Professional Diploma in Marine Workshop Tools and Techniques
This professional diploma gives you the practical, mechanical skills needed to repair and maintain ships and boats in a demanding workshop. You will learn to read marine drawings and measure with precision, mark out and fit metal parts, machine shafts and couplings on the lathe and milling machine, use pneumatic, hydraulic and electric tools, weld and cut steel, stainless steel and aluminum, fabricate and test piping and valves, fit bearings and align shafts, and lift and move heavy machinery safely.
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 Marine Workshop Tools and Techniques?
This professional diploma prepares you to work as a complete marine mechanical technician, at the bench, at the machine and on board. You will study marine and industrial drawings, precision measuring instruments, large-scale shipyard metrology, marking out and bench fitting; turning, milling, drilling and tool grinding, including the machining of tail shafts, tapers and keyways; compressed air networks, grinders, bevelling machines, hydraulic pullers and controlled tightening; SMAW, MIG/MAG, FCAW and TIG welding, oxy-fuel and plasma cutting and flame straightening; marine pipe materials, bending, flanges and couplings, valves, lapping, gaskets and pressure tests; fasteners, rolling and plain bearings, stern tube bushes, shaft alignment, belts, chains, balancing and lubrication; and basic hydraulics, hose making, lifting gear, overhead cranes and safe rigging.
What sets this professional diploma apart: it brings together the trades of the marine workshop, from fitter and machinist to welder and pipefitter, in a single structured route instead of treating each in isolation; it is rooted in real shipboard and shipyard components such as tail shafts, couplings, seacocks, stern tube bearings and engine beds; it treats metrology, tolerances and quality control as the backbone of good workmanship; it gives safety in welding, lifting and confined spaces the same importance as technique; and it closes with an integrated project in which you plan, machine, weld, fit and test a marine mechanical sub-assembly.
Program highlights
- Metrology and fitting: drawings, tolerances, precision instruments, marking out and bench work.
- Machining: lathe, milling and drilling for shafts, tapers, keyways, flanges and couplings.
- Power tools: pneumatic, hydraulic and electric tools, controlled tightening and maintenance.
- Welding and cutting: SMAW, MIG/MAG, FCAW, TIG, oxy-fuel, plasma and flame straightening.
- Piping and valves: marine pipe materials, bending, joints, valve lapping and pressure tests.
- Mechanical assemblies: bearings, stern tube bushes, shaft alignment, lifting and rigging.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Marine Workshop Tools and Techniques
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Marine metrology, marking out, drawing interpretation and mechanical fitting
- 1.1. Reading marine and industrial drawings: welding symbols, piping diagrams (P&ID), plate cutting plans and dimensional and fit tolerances
- 1.2. Direct and precision measuring tools in the workshop: vernier callipers, internal and external micrometers, dial indicators and feeler and thread gauges
- 1.3. Large-scale metrology in shipyards: marking out marine structures, optical and laser levels, precision tapes and protractors
- 1.4. Marking out on metal: scribing steel, aluminum and marine bronze with surface gauges, center punches, engineer's squares and dividers
- 1.5. Bench hand tools and fitting operations: filing, chiselling, hand sawing, scraping surfaces and hand threading with taps and dies
- 1.6. Fitting and bedding metal surfaces: checking with Prussian blue, fitting bushes, plummer blocks and engine bed seating surfaces
- 1.7. Safety and risk prevention at the bench: personal protective equipment (PPE), ergonomics when filing and safe handling of cutting tools
- 1.8. Workshop organization and tool store management
Machining: lathe, milling machine and pillar drill in the marine workshop
- 2.1. The center lathe in the marine workshop: anatomy of the machine, three- and four-jaw chucks and fixed and traveling steadies for machining long tail shafts
- 2.2. Basic marine turning operations: parallel turning, facing, drilling, boring, grooving, parting off and cutting metric and Whitworth threads
- 2.3. Machining tapers and couplings: taper turning with the compound slide or offset tailstock for propeller and shaft couplings
- 2.4. Workshop milling machines: horizontal, vertical and universal machines, cutting tools (hobs, slab mills, slot drills) and dividing heads
- 2.5. Milling marine parts: cutting keyways in transmission shafts, facing casings and milling gears and flanges
- 2.6. Drilling, reaming and countersinking: pillar and radial drill operations, hand grinding HSS drills and calculating cutting speeds (RPM)
- 2.7. Grinding cutting tools: geometry of HSS lathe tools and tungsten carbide inserts for marine stainless steels and bronzes
- 2.8. CNC machining in marine workshops
Portable pneumatic, hydraulic and electric workshop tools
- 3.1. Compressed air networks and pneumatic tools: compressors, filter-regulator-lubricator units (FRL), pneumatic grinders, chisels and riveters
- 3.2. Angle grinders and disc tools: choosing cutting, grinding and flap discs and wire brushes for cleaning weld beads
- 3.3. Bevelling and edge preparation: portable pneumatic and electric bevelling machines for preparing chamfers on marine steel plate
- 3.4. Portable hydraulic presses and pullers: removing bearings, shaft couplings and pins and straightening flat bar with single- and double-acting jacks and cylinders
- 3.5. Dynamic and controlled tightening tools: analog and digital torque wrenches, torque multipliers and high-torque pneumatic impact wrenches for cylinder head bolts and couplings
- 3.6. Electric sheet metal cutting tools: metal cut-off saws, portable electric shears, punches and band saws for pipe and sections
- 3.7. Maintaining and servicing workshop tools: lubricating pneumatic equipment, inspecting earth cables, replacing brushes and checking insulation
- 3.8. Calibrating and maintaining torque tools
Welding and thermal cutting applied to ship repair and construction
- 4.1. Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW): choosing marine electrodes (E6010, E7018, stainless E316L) and setting parameters for each position
- 4.2. Semi-automatic welding in the marine environment (GMAW/MIG-MAG and FCAW): solid and flux-cored wire for carbon steel and marine aluminum structures (5000 and 6000 series)
- 4.3. TIG welding (GTAW) for piping and non-ferrous metals: root passes on stainless steel, copper-nickel and aluminum pipe; choice of filler rods and argon gas
- 4.4. Manual and mechanized oxy-fuel cutting: setting oxygen and acetylene or propane pressures, piercing techniques, nozzle cleaning and automatic cutting carriages
- 4.5. Manual plasma arc cutting: setting up the plasma unit, choosing nozzles, travel speed and cutting non-ferrous alloys (aluminum and stainless steel)
- 4.6. Flame straightening: correcting welding distortion in bulkheads, decks and metal structures
- 4.7. Safety in welding and cutting: fire prevention (flashback arrestors), fume extraction in confined spaces on ships and fire blankets
- 4.8. Welding aluminum in ship repair
Marine piping, valves, flexible connections and pipe forming
- 5.1. Marine pipe materials and classification: carbon steel, 316L stainless steel, copper-nickel (CuNi 90/10), copper and marine plastic pipe (GRP, CPVC)
- 5.2. Forming and bending pipe in the workshop: hydraulic and manual pipe benders, hot bending with sand and preventing flattening and ovality
- 5.3. Joining marine pipework: flanged joints (ANSI, DIN, JIS), grooved couplings, threading, butt welds and socket welds
- 5.4. Anatomy, maintenance and seating of marine valves: globe, gate, butterfly, ball, check and seacock valves in bronze, cast iron or steel
- 5.5. Grinding and lapping valve seats: hand lapping tools, abrasive pastes and leak tests by dye or pressure
- 5.6. Making and replacing gaskets and packing: hand-cutting compressed fiber, PTFE and graphite gaskets and braided packing for stuffing boxes
- 5.7. Hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure testing of lines: assembling test manifolds, calibrating gauges, pressurizing and detecting leaks
- 5.8. Fabricating flanges and pipe supports
Transmission mechanisms, bearings, alignment and fasteners
- 6.1. Marine fasteners and threads: stainless steel (A2/A4) and high-tensile fasteners, thread types (UNC, UNF, metric) and chemical thread lockers
- 6.2. Removing and fitting marine bearings: induction heaters, mechanical and hydraulic pullers, shaft and housing tolerances and pillow blocks
- 6.3. Plain bearings and stern tube bushes: bronze bushes, water-lubricated rubber cutless bearings and synthetic polymer bearings
- 6.4. Mechanical alignment of shaft lines and machinery: straight edge and feeler gauges, dial indicators (reverse indicator method) and an introduction to laser alignment
- 6.5. Belt and chain drives: pulley alignment, tensioning V-belts and toothed belts, checking sprockets and lubricating marine chains
- 6.6. Static balancing of rotating parts: bench balancing of small propellers, pump impellers, fans and pulleys
- 6.7. Lubricants, greases and workshop lubrication systems: oil classification and ISO VG grades, calcium sulphonate and lithium marine greases and manual and automatic greasing pumps
- 6.8. Fitting pumps and couplings
Basic hydraulics and pneumatics and lifting and handling equipment in the workshop
- 7.1. Principles of oil hydraulics in the marine workshop: reading basic hydraulic diagrams and identifying pumps, pressure and flow control valves and cylinders
- 7.2. Making up and crimping hydraulic hoses: choosing high-pressure hoses (1SN, 2SN, 4SP), fittings (JIC, BSP, ORFS) and using the workshop hose crimper
- 7.3. Maintenance and filtration of workshop hydraulic systems: replacing return and suction filters, cleaning reservoirs and bleeding air from circuits
- 7.4. Lifting gear and tackle: inspection and discard criteria for wire rope slings, textile slings, shackles, eyebolts and chains
- 7.5. Using overhead cranes, workshop jibs and hoists: center of gravity of heavy parts, sling angles, safe lifting maneuvers and manual and electric chain blocks
- 7.6. Moving machinery and heavy parts: load skates, bottle jacks, pry bars and aligning chocks
- 7.7. Preventing accidents in lifting operations: exclusion zones, standard hand signals and safe working load limits (SWL/WLL)
- 7.8. Safe lifting in confined spaces on board
Final project: fabrication, fitting and assembly of a marine mechanical sub-assembly
- 8.1. Project analysis and specifications: studying the drawings of a marine component (for example a thrust bearing, shaft coupling, seacock or engine mount)
- 8.2. Process planning and route sheet: choice of materials, machining time estimates, list of tools and consumables and workstation layout
- 8.3. Machining components on the lathe and milling machine: turning, boring, milling supports and threading to the tolerances on the drawing
- 8.4. Marking out, welding and assembly: cutting flat bar, building supports by SMAW or GMAW welding, grinding and preparing seating surfaces
- 8.5. Hand fitting, lapping and finishing: checking H7/g6 fits, bedding contact faces and assembling bushes and bearings
- 8.6. Functional tests and dimensional quality control: inspection with measuring instruments, pressure or rotation tests, checking tightening torques and writing the technical report
- 8.7. Technical documentation and time records
- 8.8. Presentation and technical defense of the workshop project
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Marine Workshop Tools and Techniques
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 Marine Workshop Tools and Techniques
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Marine Workshop Tools and Techniques
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Marine Workshop Tools and Techniques
Shipbuilding and ship and boat repair: shipyards, repair yards, marine workshops, engine rooms and maintenance teams for commercial vessels, yachts and work boats.
On construction, repair and maintenance, using the tools and techniques of the marine mechanical workshop: measuring, machining, welding, piping, fitting and lifting.
It goes much further: alongside tools and safety it covers lathe and milling work, welding and cutting processes, marine piping and valves, bearings and shaft alignment, basic hydraulics and an integrated fabrication project.
No. Navalis teaches welding processes, parameters and good practice; welder qualification certificates are issued after testing by an authorized body under the applicable welding standards.
A basic knowledge of tools and mechanical work is recommended; the admission interview checks your background and confirms that the program suits your profile.
You plan and document the fabrication of a marine sub-assembly, such as a thrust bearing, shaft coupling, seacock or engine mount, covering machining, welding, fitting, testing and quality control.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded, practical case studies and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The professional diploma comprises 800 hours of study across 8 modules of about 100 hours each. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
More programs in Machinery and electrics
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at marine technicians and operatives who want to master new repair, welding and maintenance techniques, workshop supervisors and maintenance managers, naval and mechanical engineers updating their practical knowledge, technical students and maritime professionals, and owners of marine workshops who want to improve and broaden their services. A vocational qualification in mechanical manufacturing, metal construction or similar, or proven experience in marine workshops or the metalworking industry, is recommended, together with basic knowledge of welding, fabrication, machining and fitting.
- 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 documents and technical drawings such as PDF files.
- 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.