Professional Diploma in Onboard Networks and Electronic Security
This professional diploma gives you the skills to design, install, maintain and protect the networks and critical electronic systems of modern vessels. You will learn to work with NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 and marine Ethernet, onboard IP networks and satellite connectivity, the integrated bridge and machinery alarm systems, maritime cyber security, CCTV and access control, fire detection and technical alarms, and critical power and earthing, gaining practical experience in configuration, troubleshooting and the implementation of security protocols.
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What is the Professional Diploma in Onboard Networks and Electronic Security?
This professional diploma prepares you to manage the data networks and electronic security systems on which navigation, communications and safety on board depend. You will study network topologies and electromagnetic compatibility, NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 and proprietary networks, NMEA OneNet and fiber optics; IP addressing, VLANs, managed switches, VSAT, Iridium Certus and LEO connectivity, onboard Wi-Fi, VoIP and public address systems; the integrated bridge with GNSS, gyrocompass, radar ARPA, ECDIS, AIS and VDR; maritime cyber security under IMO guidelines and the ISPS Code; CCTV, thermal cameras and access control; SOLAS fire detection, flooding alarms and BNWAS; and UPS systems, insulation monitoring, earthing and lightning protection.
What sets this professional diploma apart: a specifically marine approach to networking that covers the standards and equipment actually found on yachts, merchant ships and offshore platforms; a combined view of cyber security and physical electronic security, from VLAN segmentation and GPS spoofing to CCTV and intruder detection; hands-on troubleshooting of data buses, signals and alarms; attention to the critical power, earthing and protection that keep electronics running; coverage of classification society rules, factory and harbor acceptance tests and sea trials; and an integrating project in which you design the network and security architecture of a ship or large yacht.
Program highlights
- Marine data buses: NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, proprietary networks, NMEA OneNet and fiber optics.
- IP networks and connectivity: VLANs, managed switches, VSAT, LEO satellite, 4G/5G and Wi-Fi.
- Integrated bridge: GNSS, gyrocompass, radar ARPA, ECDIS, AIS, VDR and machinery alarm systems.
- Maritime cyber security: IMO guidelines, IT/OT segmentation, GPS spoofing and incident response.
- Electronic security: CCTV, thermal cameras, access control, fire detection and technical alarms.
- Integrating project: network architecture and security plan for a ship or large yacht.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Onboard Networks and Electronic Security
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Naval network architecture and marine data buses
- 1.1. Introduction to onboard data networks: topologies, robustness requirements and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC/EMI)
- 1.2. The NMEA 0183 protocol: RS-422 serial standard, data sentences, baud rate and limitations
- 1.3. The NMEA 2000 network (CAN bus): network architecture, backbone, terminators, Micro-C connectors and PGN messages
- 1.4. Integrating NMEA 2000 with proprietary standards from the main marine electronics manufacturers
- 1.5. High-speed onboard protocols: NMEA OneNet (marine Ethernet) and naval fiber optic networks
- 1.6. Industrial protocols for naval automation: Modbus RTU/TCP, PROFIBUS and IEC 61162
- 1.7. Diagnosis, signal testing, reflectometry and troubleshooting of onboard data buses
- 1.8. Network topologies and redundancy
IP networks, satellite connectivity and telecommunications at sea
- 2.1. Fundamentals of marine IP networks: IPv4/IPv6 addressing, onboard VLANs and routing
- 2.2. Marine structured cabling, IP67/IP68 industrial connectors and naval-grade managed switches
- 2.3. Satellite communications on board: VSAT terminals, Inmarsat, Iridium Certus and LEO constellations
- 2.4. Hybrid connectivity systems: automatic switching between coastal 4G/5G, marina Wi-Fi and satellite
- 2.5. Onboard Wi-Fi networks for passengers and crew: marine access points, captive portals and bandwidth management (QoS)
- 2.6. IP telephone exchanges (VoIP), bridge intercoms and public address and general alarm (PAGA) systems
- 2.7. Integration of onboard entertainment systems (AV/IPTV) and naval media servers
- 2.8. Bandwidth management on board
Navigation systems, integrated monitoring and the electronic bridge
- 3.1. Architecture of the integrated bridge and navigation system (IBS/INS) and console standards
- 3.2. Networked navigation sensors: GPS/GNSS, gyrocompass, anemometer, speed log and echo sounder
- 3.3. Integration of radar ARPA, electronic chart systems (ECDIS/ECS) and vector and raster charts
- 3.4. Automatic Identification System (AIS Class A and B): transceivers, multiplexing and display
- 3.5. Machinery monitoring and alarm systems (AMS/naval SCADA): integration of engine, bilge and tank sensors
- 3.6. Voyage data recorders (VDR/S-VDR): the ship's black box, capture interfaces and backup
- 3.7. Multifunction displays (MFD), touch integration and backup and redundancy protocols on the bridge
- 3.8. Sensor integration on the bridge
Naval cyber security and protection of OT/IT systems
- 4.1. Fundamentals of maritime cyber security: IMO guidelines (Resolution MSC.428(98)) and the ISPS Code
- 4.2. Analysis of cyber threats at sea: attack vectors against IT systems (passengers and office) and OT systems (navigation and propulsion)
- 4.3. Segmentation of onboard networks with VLANs, naval firewalls and DMZ zones
- 4.4. Protection against spoofing and jamming of navigation signals (GPS) and attacks on AIS
- 4.5. Managing remote access for shipyard and manufacturer maintenance: secure VPNs and multi-factor authentication
- 4.6. USB port security, secure firmware updates and patching of critical onboard systems
- 4.7. Onboard cyber security audits, naval penetration testing and the cyber incident response plan
- 4.8. IT/OT segmentation
Video surveillance (CCTV) and naval access control
- 5.1. Design of IP video surveillance systems for boats, yachts and merchant ships
- 5.2. Selection of marine cameras: 316L stainless steel, vandal-resistant domes, anti-fog protection and IP68 sealing
- 5.3. Thermal and night vision cameras: integration with radar and AIS for search and rescue and night navigation
- 5.4. Anti-vibration network video recorders (NVR), RAID storage and bandwidth management
- 5.5. Electronic access control on board: marine electromagnetic locks, RFID readers and biometrics for restricted areas
- 5.6. Maritime perimeter intrusion detection: infrared barriers, short-range surface radar and acoustic deterrence
- 5.7. Integration of CCTV with the man overboard (MOB) alarm and remote monitoring from shore
- 5.8. Video recording and storage
Fire detection, technical alarms and centralized electronic security
- 6.1. Marine-grade addressable fire detection and alarm systems under SOLAS
- 6.2. Types of marine detectors: ionization, optical smoke, heat, UV/IR flame and combustible or toxic gas
- 6.3. Fire detection panels: integration with watertight doors, ventilation (HVAC) and release of extinguishing systems (CO2, clean agents and water mist)
- 6.4. Flooding sensors, high bilge level alarms and automatic control of bilge pumps
- 6.5. Personal safety systems: bridge navigational watch alarm systems (BNWAS) and personal MOB, EPIRB and SART transmitters
- 6.6. Centralizing alarms on repeater panels on the bridge, in officers' cabins and in the unattended machinery space (UMS)
- 6.7. Maintenance, periodic testing, fault simulation and certification of electronic safety systems
- 6.8. Alarm panels and their configuration
Critical power systems, marine earthing and electrical protection
- 7.1. Power quality on board: harmonics, frequency variations and voltage spikes
- 7.2. Marine-grade uninterruptible power supplies (UPS): online double conversion, N+1 redundancy and battery banks
- 7.3. Electrical isolation in steel, fiberglass and aluminum hulls: isolation transformers and insulation monitors
- 7.4. Earthing of marine electronic systems, radio frequency (RF) grounds and prevention of galvanic corrosion
- 7.5. Lightning protection for masts, antennas and deck electronics
- 7.6. Service and emergency batteries (lithium, AGM and gel): battery management systems (BMS) and network integration
- 7.7. DC/AC electronic distribution boards, marine fuses and automatic backup schemes
- 7.8. Uninterruptible power systems
Project integration, sea trials and integrating project
- 8.1. Design and engineering methodology for onboard network and electronic security projects
- 8.2. Single-line diagrams, marine cable routing plans, block diagrams and signal lists
- 8.3. Classification society rules (DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register) for onboard electronic systems
- 8.4. Factory acceptance test (FAT) and harbor acceptance test (HAT) protocols
- 8.5. Sea trials and site acceptance tests: operational validation of networks, radio frequency interference and alarm response
- 8.6. Operating manuals, as-built documentation, preventive maintenance plans and critical spare parts lists
- 8.7. Acceptance test protocols
- 8.8. Integrating project: design, sizing, IP/NMEA network architecture and cyber security and electronic security plan for a ship or large yacht
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Onboard Networks and Electronic Security
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 Onboard Networks and Electronic Security
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Onboard Networks and Electronic Security
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Onboard Networks and Electronic Security
Both. It covers onboard data networks and connectivity as well as cyber security and physical electronic security such as CCTV, access control and fire detection.
Both: NMEA buses, marine Ethernet, structured cabling and fiber optics, as well as onboard Wi-Fi, coastal 4G/5G and satellite links.
NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, NMEA OneNet, IEC 61162 and industrial protocols such as Modbus and PROFIBUS, together with SOLAS requirements for alarm and detection systems.
Yes. The content applies to yachts, merchant ships and offshore platforms, and the integrating project can be based on a ship or a large yacht.
No. Navalis teaches the subject; approval of installations and any formal certification depend on classification societies, manufacturers and the competent authorities.
Yes. A related degree or experience with networks or marine electronics is enough; the admission interview confirms that the program suits your profile.
Fully online, with recorded classes, asynchronous discussion forums, downloadable materials and tutorials with the teaching staff, so you can study at your own pace.
The professional diploma comprises 800 hours of study across 8 modules of about 100 hours each and ends with an integrating project. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
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Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at electronics and communications technicians and engineers, merchant navy officers and maintenance staff, naval systems integrators and shipyards, maritime security companies and consultants who audit the cyber security of ships and offshore platforms, and graduates in related engineering fields. A degree in electronic engineering, telecommunications, computing or a related technical field, or proven experience installing, maintaining or managing onboard networks and electronic systems, is recommended, together with basic knowledge of TCP/IP networks, communication protocols, IT security and electronics.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with camera and microphone, a stable broadband internet connection and, optionally, virtualisation software to practice with virtual networks.
- 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.