Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Introduction to Boat Deck Design Course

This course gives you the fundamentals to design boat decks that are functional, safe, attractive and adapted to the people who use them. You will learn how deck types vary with each kind of vessel, how to plan working and living areas and circulation, which structural materials and non-slip surfaces to choose and how to integrate deck hardware, drainage and lighting, developing the ability to conceive and present a deck proposal professionally.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
Program diagnosis

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.

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You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.

About the program

What is the Introduction to Boat Deck Design Course?

This introductory course covers the design of the deck as a whole: the space where crew and guests work, move, steer and relax, and the surface that keeps the boat watertight. You will study the functions of the deck and its typologies according to the type of boat; the relevant ISO standards and the ergonomic and safety criteria; the layout of working and living areas, side decks and access points, cockpits, sunbathing areas and helm stations; decks in composite, wood and aluminum, reinforcements and loads, teak and synthetic coverings, non-slip surfaces and watertightness; and the deck equipment, from cleats, bollards and windlasses to stanchions, guardrails, hatches, portlights, winches and lighting.

What sets this course apart: it treats deck design as a complete process, from the first sketch of the layout to the safety review, rather than focusing on a single system; it connects layout decisions with structure, materials and equipment, so that each choice is technically justified; it gives particular weight to safe circulation, fall prevention, drainage and bailing; it includes the aesthetic and cost dimensions of a deck project; and it closes with a final project in which you design the deck of a real or realistic boat.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Deck fundamentals: functions, typologies by vessel, ISO standards and the design process.
  • Layout and circulation: working and living areas, side decks, cockpits, sunbathing areas and helm stations.
  • Structure and materials: composite, wood and aluminum decks, loads, teak, synthetics and non-slip surfaces.
  • Deck hardware: cleats, bollards, windlasses, stanchions, guardrails, hatches, winches and lighting.
  • Safety and drainage: safety review, drainage, bailing and watertightness.
  • Final project: the complete deck design of a boat, including style and costs.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Introduction to Boat Deck Design Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Fundamentals of deck design

  • 1.1. Functions of the deck
  • 1.2. Deck typologies by type of vessel
  • 1.3. Regulations and ISO standards
  • 1.4. Ergonomics and safety
  • 1.5. The design process
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Layout and circulation

  • 2.1. Working areas and living areas
  • 2.2. Side decks and access points
  • 2.3. Cockpits and sunbathing areas
  • 2.4. Helm stations
  • 2.5. Accessibility
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Structure and materials

  • 3.1. Composite, wood and aluminum decks
  • 3.2. Reinforcements and loads
  • 3.3. Teak and synthetic deck coverings
  • 3.4. Non-slip surfaces
  • 3.5. Watertightness
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Deck equipment

  • 4.1. Cleats, bollards and windlasses
  • 4.2. Stanchions and guardrails
  • 4.3. Hatches and portlights
  • 4.4. Winches and fittings
  • 4.5. Lighting
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Assessment and project

  • 5.1. Safety review
  • 5.2. Drainage and bailing
  • 5.3. Aesthetics and style
  • 5.4. Costs
  • 5.5. Final project: design of the deck of a boat
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Introduction to Boat Deck Design 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 Introduction to Boat Deck Design Course

01Understand the fundamental principles of deck design, identifying the applicable standards, suitable materials and the techniques that keep the deck watertight.
02Select deck materials using technical and aesthetic criteria such as durability, weather resistance, weight, cost and visual harmony, consulting standards and manufacturers' catalogs.
03Apply graphic representation techniques, including CAD tools, isometric views and exploded views, to communicate deck designs clearly and in detail.
04Assess and optimize the structural and functional performance of a deck, identifying improvements in strength, durability, drainage and safety and proposing cost-effective solutions.
05Integrate watertightness and insulation solutions into the deck design, choosing materials and construction details that protect the boat against water and weather.
06Apply the relevant standards and safety criteria to deck design, with particular attention to safe circulation, guardrails and fall prevention.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Introduction to Boat Deck Design Course

01Junior deck designer in yacht design studios and naval architecture offices
02Design or technical office assistant at boatbuilders and shipyards, supporting deck layout and detailing
03Refit technician planning deck modifications, new layouts or the renewal of deck hardware
04Deck hardware and equipment adviser for chandlers and nautical suppliers
05Technical adviser to boat owners on deck improvements, safety and comfort on board
06Amateur boatbuilder or owner able to plan and document the redesign of their own deck
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Introduction to Boat Deck Design Course

To close the hull watertight against water and weather while providing a safe, functional space for steering, handling the boat, moving around and relaxing on board.

No. It deals with the decks of boats: their layout, structure, materials, equipment and safety, not the roofs of buildings.

This course covers deck design as a whole, including structure, materials, hardware and drainage, while the ergonomics course focuses on how cabins and decks fit the human body and boat motion.

Composite, wood and aluminum decks, teak and synthetic coverings and non-slip surfaces, together with reinforcements, loads and watertightness.

No. It is an introductory course, although some familiarity with boats or basic drawing and CAD tools will help you get more out of the project.

You design the deck of a real or realistic boat, defining its layout, materials, hardware, drainage and safety measures and estimating its style and costs.

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

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Master’s degree · 1,500 hMaster's in Conceptual Design of Future Ships$2,430 · View program →Professional diploma · 800 hProfessional Diploma in Ship Deck and Structural Engineering$1,170 · View program →Master’s degree · 1,500 hMaster's in Naval Architecture and Ship Design$1,760 · View program →
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 architects and designers who want to specialize in functional, safe decks, naval architecture and marine engineering students, shipyard engineers and technical staff involved in deck design and construction, boat owners and amateur boatbuilders who want to customize their decks, and nautical industry professionals interested in deck design trends; training in naval architecture, engineering, design or related fields, or experience in the nautical sector, is helpful but not essential.
  • 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 software to view PDF documents; basic CAD software is useful for the design 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 $172 deposit

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

Any questions?

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.

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