Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Navigation Systems Automation Course

This course prepares you to work with the technologies that are shaping the future of navigation at sea. You will learn to improve the efficiency, safety and sustainability of operations by implementing and managing automated navigation systems, from sensors and multifunction displays to autopilots, nautical networks and integrated alarms. The program covers how these systems are configured, calibrated and supervised, and where their limits lie, so that automation always works alongside a watchful crew.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
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About the program

What is the Navigation Systems Automation Course?

This short course teaches you to design, configure and supervise automated navigation on board. You will study the difference between manual, assisted, semi-autonomous and automated navigation and the main components, such as GPS, chart plotter, autopilot, sensors, actuators, nautical networks and control units; essential sensors such as electronic compass, log, echo sounder, anemometer, AIS, radar and motion sensors, with NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, marine Ethernet and Wi-Fi to integrate their data; autopilot operation in heading, waypoint, wind and route-following modes, with calibration of the compass, speed and rudder angle sensors and tuning of gain and response; and integration with AIS, radar, electronic charts, geofences and alarms for collision, off-track, shallow water and loss of GPS.

What sets this course apart: it treats automation as support for the navigator, not a substitute, and dedicates time to its risks, from over-confidence and loss of lookout to sensor failures and configuration errors; it is practical and equipment-based, centered on the autopilots, plotters and networks found on sailing boats, motorboats, yachts, catamarans and workboats; it explains clearly where automation fails, in fog, heavy traffic, charting errors or floating obstacles; and it ends with a project in which you design and configure an assisted navigation system for a real type of vessel.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Levels of automation: manual, assisted, semi-autonomous and automated navigation and their risks.
  • Sensors and displays: GPS, electronic compass, log, echo sounder, anemometer, AIS, radar, plotters and multifunction displays.
  • Nautical networks: NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, marine Ethernet and Wi-Fi for integrating navigation data.
  • Autopilot set-up: heading, waypoint, wind and route modes, sensor calibration and gain and response tuning.
  • Integrated safety: collision, off-track, shallow water and GPS loss alarms, electronic charts and geofences.
  • Final project: an assisted navigation design with calibration, human oversight and failure response plan.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Navigation Systems Automation Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Fundamentals of nautical automation, assisted navigation and smart systems on board

  • 1.1. What navigation systems automation is and the differences between manual, assisted, semi-autonomous and automated navigation
  • 1.2. Main components: GPS, chart plotter, autopilot, sensors, actuators, nautical networks and control units
  • 1.3. The relationship between navigation, steering, safety, efficiency, comfort and reduced workload
  • 1.4. Types of vessel and levels of automation suited to recreational, professional or technical use
  • 1.5. Basic risks of automation: over-confidence, loss of lookout, sensor failures and configuration errors
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Sensors, navigation equipment and onboard communication networks

  • 2.1. Essential sensors: GPS, electronic compass, log, echo sounder, anemometer, AIS, radar and motion sensors
  • 2.2. Chart plotters, multifunction displays, control units, remote panels and data display systems
  • 2.3. Autopilot, steering actuators, hydraulic pumps, servomotors and heading controllers
  • 2.4. Nautical protocols and networks: NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, marine Ethernet, Wi-Fi and proprietary solutions
  • 2.5. Integrating navigation, wind, depth, speed, position and maritime traffic data
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Configuration, calibration and automatic control of heading and track

  • 3.1. Autopilot fundamentals and the differences between heading control, waypoint control, wind control and route following
  • 3.2. Calibrating the compass, speed sensors, rudder angle, actuator response and steering parameters
  • 3.3. Setting up routes, waypoints, off-track alarms, depth limits, safety zones and navigation warnings
  • 3.4. Adjusting autopilot sensitivity, gain, response, smoothness and power consumption
  • 3.5. Using wind, current, speed and position data to improve the accuracy of automated navigation
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Integration with safety, alarms, AIS, radar and decision support systems

  • 4.1. Integrating the autopilot with AIS, radar, electronic charts and navigation alarm systems
  • 4.2. Alerts for collision, proximity, off-track, shallow water, loss of GPS, compass failure and nearby traffic
  • 4.3. Using electronic charts, safe routes, geofences, restricted areas and layers of maritime information
  • 4.4. Assistance systems for maneuvering, anchoring, position holding, target tracking and surveillance of the surroundings
  • 4.5. Limits of automation in fog, heavy traffic, charting errors, floating obstacles and adverse conditions
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Applied navigation systems automation project

  • 5.1. Defining the case: a sailing boat, motorboat, yacht, catamaran, passenger boat or workboat with assisted navigation
  • 5.2. Analyzing navigation needs, existing sensors, compatible equipment, usual routes and operational risks
  • 5.3. Designing the automated architecture with autopilot, plotter, sensors, nautical network, alarms and power supply
  • 5.4. Configuring routes, calibrating sensors and defining safety criteria, operating modes and human oversight
  • 5.5. Preparing the diagnosis, maintenance, update, backup and failure response plan
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Navigation Systems Automation 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 Navigation Systems Automation Course

01Implement and maintain automated navigation systems, integrating data from sensors such as GPS, radar and AIS to follow the planned route and react to the unexpected with predefined alternatives.
02Improve the performance of navigation systems by combining information from several sources, such as AIS, radar and electronic charts, for full situational awareness and informed decisions.
03Diagnose and solve problems in automated navigation systems, analyzing the information available to identify the root cause and applying contingency procedures based on knowledge of the system.
04Integrate automated navigation with other onboard systems, managing redundancy and data priority so that safe navigation never depends on a single point of failure.
05Develop safety procedures for automated navigation, including basic assessment of cyber risks and protection of control systems against intrusion and malware.
06Supervise and control automated navigation to keep the planned track, optimize consumption and arrival time, respect area restrictions and report deviations promptly.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Navigation Systems Automation Course

01Navigation automation technicianinstalling, maintaining and repairing autopilots and automated navigation systems.
02Navigation systems engineerdesigning and implementing hardware and software for assisted navigation.
03Marine electronics integratorconnecting sensors, plotters, radar, AIS and autopilots on nautical networks.
04Navigation automation consultantadvising owners, operators and boatyards on suitable equipment and configuration.
05Navigation software developer or researchercreating applications and techniques that improve the efficiency and safety of navigation.
06Trainer in navigation automationteaching crews and technicians to configure and supervise automated systems.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Navigation Systems Automation Course

To improve the safety and efficiency of navigation by reducing workload, keeping an accurate track and integrating alarms, while the crew keeps supervising the vessel at all times.

Greater accuracy and efficiency, a lighter workload for the person on watch and fewer routine errors. The course also explains the risks, such as over-confidence and loss of lookout, so that the benefits are not paid for in safety.

Yes. The third module covers compass, speed sensor and rudder angle calibration, actuator response and the adjustment of gain, sensitivity and smoothness for each operating mode.

NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, marine Ethernet, Wi-Fi and proprietary solutions, and how to integrate navigation, wind, depth, speed, position and traffic data through them.

No. It focuses on assisted and automated navigation on real vessels, with human oversight. It covers the limits of automation in fog, heavy traffic, charting errors and adverse conditions.

You choose a type of vessel, analyze its navigation needs and existing equipment, design the automated architecture, configure routes, calibration and alarms, and write the diagnosis, maintenance and failure response plan.

Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with modules at your own pace, practical exercises and support from the teaching staff.

The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with a final project. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.

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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 naval engineers and technicians, bridge officers and skippers, software and hardware developers, researchers and students of engineering and nautical studies; a degree in engineering, computing, robotics or a related technical field, or demonstrable experience in automation, control systems, marine electronics or programming, is recommended, and basic knowledge of sensors, actuators and control is helpful.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a broadband internet connection; navigation or simulation software is optional and will be indicated during the course.
  • 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 $196 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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