Professional Diploma in Luxury Yacht Mechanics
This professional diploma prepares you to maintain, diagnose and repair the complex machinery of luxury yachts and superyachts. You will work through the engine room as a whole: high-power marine diesels, shaft lines, controllable pitch propellers, pods and waterjets, generators and electrical distribution, high-pressure hydraulics and stabilizers, HVAC, refrigeration and water treatment, and fire prevention and emergency management, so that you can keep high-end yachts reliable, efficient and compliant.
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 Luxury Yacht Mechanics?
This professional diploma follows the engineering department of a superyacht from the layout of the engine room and the rules that govern it to every system the crew has to keep running. You will study engine room design, the roles of the Chief Engineer, Second Engineer and ETO, class and flag requirements, Maritime English and technical documentation; then high-power four-stroke diesels from MTU, Caterpillar and MAN, with turbocharging, common rail injection, IMO Tier III aftertreatment and electronic diagnostics; shaft alignment, stern seals, fixed and controllable pitch propellers, pods and waterjets; generators, power management, shore power, DC systems and CAN bus automation; hydraulics, fin and gyroscopic stabilizers, thrusters and garage equipment; chilled water HVAC, refrigeration, watermakers and sewage plants; and fire systems, emergency shutdowns, permits to work and MARPOL compliance.
What sets this diploma apart: it is built around the real equipment and brands found in the engine rooms of 30 to 70 meter yachts, from MTU DiaSys and Cat ET diagnostics to Seakeeper gyros, Volvo Penta IPS pods and Victron or Mastervolt power systems; it connects day-to-day maintenance with planning, documentation, safety and environmental compliance; and it closes with an integrating project in which you audit a superyacht, build its planned maintenance system, plan an overhaul and a yard refit, and present a budget and a final report to the captain and the owner.
Program highlights
- Engine room organization: layout, engineering department roles, class and flag rules, logbooks and Maritime English.
- High-power marine diesels (MTU, CAT, MAN): turbocharging, common rail, Tier III aftertreatment and electronic diagnostics.
- Propulsion trains: shaft alignment, stern seals, fixed and controllable pitch propellers, pods and waterjets.
- Generators, power management, shore power, DC battery banks, NMEA 2000 and CAN bus automation.
- Hydraulics, fin and gyroscopic stabilizers, thrusters, HVAC, refrigeration, watermakers and sewage treatment.
- Integrating project: mechanical audit, planned maintenance system, overhaul and yard refit plan for a superyacht.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Luxury Yacht Mechanics
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Engine room architecture, class and flag rules and management of the engineering crew
- 1.1. Design and layout of the engine room on superyachts: equipment zoning, ergonomics, soundproofing, forced ventilation and thermal insulation systems
- 1.2. Hierarchy and organization of the engineering department: roles of the Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) and Mechanic/Oiler
- 1.3. International regulations and classification societies: compliance with Lloyd's Register, ABS, RINA, MCA (LY3/REG Code) and STCW Chapter III for engine room personnel
- 1.4. MLC 2006 and engine room safety: hours of work and rest, risk prevention in enclosed spaces, hearing protection and personal protective equipment (PPE)
- 1.5. Management of technical documentation and engine logs: keeping the Engine Logbook, recording operating parameters, spare parts inventories and shipyard service manuals
- 1.6. Internal communication and integrated monitoring systems: interaction between the bridge and the engine room through alarm monitoring systems (AMS) and touchscreen control
- 1.7. Technical terminology in Maritime English: vocabulary for fault management, spare parts, reports to the flag State and communication with shipyards
- 1.8. Spare parts management and relations with manufacturers
High-power marine diesel propulsion systems (MTU, CAT, MAN)
- 2.1. Architecture of four-stroke marine diesel engines: high-power V blocks (MTU 2000/4000 series, Caterpillar C32, MAN V12), individual cylinder heads and wet liners
- 2.2. Turbocharging systems: variable geometry turbochargers, air-to-water intercoolers, sequential turbocharging and exhaust gas management
- 2.3. High-pressure marine common rail injection: high-pressure pumps, piezoelectric/electronic injectors, parameter calibration and diagnosis of injection faults
- 2.4. Closed-circuit lubrication and cooling systems: plate oil coolers, tubular heat exchangers (fresh water/seawater) and high-capacity circulation pumps
- 2.5. Marine exhaust aftertreatment and emissions (IMO Tier III): selective catalytic reduction (SCR), urea (AdBlue) injection and marine particulate filters
- 2.6. Marine reduction gears, reversing gears and transmissions: ZF and Twin Disc gearboxes, multi-plate clutches, trolling valves and thrust bearings
- 2.7. Advanced electronic engine diagnostics: use of diagnostic software (MTU DiaSys, Cat ET, MAN Cats) to read real-time data and fault codes
- 2.8. Engine maintenance by running hours
Shaft lines, controllable pitch propellers, pod drives and waterjets
- 3.1. Alignment of shaft lines and engine beds: laser alignment, measurement of crankshaft deflections and adjustment of flexible anti-vibration mounts
- 3.2. Stern tubes and shaft seals: wet stern tubes, mechanical seals such as Trelleborg and Deep Sea Seals, water versus oil lubrication and prevention of leaks
- 3.3. Fixed pitch propellers (FPP) and high-performance geometry: pitch calculation, dynamic balancing, inspection for cavitation and pitting, and blade repair
- 3.4. Controllable pitch propellers (CPP): operation of the hydraulic hub, internal servo mechanisms, control oil distribution and zero pitch/astern operation
- 3.5. Azimuth propulsion and pods (Volvo Penta IPS, Cummins Zeus): architecture of 360° steerable units, seals, servomotors and maintenance of integrated transmissions
- 3.6. Waterjet propulsion (Kamewa, Hamilton): nozzles, reversing buckets, steering and maintenance of axial flow impellers
- 3.7. Underwater inspection and drydocking: maintenance of the underwater body, renewal of bracket bearings, shaft inspection in dry dock and non-destructive testing (NDT)
- 3.8. Sea trials after propulsion work
Auxiliary generators, electrical distribution and onboard automation
- 4.1. Marine generator sets (Northern Lights, Kohler, Onan): maintenance of the auxiliary diesel engine, electronic speed governors, automatic voltage regulators (AVR) and frequency synchronization
- 4.2. Automatic paralleling and power management systems (PMS): load sharing between generators, automatic start/stop according to demand and bus tie connections
- 4.3. Isolation transformers and shore power: frequency/voltage converters (ASEA, Atlas), surge protection and compatibility with power grids worldwide (50 Hz/60 Hz)
- 4.4. Main and emergency switchboards: marine circuit breakers, copper busbars, protection relays and automatic transfer in the event of a blackout
- 4.5. Direct current (24 V DC) systems and battery banks: lithium-ion and AGM batteries for house and starting loads, master chargers/inverters (Victron, Mastervolt) and discharge monitoring
- 4.6. Programmable logic controllers (PLC) and NMEA 2000/CAN bus networks: integration of tank sensors, bilge alarms, engine data and process automation
- 4.7. Protection against galvanic corrosion and impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP): hull potential testing, active impressed current anodes and ground isolation
- 4.8. Remote monitoring of the electrical plant
High-pressure hydraulic systems, stabilizers and deck equipment
- 5.1. Principles of proportional hydraulics on superyachts: variable flow pumps, directional valve blocks, nitrogen accumulators and hydraulic fluid reservoirs
- 5.2. Fin stabilizer systems (Sleipner, Naiad, Quantum): operation of the gyro sensor, electro-hydraulic actuation underway and zero speed/at anchor stabilization
- 5.3. Gyroscopic stabilization systems (Seakeeper): internal architecture of the vacuum-sealed flywheel, seawater cooling and dynamic seal control
- 5.4. Bow and stern thrusters: hydraulic and electric tunnel or retractable thrusters, maintenance of secondary drive legs and seals
- 5.5. Hydraulic maneuvering and garage mechanisms: telescopic gangways, submersible swim platforms, tender cranes and hydraulic garage doors
- 5.6. Anchor windlasses and mooring winches: electric and hydraulic units, brake clutches, chain lines and maintenance of the anchoring system
- 5.7. Hydraulic oil maintenance and filtration: particle contamination analysis, detection of water in the fluid, renewal of high-pressure hoses and air bleeding
- 5.8. Stabilizer testing and calibration
HVAC, commercial refrigeration and water treatment
- 6.1. Chilled water HVAC systems: multi-compressor chiller plants, glycol, individual fan coils and circulation pumps
- 6.2. Refrigeration cycle and handling of low-impact refrigerants: charging R134a, R407C and R410A, leak detection, high/low pressure switches and thermostatic expansion valves
- 6.3. Cold rooms and freezers for provisions: independent commercial refrigeration systems, hot gas or electric defrost and temperature alarms
- 6.4. Drinking water production on board (watermakers/reverse osmosis): purification plants, high-pressure membranes, ultra-high-pressure pumps, remineralization and UV treatment
- 6.5. Sewage treatment plants (STP): biological and physical/chemical plants (Hamann, Headhunter) and management of black and gray water under MARPOL Annex IV
- 6.6. Bilge oily water separation (OWS): bilge centrifuges, 15 ppm discharge monitors and the Oil Record Book
- 6.7. Drinking water treatment and disinfection: automatic chlorination, activated carbon filtration, elimination of bacteria such as Legionella and microbiological testing
- 6.8. Maintenance of watermakers and membranes
Fire prevention, engine room safety and emergency management
- 7.1. Fixed fire extinguishing systems in the engine room: release of clean agents (FM-200, Novec 1230), high-pressure CO2 and water mist systems (Hi-Fog)
- 7.2. Early fire and smoke detection systems: optical sensors, heat detectors, crankcase oil mist detectors and zone panels
- 7.3. Emergency shutdowns and fuel cut-off: remote quick-closing fuel valves, engine room ventilation dampers and emergency stops for transfer pumps
- 7.4. Emergency bilge pumping systems: bilge pumps driven by the main engine, bilge manifolds and high-level flooding sensors
- 7.5. Safety in mechanical work on board: hot work permits, electrical lockout/tagout (LOTO) and atmosphere testing in tanks
- 7.6. Contingency plans for critical failures: protocols for total blackout, steering failure, flooding in the engine room and loss of propulsion
- 7.7. Compliance with environmental regulations (MARPOL Annexes I to VI): prevention of pollution by oil, garbage and sewage, and control of greenhouse gas emissions
- 7.8. Engine room emergency drills
Integrating project: audit, maintenance plan and mechanical refit of a superyacht
- 8.1. Selection of the superyacht case study: definition of length (30 to 70 meters), propulsion configuration (twin MTU, CAT or pods), generators and auxiliary equipment
- 8.2. Development of the planned maintenance system (PMS): structuring maintenance tasks by running hours (250 h, 1,000 h, 5,000 h) with specialist software (IDEA, SeaStar, AMOS)
- 8.3. Design of the intervention plan for a major overhaul: planning the dismantling, machining and reconditioning of main engines or generators on board
- 8.4. Environmental management and fluid treatment plan: flow diagram for bilge pumping, gray and black water treatment and disposal of used fluids
- 8.5. Technical specification for the yard period (yard refit plan): drafting the dry dock work list, renewal of shaft seals, alignment, antifouling and tank coating
- 8.6. Budget and logistics of marine spare parts: estimate of annual maintenance costs, stowage of critical spares in storerooms and coordination with ship chandlers
- 8.7. Final report to the captain and the owner
- 8.8. Final presentation and defense: presentation of the complete mechanical management project before a panel of superyacht chief engineers, port State inspectors and classification society auditors
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Luxury Yacht Mechanics
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 Luxury Yacht Mechanics
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Luxury Yacht Mechanics
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Luxury Yacht Mechanics
Luxury yachts and superyachts, with case studies based mainly on vessels from 30 to 70 meters with high-power diesel propulsion, pods or waterjets and a full range of hotel systems.
No. Engines are central, but the program covers the whole engine room: shaft lines and propellers, generators and electrical distribution, hydraulics and stabilizers, HVAC and refrigeration, water treatment, fire systems and emergency management.
The program refers to equipment widely used on yachts, such as MTU, Caterpillar and MAN engines, ZF and Twin Disc gearboxes, Volvo Penta IPS and Cummins Zeus pods, Kamewa and Hamilton waterjets, Seakeeper gyros and Victron or Mastervolt power systems, together with their diagnostic tools.
Yes. A background in automotive or industrial mechanics is a good starting point; the first module introduces the organization, rules and terminology of the yacht engine room, and the admission interview confirms that the program fits your profile.
No. Navalis Institute teaches the technical content; STCW and MCA certificates of competency for yacht engineers are issued by the competent maritime authorities after their own training, sea service and examination requirements.
Through practical exercises, fault diagnosis case studies and short tests in each module, and an integrating project in which you audit a superyacht and develop its maintenance plan, overhaul plan, yard refit specification and budget.
A professional diploma issued by Navalis Institute, together with the maintenance plans, procedures and reports you produce during the program, which you can use as a technical portfolio.
Online, with asynchronous modules, downloadable material and discussion forums, so you can combine it with work on board or ashore.
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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 marine technicians and mechanics, mechanical engineers, boat maintenance professionals, yacht fleet owners and managers, and engineering or technical students who want to specialize in luxury yachts; a technical qualification in mechanical, electronic, mechatronic or automotive maintenance, or demonstrable experience in engine and mechanical system repair, is recommended, together with a working knowledge of mechanics, hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity and marine diesel engines.
- 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 web browser and a PDF viewer.
- 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.