Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Professional Navigation Software Course

This course gives you the essential skills to master the digital tools of modern navigation. You will learn to plan and optimize routes, interpret critical real-time data and make informed decisions for safe and efficient navigation, working with electronic charts, ECDIS and ECS, weather routing, radar and AIS, so you can perform confidently in demanding maritime environments.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
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About the program

What is the Professional Navigation Software Course?

This short course takes you through the digital ecosystem of the modern bridge, from the architecture of the software to its use in real passages. You will study how navigation software evolved from basic electronic charts to integrated bridge environments; the functional architecture of sensors, consoles, servers, databases and networks; ECDIS, ECS, passage planning, weather routing and integrated bridge platforms; electronic charts (ENC and RNC), layers and symbology; chart updates and notices to mariners; safety parameters such as UKC and cross-track error; voyage optimization; and the integration of radar, AIS and GNSS with alarms for CPA, TCPA and track deviation.

What sets this course apart: a constant focus on safe operation, with redundancy, data validation, alarm logic and the prevention of human error built into every module; digital passage planning from waypoints and safety margins to the pre-departure briefing; real-time situational awareness through the fusion of radar, AIS and GNSS data; coordinated use of the software in channels, traffic separation schemes and congested waters; and an integrated project in which you configure a complete navigation environment, plan a passage and analyze its performance. Navalis teaches the subject matter; any official ECDIS certificate is issued by the competent maritime authority.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Digital bridge ecosystem: software architecture, sensors, networks and safe operation principles.
  • Electronic charts: ENC, RNC, layers, symbology, updates and notices to mariners.
  • ECDIS and ECS configuration: safety parameters, alarm zones, scales and user profiles.
  • Digital passage planning: waypoints, UKC, cross-track error, weather routing and voyage optimization.
  • Sensor integration: radar, AIS and GNSS, target management and CPA and TCPA alarms.
  • Integrated project: configure, plan, monitor and evaluate a complete navigation software setup.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Professional Navigation Software Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Foundations of the professional navigation digital ecosystem, on-board software architecture and safe operation principles

  • 1.1. Evolution of professional navigation software: from basic electronic charts to integrated bridge environments
  • 1.2. Functional architecture of digital navigation systems: sensors, consoles, servers, databases and communication networks
  • 1.3. Types of professional navigation software: ECDIS, ECS, passage planning, weather routing and integrated bridge platforms
  • 1.4. The relationship between software, hardware and navigation sensors: GNSS, gyrocompass, AIS, radar, echo sounder, anemometer and speed log
  • 1.5. Principles of safe operation in professional nautical software: redundancy, data validation, alarms and error control
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Electronic charts, management of information layers and operational configuration of ECDIS and ECS environments

  • 2.1. Foundations of professional electronic charts: ENC, RNC, vector layers, symbology and the structure of nautical information
  • 2.2. Initial configuration of charting software: safety parameters, scales, alarm zones and user profiles
  • 2.3. Management of chart updates and notices to mariners: version control, traceability and operational validation
  • 2.4. Use of layers and data overlays: bathymetry, traffic, weather, restricted areas and aids to navigation
  • 2.5. Advanced interpretation of alerts, limits and messages in electronic navigation software: operating logic and prevention of human error
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Digital passage planning, voyage optimization and risk management with professional navigation software

  • 3.1. Digital design of routes and passages: waypoints, legs, safety margins, operational restrictions and acceptance criteria
  • 3.2. Configuration of safety parameters for planning: UKC, cross-track error, exclusion zones and maneuvering limits
  • 3.3. Integration of meteorological and oceanographic information into navigation software: wind, currents, waves, tides and operational routing
  • 3.4. Voyage optimization with professional software: consumption, estimated times, operational efficiency and risk minimization
  • 3.5. Simulation and pre-departure review of the passage: technical validation, conflict detection and preparation of the navigation briefing
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Integration of navigation software with radar, AIS, GNSS and integrated bridge systems for advanced situational awareness

  • 4.1. Integration of the software with primary and secondary sensors: data quality, time synchronization and consistency of sources
  • 4.2. Management of AIS and radar targets on professional platforms: identification, prioritization, tracking and assessment of collision risk
  • 4.3. Data fusion in integrated bridge systems: tactical navigation, precision navigation and operational decision support
  • 4.4. Configuration of alarms and watch thresholds: CPA, TCPA, loss of signal, track deviations and critical events
  • 4.5. Coordinated use of navigation software in complex maneuvers: channels, traffic separation schemes, landfalls and congested areas
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Integrated project: configuration, planning, monitoring and operational use of a professional navigation software environment

  • 5.1. Definition of the professional use case: ship type, mission profile, navigation environment and operational objectives of the system
  • 5.2. Complete configuration of the digital navigation environment: charts, sensors, alarms, information layers and safety profiles
  • 5.3. Preparation of a professional digital passage plan: planning, optimization, technical review and validation before execution
  • 5.4. Real-time operation simulation: track monitoring, traffic management, response to alerts and control of incidents
  • 5.5. Analysis of system performance: data reliability, compliance with margins, critical events and opportunities for improvement
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Professional Navigation Software Course

It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
6
months to finish
25 weeks
weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)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 FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Professional Navigation Software Course

01Manage chart data accurately, using appropriate reference systems and projections so that the spatial information on screen remains complete, consistent and reliable.
02Interpret weather information to optimize routes, analyzing forecasts and synoptic charts and using software tools to choose the safest, most efficient passage given wind, waves and currents.
03Use advanced navigation tools for informed decisions, integrating radar, AIS, ECDIS and weather data to anticipate risks, refine the route and communicate decisions clearly on the bridge.
04Integrate the vessel's own data for efficient navigation, combining AIS, radar, echo sounder, anemometer and GPS or DGPS positioning into an accurate picture of the surroundings.
05Apply software functions to monitor navigation in real time, identifying hazards, checking the accuracy of the information displayed and anticipating conflicts with other vessels or obstacles.
06Use navigation software to strengthen maritime safety, assessing risk from multiple sources in good time and acting proactively to mitigate threats before they become incidents.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Professional Navigation Software Course

01Navigation software developerbuilding and maintaining navigation applications for different devices and platforms.
02Navigation software testerthorough testing to ensure the quality and accuracy of navigation systems.
03Geospatial data analystprocessing geographic data to improve the accuracy and functionality of navigation systems.
04Navigation systems integration specialistconnecting navigation software with sensors and communication systems.
05Navigation software consultantadvising companies on the implementation and optimization of navigation solutions.
06Technical support specialist in navigation softwareassisting users and clients with navigation software issues.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Professional Navigation Software Course

To provide accurate, real-time information for planning and executing safe, efficient passages, bringing charts, sensors, weather and traffic together on the bridge.

ECDIS is a type-approved system that, with official charts and proper backup, can replace paper charts on ships that must carry it; ECS is electronic charting software without that status, often used as a navigation aid on smaller vessels. The course explains both.

Yes. A full module covers digital route design, safety parameters such as UKC and cross-track error, weather routing, voyage optimization and the pre-departure review and briefing.

Yes. You will learn how sensors are integrated, how AIS and radar targets are identified and prioritized, and how to set CPA, TCPA and track deviation alarms.

No. Navalis teaches the subject matter; mandatory ECDIS training certificates and type-specific familiarization are issued under the rules of the competent maritime authority. The course is a solid complement to the certificates you already hold.

Yes. Recreational navigators, maritime professionals, students and software developers can all follow it, provided they have a basic understanding of navigation or computing.

Fully online, with materials available 24/7, discussion forums and practical exercises that you can follow at your own pace.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: aimed at professional and recreational navigators who want to improve passage planning, monitoring and safety, maritime professionals who need to master electronic navigation tools, nautical and oceanography students, companies training staff in navigation software, and software professionals who develop navigation applications; a background in navigation, computing or software engineering, or relevant professional experience, is recommended, and familiarity with GPS and protocols such as NMEA is helpful.
  • 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 the ability to install the navigation software used in the exercises.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $192 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

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