Professional Diploma in Smart Navigation Systems
This professional diploma prepares you to lead the digital transformation of navigation. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the emerging technologies behind the smart ship and their practical use in route optimization, navigational safety and efficient fleet management, mastering the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, machine learning, connectivity and sensor fusion and how they are integrated with existing bridge systems.
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 Smart Navigation Systems?
This professional diploma trains you to understand, specify and introduce smart navigation systems on board and ashore. You will study the smart ship concept, e-Navigation and levels of autonomy, GNSS, radar, LiDAR, cameras, inertial and thermal sensors and how their data are fused and checked for integrity, machine learning for object detection, trajectory prediction and decision support, the algorithmic interpretation of COLREG for automated collision avoidance, ship-to-shore links, S-421 route exchange, digital VTS, LEO satellites and maritime 5G, automated weather routing and just-in-time arrival, the IMO MASS Code and remote operation, and the cyber security, testing and change management needed to put these systems into service.
What sets this professional diploma apart: it looks at smart navigation as an operational system for real ships and fleets, not only as an AI research topic; it links perception, decision-making and connectivity, so you understand how sensor data, algorithms and shore centers work together; it gives specific attention to automated collision avoidance and interaction with crewed vessels; it combines efficiency, through routing and speed optimization, with safety, explainability and the human factor; and it ends with a final project in which you design a smart navigation system and its implementation roadmap.
Program highlights
- Foundations: the smart ship, e-Navigation, levels of autonomy, emerging regulation and smart ports.
- Sensors and data fusion: GNSS, radar, LiDAR, cameras, inertial and thermal sensors, AIS and data integrity.
- AI for navigation: object detection, trajectory prediction, decision support, neural networks and explainability.
- Automated collision avoidance: algorithmic COLREG, collision risk, automatic maneuvers and simulator testing.
- Connectivity and efficiency: S-421 route exchange, remote control centers, LEO, 5G, weather routing and JIT arrival.
- Final project: the design of a smart navigation system with its cyber security and implementation roadmap.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Smart Navigation Systems
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Fundamentals of smart navigation
- 1.1. The smart ship concept
- 1.2. e-Navigation and connected navigation
- 1.3. Levels of autonomy
- 1.4. Technology players
- 1.5. Emerging regulation
- 1.6. Connected ships and data
- 1.7. Smart ports
- 1.8. Navigation platforms
Sensors and data fusion
- 2.1. GNSS, radar, LiDAR and cameras
- 2.2. Inertial sensors
- 2.3. Multi-sensor fusion
- 2.4. Data quality and integrity
- 2.5. Redundancy
- 2.6. Computer vision in navigation
- 2.7. Thermal sensors
- 2.8. AIS data integration
Artificial intelligence in navigation
- 3.1. Applied machine learning
- 3.2. Object detection and classification
- 3.3. Trajectory prediction
- 3.4. Decision support systems
- 3.5. Algorithm validation
- 3.6. Neural networks
- 3.7. Training datasets
- 3.8. Explainability
Automated collision avoidance
- 4.1. Algorithmic interpretation of COLREG
- 4.2. Collision risk assessment
- 4.3. Automatic maneuvers
- 4.4. Interaction with crewed vessels
- 4.5. Test cases
- 4.6. Simulators for testing
- 4.7. Crossing and overtaking scenarios
- 4.8. Navigation in channels
Connectivity and communications
- 5.1. Ship-to-shore communications
- 5.2. Route exchange (S-421)
- 5.3. Remote control centers
- 5.4. Digital VTS services
- 5.5. Latency and reliability
- 5.6. LEO communications
- 5.7. Maritime 5G networks
- 5.8. Cyber security of communication links
Route optimization and efficiency
- 6.1. Automated weather routing
- 6.2. Speed optimization
- 6.3. Just-in-time arrival
- 6.4. Emission reduction
- 6.5. Integration with fleet management
- 6.6. Route digital twins
- 6.7. Consumption forecasting
- 6.8. Automatic reporting
Autonomous ships and remote operation
- 7.1. Autonomous ship projects
- 7.2. The IMO MASS Code
- 7.3. Remote operators
- 7.4. Functional safety
- 7.5. Legal liability
- 7.6. European pilot projects
- 7.7. Autonomous ships in Norway
- 7.8. Remote supervision
Cyber security and implementation
- 8.1. Cyber risks of smart systems
- 8.2. Testing and approval
- 8.3. The human factor
- 8.4. Implementation roadmap
- 8.5. Sea trials
- 8.6. Class society approval
- 8.7. Change management
- 8.8. Final project: design of a smart navigation system
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Smart Navigation Systems
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 Smart Navigation Systems
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Smart Navigation Systems
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Smart Navigation Systems
Navigation systems that combine sensors (GNSS, radar, LiDAR, cameras, inertial and thermal sensors, AIS), data fusion, artificial intelligence, connectivity and automated decision support to make navigation safer and more efficient.
No. It covers the whole range, from decision support on conventional bridges and e-Navigation services to remote operation and autonomous vessels, including the IMO MASS Code and European and Norwegian pilot projects.
Yes. A full module deals with how COLREG can be interpreted algorithmically, collision risk assessment, automatic maneuvers, interaction with crewed vessels and the testing of crossing, overtaking and channel scenarios in simulation.
Basic programming knowledge, ideally in Python or C++, is recommended, together with familiarity with sensors and automatic control. The admission interview helps confirm that the program matches your background.
Yes. You study the cyber risks of smart systems and communication links, protective measures, incident response, testing and approval, the human factor and how to manage change when introducing new systems.
You design a smart navigation system for a specific vessel or operation: sensors and data fusion, AI functions, collision avoidance logic, connectivity, cyber security and an implementation roadmap including sea trials.
Fully online, with content available 24/7, active discussion forums, live sessions that are recorded and personalized tutorials with the teaching staff.
More programs in Bridge and navigation
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at systems and electronics engineers, programmers, professionals from the maritime, automotive and aerospace industries, researchers in navigation algorithms and control, technology companies and start-ups, and postgraduate students; a degree in engineering (electronics, computing, telecommunications or aerospace), physics, mathematics or a related field, or proven experience developing or implementing navigation systems, is recommended, together with basic programming (Python, C++), knowledge of sensors such as IMU, GNSS, LiDAR and cameras, and notions of automatic control.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a camera and microphone, a high-speed internet connection and a suitable development environment; access to simulation software is optional.
- 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.