (TIE-coats) and sealants: link function between anti-corrosive primers and coatings of finish or antifouling patents
- Finishing paints (topcoats): two-component acrylic polyurethanes, polysiloxanes, fluoropolymers and high-definition aesthetics for luxury yachts
- Chemistry of antifouling paints (Antifouling): Hard matrix, ablative/self-polishing (SPC) and friction-free technology (foul release / silicones)
- Regulation of Marine Biocides and Environmental Regulations: Restrictions of Organo-Stannic Compounds (TBT), Copper Regulation and Compliance with the IMO AFS
- Paint schemes according to the boat area: Differences between underwater hull, topsides, cinton, deck, biles, drinking water tanks and ballast tanks
- Silicone and foul-release coatings
03
Advanced Surface Preparation: Abrasive Jet (Blasting) and Hydrodemolition
- Dry abrasive blasting and blasting (Abrasive Blasting): Selection of reusable and disposable abrasives (steel shot, aluminium silicate, garnet, corundum) and granulometry
- International Standards for Blasting (ISO 8501-1/SA 1, SA 2, SA 2.5, SA 3 and SSPC-SP Equivalences): Visual Assessment of White and Near White Metal Cleaning Patterns
- Portable and closed blasting equipment: pressure hoppers, marinized hoses, venturi/double venturi nozzles, moisture trap and high flow compressors
- Abrasive Vapor Blasting: Reducing Dust Emissions, Use of Instant Corrosion Inhibitors (Flash Rust) and Varaderos Applications
- Hydrodemolition and blasting with ultra-high pressure water (UHP Waterjetting > 2000 bar): Cleaning degrees WJ-1 to WJ-4, pore desalination and removal of deep scale
- Control of pre-treatment environmental conditions: Measurement of substrate temperature, relative humidity, room temperature and calculation of the dew point (Dew Point)
- Maintenance and safety in blasting equipment: prevention of wear on nozzles, inspection of couplings, hoses and use of hulls with filtered air supply
- Abrasive Waste Management
04
Nautical paint application methods and sprinkler equipment (airless / conventional)
- Manual application with brush and roller: stripe coating technique in welds, live, edges and rollers resistant to reduced areas
- Compressed air spray equipment (conventional guns / HVLP): principles of atomization, fan adjustment, air pressure and high gloss finishes in superstructures
- Airless Spray Application Equipment: High Ratio Pneumatic Pumps (45:1, 68:1), Nozzle Selection (Tips), Fluid Pressure and Fluid Adjustment for Heavy Epoxy
- Application of two-component systems and plural components (plural component spray): automatic dosing pumps, in-line heaters and 100% solid epoxy tanks for tanks
- Wet (EPH/WFT) and dry (EPS/DFT) thickness control: Wet thickness combs and dry thickness calculation based on percentage of solids per volume
- Frequent defects during application: Prevention and correction of pick-ups, orange peel, blank, blistering (blistering), craters (pinholes) and delamination
- Cleaning and preservation of painting equipment: washing of fluid circuits with compatible solvents, maintenance of airless guns and pump gaskets
- Application in adverse conditions and air conditioning
05
Inspection of coatings, quality control and tests (nAET / FROSIO / ISO regulations)
- The role of the marine paint inspector (NACE/AMPP, Frosio, ISO 12944): Responsibilities, professional ethics, stop points and technical reports in Boatyard
- Dry Film Thickness Measurement (DFT): Non-Destructive Testing with EDDY Magnetic and Current Meters (ISO 19840 / SSPC-PA 2) and Instrument Calibration
- Tests of soluble salts in metallic substrates: Bresle patch method (ISO 8502-6/9), conductivity test strips and permissible limits of chlorides in marine environment
- Marine coating adhesion tests: Adhesive pivot tensile test (Pull-Off Test ISO 4624 / ASTM D4541) and X-Cross-Hatch Test
- Detection of discontinuities and microporosity (Holiday Detection): Use of wet sponge detectors (low voltage) and spark detectors (high voltage) in tank coatings
- Workshop/Boatyard weather check: psychrometer calibration, digital thermo-hygrometres, sheet metal temperature metres and environmental records
- Documentation, traceability and paint dossier: Manufacturing batch registration, paint quality certificates, thickness map and performance guarantees
- Inspection reports according to ISO standards
06
Treatment and painting of hulls, underwater hull, topsides, superstructures and tanks
- Painting scheme for the Underwater Hull (submerged hull): Compatibility with cathodic protection of anodes, anti-fouling patents, sealants and treatment of the propeller/axes
- TopSides and Ribbon Painting: Selection of UV resistant finishes, gloss, bump flexibility and colour retention
- Protection of decks and transit zones: non-slip systems (non-skid), application of synthetic aggregates or calibrated silica and high abrasion resistance
- Painting and coating of ballast tanks (IMO PSPC normative): modified epoxy, light colour schemes, beveled edge inspection and welding
- Coatings for drinking water and fuel tanks: food grade certifications (NSF/ANSI 61), solvent-free epoxy and fluid contamination prevention
- Treatment of osmosis syndrome in PRFV hulls (fibre glass): Gelcoat mechanical peeling, substrate drying, washing soluble salts and application of high-thickness epoxy barriers
- Maintenance and repainting of aluminium and wood vessels: Etchant engraving primers, insulation of noble metals and traditional marine varnish systems
- Painted Propellers and Appendices
07
Occupational risk prevention, environmental management (VOCs) and waste treatment
- Risk prevention in the application of nautical paints: toxicity of solvents, flammability, explosive atmospheres (ATEX) and exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC/VOC)
- Specialised individual protective equipment (EPI): Respirators with filters for organic vapors and particles (P3), waterproof waterproof suits, nitrile gloves and eye protection
- Safety in confined spaces (tanks, biles and double bottoms): continuous measurement of gases/oxygen, forced ventilation by anti-explosive extractors and hot work permits
- Prevention of fires and explosions in painting areas: grounding of airless pumps and conductive hoses, storage in fire-retardant cloths and control of ignition sources
- Environmental management in Varaderos and Shipyards: Enclosure of areas of abrasive blasting, containment of scraping/washing residues and prevention of discharges to the water sheet
- Hazardous waste treatment and disposal: collection of empty paint cans, saturated filters, used cleaning solvents and biocides contaminated blasting sludge
- Sustainability and international emission regulations: VOC reduction directives, water-based paint technologies and trends in the green naval industry
- Training and certification of the painter staff
08
Capstone Project: Technical Specification, Painting Plan and Quality Control for a Boat
- Vessel selection and operating scenario: Definition of the type of ship (cruise, mega-yacht, high-altitude fishing, tugboat or working boat) and conditions of service
- Preparation of the painting specification: Selection of the paint scheme by zones, recommended dry thickness (DFT) and theoretical performances/pilots
- Design of the Surface Preparation and Logistics Application Plan: Determination of the Cleaning Method (SA 2.5 / UHP), Insumed Abrasives, Drying Times and Curing in Boatyard
- Quality Assurance and Control Plan (QA/QC Plan): Design of environmental inspection sheets, definition of stop points, NDT tests and acceptance criteria ISO/SSPC
- Safety, Health and Environment Plan (HSE): Assessment of specific risks of the work, MIDS matrix, Tank Ventilation Protocol and Hazardous Waste Management Plan
- Calculation of costs, labour and schedule of Boatyard (Docking Schedule): Materials budget (painting, abrasives, solvents), Rental of airless equipment and projected man-hours
- Coating Maintenance Plan
- Presentation and final defence: Presentation of the technical specification and plan of painting before a court made up of certified inspectors (NACE/Frosio), naval engineers and landfill directors
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
Marine industry professionals seeking to specialize in the application and selection of paints and coatings for vessels.Naval engineers and naval architects wishing to deepen their knowledge of corrosion protection materials and techniques.Naval maintenance and repair technicians needing to certify their skills in surface preparation and coating application.Quality inspectors and supervisors
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
- 01Apply preparation and coating techniques to protect vessels
- 02Diagnosing and solving common problems in the application of marine paints
- 03Select and apply appropriate paints and coatings according to the type of vessel and environmental conditions
- 04Manage marine painting and coating projects, meeting deadlines and budgets
- 05Inspect and assess the condition of nautical surfaces to determine the appropriate treatment
- 06Apply current regulations regarding safety and hygiene in nautical painting and coating work
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Marine Paint and Coatings Applicator: Surface preparation, product application, and quality control on boats and marine structures.
02Paint and Coatings Inspector: Evaluation of coating condition, defect detection, and preparation of technical reports.
03Laboratory Technician: Analysis of paints and coatings, resistance and durability testing, and new product development.
04Technical Sales Representative: Technical advice and sales of marine paints and coatings to companies and individuals.
05Site Manager: Supervision of painting and coatings projects in shipyards, ports, and offshore platforms.
06Court Expert: Preparation of expert reports on damage and defects in marine coatings.
07Consultant Technician: Advising on the selection and application of paints and coatings for specific projects.
08Trainer: Delivering courses and workshops on marine paints and coatings.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Naval or maritime industry.
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.
Probably yes, given that antifouling paints are crucial for the maintenance of boats.
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, Chemistry, Shipbuilding or similar; or demonstrable professional experience in painting and coatings, preferably in the marine sector.Specific Knowledge:Basic knowledge of chemistry, materials, paint application techniques, and occupational health and safety.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of qualification or work experience certificate, ID/Passport, letter of interest (optional).Skills:Attention to detail, ability to follow technical instructions, manual dexterity, and good physical fitness for working at heights
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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