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
Mooring and dock planning course
This course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the critical factors that influence safe and efficient operations at maritime terminals. It covers everything from risk assessment and equipment selection to…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts28 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Mooring and dock planning course?
The Mooring and Dock Planning Course
This course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the critical factors that influence safe and efficient operations at maritime terminals. It covers everything from risk assessment and equipment selection to detailed planning of mooring and unmooring maneuvers. You will learn how to optimize the use of dock space, minimize environmental impact, and ensure compliance with international regulations. With this course, you will be prepared to lead mooring operations safely and efficiently.
Differential Advantages
- Advanced Risk Analysis: Identifies and mitigates hazards at every stage of the mooring process.
- Dock Space Optimization: Improves operational efficiency and reduces costs.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures compliance with international and local standards.
- Case Studies: Learn from real-world experiences and best practices in the industry.
- Simulations and Planning Tools: Utilizes advanced technology for accurate and safe planning.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
10-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Mooring Fundamentals: Master the essential techniques for safe and efficient vessel mooring.
- Dock Analysis: Learn to evaluate the characteristics and risks of different types of docks.
- Strategic Planning: Develop skills to create effective mooring plans, considering environmental and operational factors.
- Maritime Safety: Prioritize accident prevention and compliance with current regulations.
- Resource Optimization: Maximize the efficiency of equipment and personnel use during mooring operations.
- Apply this knowledge to improve safety and efficiency in your port operations.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Docking Operational Fundamentals, Dock Types and Mooring Assignment Criteria
- Typologies of docks, jetties and berths: configuration, physical limitations and operational uses
- Critical Assignment Parametres: Length Overall, Manga, Draught, Displacement, Side Wind, and Despondency
- Conditions of Shelter and Exposure: Waves, rebounds, currents, gusts and channeling effect
- Dock Capacities: Fenders, Bollards, Norays, Mooring Points and Structural Strength
- Operational restrictions: manoeuvreability, turning radius, minimum draughts and exclusion zones
02
Design of the berthing plan, functional layout and optimisation of capacity and flow
- Zoning of the enclosure: transit, permanence, services, loading/unloading and restricted areas
- Moorings sizing: separations, manoeuvreing corridors, accessibility and compatibility by boat class
- Occupation management: rotation, time windows, reservations, controlled overbooking and mitigation of seasonal peaks
- Interior signalling and beaconing: visual references, alignments, numbering and manoeuvreing aids
- Ground flows: access, vehicle circulation, supply zones and operational control points
03
Docking and undocking, dock assistance and standardised procedures
- Pre-manoeuvre preparation: Briefing, roles, internal communications and environmental conditions verification
- Safe Approach: Speeds, Angles, Propeller Effect, Drift and Deflection Control
- Mooring and tensioning: rope selection, configuration, load distribution and start/pickup sequence
- Use of defences and protection: types, positioning, contact control and damage prevention
- Marine Assistance: Signs, Coordination, Safe Intervention and Stop/Go Criteria
04
Dock safety, infrastructure integrity and risk control in docking operations
- Hazard assessment at springs: falls, entrapments, shocks, tension of ends and risk zones
- Permit management and control of areas: accesses, perimetres, interference and coordination with third parties
- Structural Capacity and Load Limits: Operating Criteria, Alarm Signals and Preventive Restrictions
- Weather incident prevention: thresholds, partial closures, restrictions and relocations
- Dock Emergency Response: Fire, Spill, Injury, Evacuation and External Coordination
05
Digitization of berthing planning, operational analytics and continuous improvement of the mooring system
- Moorings management systems: reservations, assignment, real-time occupation and traceability
- Integration of operational data: meteorology, tides, incidents, consumption and maintenance
- Key Indicators: Effective Occupation, Rotation, Manoeuvre Time, Damage, Claims and Security
- Decision Analytics: Demand Prediction, Resource Planning and Scenario Reconfiguration
- Standardization and SOPS: Checklists, training, internal audits and change control
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
Construction and dock maintenance supervisors seeking to optimize the planning and execution of mooring projects.Civil and port engineers wishing to delve deeper into the design and analysis methodologies of mooring infrastructure.Port operations managers needing to improve efficiency and safety in dock management.Engineering and architecture students seeking specialization in the field of p
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
- 01Manage efficient mooring operations
- 02Supervise safety during docking maneuvers
- 03Optimize the use of port resources
- 04Coordinate the optimal deployment of defenses
- 05Ensure the structural integrity of the ship and dock
- 06Assess and mitigate the risks associated with docking
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Mooring Planner in Port Terminals: Optimizing dock occupancy and managing vessel scheduling.
02Port Operations Supervisor: Coordinating mooring and unmooring activities, ensuring safety and efficiency.
03Dock and Mooring System Design Consultant: Advising on the planning and construction of port infrastructure.
04Port Security Inspector: Verifying compliance with safety regulations in mooring operations.
05Mooring and Port Security Trainer: Training personnel in best practices for mooring and equipment handling.
06Port Project Manager: Planning and supervising projects related to mooring and dock infrastructure.
07Port Security Officer: Development and implementation of security plans for docks and terminals.
08Mooring Operations Simulation Technician: Development of simulation models to optimize mooring operations and assess risks.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Optimize the use of available space in docks and moorings to maximize the efficiency of port operations and the safety of 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.
Water depth, seabed conditions, wind regime, waves and currents, access to the coast, environmental impact, regulations and permits, and vessel needs.
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:Professional training in port operations, logistics, or similar; or demonstrable experience in port planning/mooring.Specific Knowledge:Understanding of port regulations, mooring safety, and vessel types.Skills:Analytical skills, effective communication, and risk management.Documentation:Updated CV, relevant training certificates (if any), ID/Passport.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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