Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules
Master's in Virtual Training with Naval Simulators
This master's prepares you to design, develop and manage maritime training programs built on simulation. You will learn how bridge, engine room, cargo, GMDSS and special operations simulators work, how ship behavior is modeled, how virtual, augmented and mixed reality are changing training, how to brief, run and debrief exercises following IMO Model Course 6.10, how to train human factors and resource management, and how to plan, approve and run a simulation center, so that you can lead the digital transformation of maritime training.
Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
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About the program
What is the Master's in Virtual Training with Naval Simulators?
This master's covers maritime simulation from the technology up to the classroom and the training center. You will study the architecture of naval simulators and the STCW and class standards that govern them; the mathematical models behind ship dynamics, shallow water, bank and ship-to-ship interaction and environmental forces; full mission bridge exercises in ports, channels, fog, DP, ice and ship-to-ship transfers; engine room simulators, electrical plants and cold ship starts; cargo, stability, GMDSS, oil spill, SAR and multi-simulator exercises; virtual, augmented and mixed reality and digital twins; the teaching methodology of IMO Model Course 6.10; human factors and BRM/ERM; and the design, approval, maintenance and business model of simulation centers.
What sets this master's apart: it combines three profiles that are usually trained separately, the simulation technologist, the simulator instructor and the training center manager, so that you understand both how a scenario is modeled and why it works as a learning experience; and it combines an integrating project, in which you design, run and evaluate a complete virtual training program with its scenario, instructor guide, fault matrix, debriefing and STCW-based assessment rubric, with a Final Project of your own choice.
Program typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
Start1 December
Program highlights
- Simulator architecture and standards: STCW, IMO guidance, class standards (A, B, C, S), hardware, software and HMI.
- Ship mathematical modeling: 6 DOF dynamics, propulsion and steering, shallow water, bank effect and environmental forces.
- Full mission bridge, engine room, cargo handling, GMDSS, SAR and multi-simulator exercises.
- Virtual, augmented and mixed reality, digital twins and real-time engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity.
- Simulator teaching based on IMO Model Course 6.10: briefing, event injection, debriefing and competency assessment.
- Human factors, BRM/ERM and the design, approval, maintenance and management of simulation centers.
Syllabus
Syllabus of the Master's in Virtual Training with Naval Simulators
11 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Module 1
Fundamentals of naval simulation and system architecture
- 1.1. Historical evolution of simulation in the maritime industry: from physical scale models to immersive virtual environments
- 1.2. International regulatory framework: the STCW Convention, the IMO and the guidelines for the use of simulators in training
- 1.3. Classification of maritime simulators according to DNV and other classification society standards (class A, B, C and S)
- 1.4. Hardware architecture of naval simulators: physical consoles, real instrumentation, cylindrical/spherical projection and haptic systems
- 1.5. Software architecture: simulation engines, distributed networks, client-server architecture and DIS/HLA protocols
- 1.6. Human-machine interaction (HMI) on the bridge and in virtual control rooms
- 1.7. Calibration, latency and real-time graphics performance to avoid delays in maneuvering response
- 1.8. Modeling of virtual nautical instruments: radar/ARPA, ECDIS, conning display, VDR and steering systems
- 1.9. Integration of 3D audio and simulation of ambient, propulsion and VHF communication sounds
- 1.10. Emerging trends: cloud simulation, supercomputing and deep learning for environment generation
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 2
Mathematical modeling, hydrodynamics and ship dynamics
- 2.1. Principles of ship dynamics applied to simulation software: equations of motion in 6 degrees of freedom (6 DOF)
- 2.2. Simplified computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for the real-time response of the hull in the water
- 2.3. Modeling of propulsion and steering: interaction between propeller, rudder, nozzles and thrusters
- 2.4. Shallow water effects, interaction with channel banks and suction between ships (bank effect and ship-to-ship interaction)
- 2.5. Simulation of the ship's response to environmental forces: regular and irregular waves, currents and wind
- 2.6. Modeling of transient stability, leeway, drift and heeling moments during sharp turns
- 2.7. Behavior of special ships in simulation: very large container ships, LNG carriers, tugs and fast craft
- 2.8. Simulation of the interaction between towlines, mooring lines and fixed quay structures
- 2.9. Testing, verification and validation of ship mathematical models against real sea trials
- 2.10. Fine tuning of hydrodynamic parameters at the client's request or for accident investigations
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 3
Bridge simulation, maneuvering and advanced navigation (full mission bridge)
- 3.1. Design and integration of full mission bridge simulators
- 3.2. Configuration of maneuvering scenarios in complex ports, narrow channels and international straits
- 3.3. Simulation of berthing and unberthing maneuvers assisted by conventional and azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugs
- 3.4. Training in restricted visibility navigation: combined use of radar/ARPA, ECDIS and sound signals in dense fog
- 3.5. Simulation of dynamic positioning (DP) operations on offshore and platform support vessels
- 3.6. Recreation of bridge emergencies: steering failure, loss of propulsion and imminent collision
- 3.7. Man overboard (MOB) rescue maneuvers in different sea and visibility conditions
- 3.8. Simulation of navigation in polar waters and through drifting ice (ice navigation)
- 3.9. Ship-to-ship cargo transfer operations and replenishment at sea
- 3.10. Training in passage planning and integration of real-time weather information
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 4
Engine room, electrical plant and auxiliary systems simulation
- 4.1. Architecture of high-fidelity engine room simulators (ERS)
- 4.2. Thermodynamic and fluid dynamic modeling of 2- and 4-stroke marine diesel engines, gas turbines and dual-fuel systems
- 4.3. Simulation of the main switchboard, alternators, parallel operation and power management system
- 4.4. Operation and simulation of auxiliary systems: purifiers, boilers, bilge separators and freshwater generators
- 4.5. Recreation of critical machinery failures: crankcase fires, piston seizure, total blackout and loss of pressure
- 4.6. Simulation of hybrid and electric propulsion plants and plants running on alternative fuels (LNG, ammonia, methanol)
- 4.7. Integration of communication between the bridge and the engine room during emergency maneuvers
- 4.8. Optimization of fuel consumption and management of emissions (NOx, SOx, CO2) through performance simulation
- 4.9. Start-up procedures from cold ship to full operational status
- 4.10. Assessment of fault diagnosis and problem-solving skills in marine engineering students
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 5
Cargo, stability, communications and special operations simulation
- 5.1. Liquid cargo handling and ballasting simulators (LCHS) for tankers and chemical carriers
- 5.2. Simulation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) loading and discharging operations and onboard cryogenic systems
- 5.3. Modeling of intact and damage stability: simulation of compartment flooding and calculation of heeling moments
- 5.4. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) simulators: VHF, MF/HF, Inmarsat and EPIRBs
- 5.5. Recreation of radio communication procedures in distress, urgency and safety situations
- 5.6. Simulation of fishing operations: handling of trawl, longline and purse seine gear on dedicated simulators
- 5.7. Oil spill response simulators and deployment of containment booms at sea
- 5.8. Deck operations and crane handling on multipurpose ships and floating platforms
- 5.9. Simulation of search and rescue (SAR) operations and coordination with maritime rescue coordination centers (MRCC)
- 5.10. Integration of several dedicated simulators in a joint operation exercise (multi-simulator operations)
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 6
Immersive technologies: virtual, augmented and mixed reality at sea
- 6.1. Integration of virtual reality (VR) headsets in seafarer training: advantages, limitations and prevention of motion sickness
- 6.2. Augmented reality (AR) developments for training in engine room equipment maintenance
- 6.3. Creation of mixed reality (MR) scenarios that combine real physical consoles with virtual views of the outside world
- 6.4. Digital twins of real ships applied to crew training before taking command
- 6.5. Development of multi-user virtual environments for abandon ship and fire drill instruction
- 6.6. 3D photogrammetry and laser scanning of real ships for faithful recreation of vessel interiors
- 6.7. Simulation of safety inspections, port State control (PSC) and audits in virtual reality
- 6.8. Design of immersive haptic experiences for training in the use of tools and valves on board
- 6.9. Real-time 3D rendering engines (Unreal Engine, Unity) applied to nautical physics and wave generation in VR
- 6.10. Assessment of learning transfer from virtual reality environments to the performance of real tasks
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 7
Teaching methodology for nautical simulation and IMO Model Course 6.10
- 7.1. IMO standards for simulator instructors: detailed analysis of IMO Model Course 6.10
- 7.2. Principles of experiential learning and andragogy applied to operational simulator training
- 7.3. The preparation phase (briefing): setting learning objectives, roles and scenario limits
- 7.4. The instructor's role during the simulation: monitoring, event injection and control of variables
- 7.5. The post-exercise discussion phase (debriefing): reflective feedback methods and performance analysis
- 7.6. Use of digital records, simulated VDR and track playback to analyze maneuvering errors
- 7.7. Managing trainee stress, workload and frustration within the simulated environment
- 7.8. Training in non-technical skills (soft skills): communication, teamwork and leadership through simulation
- 7.9. Formative and summative assessment on simulators: objective criteria, rubrics and measurement of operational performance
- 7.10. Adapting simulation exercises to different levels of experience (cadets, officers, pilots)
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 8
Human factors, resource management (BRM/ERM) and maritime safety
- 8.1. Integration of simulation in bridge resource management (BRM) and engine room resource management (ERM) courses
- 8.2. Assessment of situational awareness in high traffic density or breakdown scenarios
- 8.3. Analysis of critical decision-making under pressure and prevention of human error on simulators
- 8.4. Simulation of challenge and response and assertive communication in the chain of command
- 8.5. Managing interruptions, fatigue and distractions on the simulated bridge
- 8.6. Recreation and investigation of real maritime accidents on the simulator for root cause analysis
- 8.7. Training in psychological response to survival situations, panic and mass evacuation
- 8.8. Assessment of multicultural teamwork in emergency situations within the simulator
- 8.9. Safety culture and operational risk management promoted through virtual training
- 8.10. Human factors audit protocols based on the analysis of biometric and eye-tracking data
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 9
Simulation center design, approval and maintenance
- 9.1. Planning, architectural design and sizing of a modern maritime simulation center
- 9.2. Approval and certification of simulators by the national maritime authority and classification societies
- 9.3. Management of network infrastructure, computing servers, UPS systems and data backups
- 9.4. Preventive and corrective maintenance and updating of software and geographic/hydrographic databases
- 9.5. Assessment of acquisition costs (CAPEX), operating costs (OPEX) and return on investment in simulation technology
- 9.6. Integration of official electronic navigational charts (ENC) and high-resolution bathymetric data in simulators
- 9.7. Cybersecurity in simulation centers: protection of training networks and intrusion prevention
- 9.8. Management of software licenses, intellectual property and service level agreements (SLA) with suppliers
- 9.9. Preparation of the quality manual and operating procedures of the simulation center under ISO 9001
- 9.10. Strategies for marketing simulation services to shipping companies, shipyards, ports and military organizations
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 10
Integrating project: design, delivery and evaluation of a virtual training program
- 10.1. Selection of an operational objective or type of complex maneuver for the creation of a training program
- 10.2. Modeling or adaptation of the ship and the simulated geographic area (bathymetry, currents, wind and aids to navigation)
- 10.3. Technical configuration of the exercise in the simulation system: parameterization of environmental variables and VTS traffic
- 10.4. Writing the instructor guide, lesson plan, briefing guide and support materials for participants
- 10.5. Programming the fault matrix, unexpected events and progressive degradation of systems during the exercise
- 10.6. Simulated execution of the exercise with collection of performance data, navigation tracks and audio
- 10.7. Conducting the debriefing session with reflective feedback techniques and key performance indicators (KPI)
- 10.8. Preparation of the objective competency assessment rubric based on the tables of the STCW Code
- 10.9. Course approval plan and technical and economic feasibility report for the program developed
- 10.10. Technical presentation and oral defense of the integrating project before a panel of experts in simulation, merchant shipping and naval engineering
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 11
Final Project
- 11.1. Choice of topic and definition of the problem to be addressed
- 11.2. Formulation of objectives, hypotheses and scope of the work
- 11.3. Review of the state of the art and the specialist literature
- 11.4. Analysis of the applicable regulatory and technical framework
- 11.5. Design of the methodology and the work plan
- 11.6. Collection, processing and validation of data
- 11.7. Technical development and analysis of results
- 11.8. Discussion, conclusions and future lines of work
- 11.9. Writing of the final report in line with academic standards
- 11.10. Presentation and defense before the panel
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your pacePlan your pace
Duration and format of the Master's in Virtual Training with Naval Simulators
It is 1,500 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
29
months to finish
125 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.
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
Objectives of the Master's in Virtual Training with Naval Simulators
01Assess and manage operational risks, identifying, analyzing and mitigating risks in key processes and implementing controls and contingency plans that ensure operational continuity.
02Optimize efficiency in navigation and maneuvering by anticipating scenarios and adapting the navigation strategy to reduce risk and fuel consumption.
03Develop advanced skills in maritime emergency management, leading response teams, optimizing resources and communicating effectively to minimize harm to people, ships and the environment.
04Master the operation and configuration of naval simulators, planning and executing complex maneuvers, interpreting information from the environment and making the best use of available resources.
05Design and supervise customized virtual training programs, adapting learning methodologies and tracking tools to maximize engagement and individual results.
06Implement and evaluate safety protocols for virtual maritime training, including the cybersecurity of simulated navigation and communication systems and the protection of critical information.
Careers
Career opportunities after the Master's in Virtual Training with Naval Simulators
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the Master's in Virtual Training with Naval Simulators
Both. You study how simulators and ship models work, but the focus is on designing, delivering and evaluating simulation-based training programs and on running the centers where they take place.
Full mission bridge, engine room, liquid cargo handling, GMDSS, fishing, oil spill response, crane and SAR simulators, as well as multi-simulator exercises and virtual, augmented and mixed reality solutions.
Yes. One module is dedicated to the teaching methodology of simulator training based on IMO Model Course 6.10, from briefing and event injection to debriefing and competency assessment.
No. Navalis Institute teaches the methodology and technology; approval of instructors and simulator courses depends on the maritime administration and the training institution where you work.
No. You work with the scenarios, models, documentation and software tools used in the program; a computer with a dedicated graphics card is recommended and a VR headset is optional.
Through practical exercises and case studies in each module, an integrating project in which you design, run and evaluate a complete virtual training program, and a Final Project presented before a panel.
A master's degree issued by Navalis Institute as its own qualification, together with the scenarios, instructor guides and assessment rubrics you develop during the program.
Online, with practical simulation activities and real case studies that you can apply directly in your professional environment.
Related programs
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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 merchant marine officers and masters, maritime instructors and trainers, simulation engineers and technicians, maritime companies and graduates in nautical studies, naval engineering or related fields who want to specialize in simulation-based training; a degree in a STEM field or a related area, or demonstrable professional experience in maritime training or simulation, is recommended, and basic knowledge of programming (Python, C++), 3D modeling, virtual or augmented reality or game design is valued.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer suited to simulation software (powerful CPU, dedicated GPU, at least 16 GB of RAM), a high-speed internet connection and a headset with microphone; a VR headset is optional for some activities.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
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