Professional Diploma in Historic Ship Conservation
This professional diploma gives you the essential tools and knowledge to preserve maritime heritage. You will learn to diagnose and treat the specific problems that affect old vessels, from identifying materials to applying specialized restoration techniques, so that you can help protect naval history and ensure these nautical treasures survive for future generations.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Professional Diploma in Historic Ship Conservation?
This professional diploma prepares you to plan, direct and carry out the conservation of historic vessels. You will learn the ethical principles of intervention on naval heritage, how surveys are planned afloat and ashore and how hulls are documented with photogrammetry, 3D scanning and non-destructive testing, how naval timbers, metals, coatings, rigging and sails age and decay in the marine environment, how traditional wooden hulls are repaired with scarfs, graving pieces, fastenings and caulking, how metal fittings, engines and onboard systems are conserved and discreetly upgraded, how standing and running rigging and historic sails are maintained, and how conservation projects are managed with attention to quality, health, safety and environmental requirements.
What sets this professional diploma apart: a strategic framework built around a conservation master plan for the whole life cycle of the vessel; a strong materials science component focused on decay mechanisms in the marine environment; practical coverage of traditional boatbuilding techniques alongside modern digital survey tools; a clear distinction between conserving a vessel that sails and one that is exhibited; an in-depth structure of eight modules; and a closing module on maintenance, interpretation, funding and outreach that helps you keep historic ships alive and accessible.
Program highlights
- Conservation strategy: authenticity, minimum intervention, reversibility and the conservation master plan.
- Survey and diagnosis: photogrammetry, 3D scanning, non-destructive testing and criticality matrices.
- Materials and decay: naval timbers, biodeterioration, corrosion, coatings and salt cycles.
- Traditional hull work: scarfs, fastenings, caulking, decks and renewal of frames and planking.
- Rigging, sails and systems: standing and running rigging, historic sails, engines and discreet upgrades.
- Project management and HSE: scope, procurement, hot work, quality systems and contingency planning.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Historic Ship Conservation
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Strategic framework for naval heritage conservation
- 1.1. Principles of authenticity, integrity, significance and cultural value in historic vessels
- 1.2. Ethics of intervention: minimum intervention, compatibility, reversibility and documentary traceability
- 1.3. Types of historic ships and the evolution of their construction: contexts, functions and regional schools
- 1.4. Preventive conservation methods and control of deterioration agents (environment, use and storage)
- 1.5. Heritage governance models: owners, museums, authorities and custody arrangements
- 1.6. Strategic planning of the heritage asset's life cycle: conservation, operation and exhibition
- 1.7. Drawing up the conservation master plan: scope, priorities, success criteria and sustainability
- 1.8. International charters and recommendations for the conservation of naval heritage
Survey, documentation and advanced diagnosis of condition
- 2.1. Technical inspection protocols and planning of survey campaigns (afloat and ashore)
- 2.2. Recording standards: condition sheets, technical photography, metadata and version control
- 2.3. Geometric survey: plans, sections, tolerances, deformation and dimensional control
- 2.4. Applied digital capture: photogrammetry, 3D scanning, heritage CAD and BIM and the digital twin
- 2.5. Structural diagnosis of the hull: frames, beams, strakes, decks and critical joints
- 2.6. Non-destructive testing (NDT) and on-site assessment: moisture, ultrasound, thermography and endoscopy
- 2.7. Criticality and prioritization matrices: risks, failure modes, urgencies and intervention roadmap
- 2.8. Taking off lines and 3D scanning of the vessel
Materials science and deterioration mechanisms in the marine environment
- 3.1. Naval timbers: species identification, properties, aging and hygroscopic behavior
- 3.2. Biodeterioration: fungi, bacteria, wood borers and marine organisms; detection, control and prevention
- 3.3. Metals and corrosion: galvanic, pitting, crevice and under-paint corrosion and material compatibility
- 3.4. Historic and modern coatings: stratigraphy, compatibility, adhesion and UV and salt degradation
- 3.5. Rigging, textiles and sails: fiber conservation, tension, degradation and storage
- 3.6. Multi-metal and wood-metal interactions: galvanic couples, moisture traps and microenvironments
- 3.7. Pollutants, salts and environmental cycles: crystallization, migration and fatigue from humidity and temperature
- 3.8. Corrosion, biodeterioration and attack by marine organisms
Intervention techniques for wooden structures and traditional hulls
- 4.1. Moisture management, controlled drying and dimensional stabilization of historic structures
- 4.2. Repair versus renewal criteria: conserving original material and the limits of intervention
- 4.3. Applied traditional boatbuilding: graving pieces, scarfs, splices, steam bending and traditional joints
- 4.4. Fastening systems and joints: nails, bolts, rivets, treenails and mechanical compatibility
- 4.5. Caulking and watertightness: materials, seam preparation, defects and leak control
- 4.6. Decks and superstructures: beams, deck planking, coamings, hatches and critical details
- 4.7. Quality control of interventions: procedures, acceptance criteria, records and traceability
- 4.8. Renewal of frames, planking and structural members
Conservation of metals, fittings, systems and historic machinery
- 5.1. Cleaning, stabilization and passivation of metals: criteria, levels and long-term protection
- 5.2. Conservation of fittings, anchors and hardware: assessment, functional restoration and aesthetic preservation
- 5.3. Engines and propulsion: preservation, operational restoration, storage and fluid management
- 5.4. Bilge, fuel and water systems: integrity, compatibility, safety and contamination
- 5.5. Electrical systems and discreet upgrading: safety, cable routing, protection and minimal visual impact
- 5.6. Integrated corrosion protection: primers, barriers, anodes and maintenance strategies
- 5.7. Technical and fire safety in heritage vessels: reducing risks without losing authenticity
- 5.8. Stabilization treatments for metals and historic parts
Conservation of rigging, sails and functional elements
- 6.1. Rig architecture: types, loads, critical points and conservation criteria
- 6.2. Standing and running rigging: materials, degradation, compatible renewal and documentation of handling
- 6.3. Historic sails: textile conservation, repair, reinforcement and preventive treatments
- 6.4. Cordage, knots and traditional techniques: standardization, strength and preserving traditional skills
- 6.5. Steering elements: rudder, tiller, wheel, steering ropes and associated mechanisms
- 6.6. Fittings and small joinery: bitts, cleats, blocks, lines and details of use
- 6.7. Functional versus museum conservation: criteria for sailing, exhibition and educational use
- 6.8. Restoration of traditional sails, ropes and rigging
Project management, regulations, HSE and quality assurance
- 7.1. Directing conservation projects: scope, work breakdown structure, schedule, costs and change control
- 7.2. Technical contracting and procurement: tender documents, specifications, supplier selection and traceability
- 7.3. HSE in ship restoration: permits to work, hot work, hazardous atmospheres and waste control
- 7.4. Applicable heritage and maritime regulations: permits, authorizations and legal protection of the vessel
- 7.5. Managing multidisciplinary teams: roles, coordination, communication and decision-making
- 7.6. Quality system and documentation: procedures, records, audits and lessons learned
- 7.7. Risk management and continuity: contingency plans, emergencies and protection in the event of incidents
- 7.8. Health and safety plan for conservation work
Enhancement, operation, maintenance and outreach of heritage vessels
- 8.1. Planned maintenance strategies: inspections, intervals, indicators and long-term preservation
- 8.2. Conservation in operation: sailing protocols, use limitations and load control
- 8.3. Conservation for exhibition: environmental conditions, supports, transport and safe handling
- 8.4. Heritage interpretation and technical storytelling: scripts, signage and rigorous communication
- 8.5. Digitisation and technical archive: repositories, digital twin, version control and document preservation
- 8.6. Funding and sustainability models: sponsorship, grants, ticketing and business plans
- 8.7. Visitor programs, heritage sailing and public outreach
- 8.8. Career paths and technical portfolio: employability standards, roles and evidence of competence
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Historic Ship Conservation
It is 800 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Professional Diploma in Historic Ship Conservation
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Historic Ship Conservation
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Historic Ship Conservation
To give you the knowledge and skills needed to conserve, restore and maintain historic vessels while respecting their authenticity and historical value.
It is oriented towards the practical conservation of historic ships: survey and diagnosis, choice of materials and techniques, hull, metal and rigging work and project management, supported by real case studies.
Yes. One module is devoted to interventions on wooden structures and traditional hulls, including scarfs, graving pieces, fastenings, caulking, decks and the renewal of frames and planking.
Yes. You study photogrammetry, 3D scanning, heritage CAD and BIM, the digital twin and non-destructive testing such as ultrasound, thermography and moisture measurement.
Yes. The program compares functional and museum conservation and covers sailing protocols and load limits as well as environmental conditions, supports and handling for exhibition.
Yes. The project management module covers permits to work, hot work, hazardous atmospheres, waste control, health and safety plans and contingency planning for conservation work.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with theoretical and practical content, real case studies, recorded live sessions and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The professional diploma comprises 800 hours of study across 8 modules of 100 hours each. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
More programs in Culture and heritage
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at museum and heritage professionals, traditional boatbuilders and naval craftspeople, maritime historians and archaeologists, managers of historic and tourist sites with vessel collections, and enthusiasts and volunteers involved in restoration projects; a degree in conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, art history, archaeology or a related field, or professional experience in traditional boatbuilding or maritime heritage restoration, is recommended, together with basic knowledge of naval history and traditional boatbuilding materials.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera and microphone for live sessions.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.