Professional Diploma in Remote Operations Centres (ROC) for Ships
Prepare for a new shore-based career supervising and controlling ships remotely, from ROC design and communications to alarms, emergencies and the IMO MASS Code. A private online professional programme with a Navalis Institute certificate.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme 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 programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Professional Diploma in Remote Operations Centres (ROC) for Ships?
This programme prepares you for a new profession: supervising and controlling ships from shore. You will learn how a Remote Operations Centre (ROC) is designed and operated, which systems and communications it needs, how alarms and emergencies are managed, what human-factor challenges arise and what the IMO MASS Code requires of remote operators.
It stands out as one of the first programmes focused on the remote operator, with an operational approach built around procedures, shifts, alarms and emergencies, and simulation exercises in supervision and handover of control. It is a private online professional programme with a Navalis Institute certificate.
Programme highlights
- Emerging profession: One of the first programmes focused on the remote operator.
- Operational approach: Procedures, shifts, alarms and emergencies.
- Human factors: Fatigue, situational awareness and interface design.
- Up-to-date regulation: MASS Code requirements for remote centres.
- Simulation: Supervision and takeover-of-control exercises.
- Know the ROC: Understand the functions and architecture of a remote centre.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Remote Operations Centres (ROC) for Ships
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Introduction to Remote Ship Operation
- 1.1. Levels of autonomy and remote operation
- 1.2. Functions of the remote operations centre
- 1.3. Ongoing experiences and projects
- 1.4. Relationship between ship, ROC and master
- 1.5. Types of operation: supervision and direct control
- 1.6. Advantages and limits of remote operation
- 1.7. New professional profiles
- 1.8. Sector trends
Remote Operations Centre Design
- 2.1. Functional architecture of the ROC
- 2.2. Workstations and consoles
- 2.3. Sensor and video display
- 2.4. System and power redundancy
- 2.5. Location and physical security
- 2.6. Ergonomics and working environment
- 2.7. Scalability: one operator, several ships
- 2.8. Design standards and guidelines
Communications and Data
- 3.1. Satellite and terrestrial links
- 3.2. Latency and quality of service
- 3.3. Managing loss of communications
- 3.4. Sensor data transmission
- 3.5. Voice communications with ships and VTS
- 3.6. Data recording and black box
- 3.7. Cybersecurity of the links
- 3.8. Connectivity testing
Interfaces, Alarms and Situational Awareness
- 4.1. Human-machine interface design
- 4.2. Presentation of ship information
- 4.3. Alarm management and prioritisation
- 4.4. Remote situational awareness
- 4.5. AI decision support
- 4.6. Typical supervision errors
- 4.7. Augmented reality and 3D visualisation
- 4.8. Usability evaluation
Operating Procedures
- 5.1. Voyage planning from shore
- 5.2. Routine supervision
- 5.3. Handover of control between operators and centres
- 5.4. Manoeuvring in port and restricted waters
- 5.5. COLREG compliance in remote operation
- 5.6. Interaction with pilots and tugs
- 5.7. Records and documentation
- 5.8. Procedure audits
Emergency Management
- 6.1. Emergency scenarios on remotely operated ships
- 6.2. Minimum risk manoeuvre
- 6.3. Fire, flooding and propulsion failure
- 6.4. Link loss and response
- 6.5. Coordination with maritime rescue
- 6.6. Persons in the water and the duty to assist
- 6.7. Incident reporting
- 6.8. Drills and exercises
Human Factors, Training and Regulation
- 7.1. Operator fatigue and workload
- 7.2. Shifts and work organisation
- 7.3. Complacency and skill loss
- 7.4. Remote operator competencies
- 7.5. Training and simulators
- 7.6. MASS Code requirements for the ROC
- 7.7. Legal responsibility of the operator
- 7.8. Competence assessment
Case Study: Setting Up a ROC
- 8.1. Defining the operation and the fleet
- 8.2. Functional design of the centre
- 8.3. Communications plan
- 8.4. Workstation and interface design
- 8.5. Procedures manual
- 8.6. Emergency plan
- 8.7. Operator training plan
- 8.8. Final report and approval plan
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Remote Operations Centres (ROC) for Ships
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 instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
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 Remote Operations Centres (ROC) for Ships
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Remote Operations Centres (ROC) for Ships
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Remote Operations Centres (ROC) for Ships
They supervise one or more ships from shore, intervene when necessary and coordinate with ports, VTS and rescue services.
It is not compulsory, although seagoing experience is very valuable for this role.
Yes. Exercises cover supervision, handover of control and emergencies.
The MASS Code sets requirements for remote operation, and the diploma applies them to the design and operation of the centre.
Yes. It is a good preliminary step towards the Master's in Remote Operation of Autonomous Ships and the MASS Code.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, recorded live sessions and tutoring with the teaching staff.
The programme has a workload of 800 hours. You can progress at your own pace within the calendar given to you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by the admissions team when you request information.
More programmes in Bridge and navigation
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Profile: Nautical or technical qualification (Nautical Science, Naval Engineering, Electronics, Telecommunications) or professional experience as a bridge officer, VTS operator or maritime systems technician.
- Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow classes and materials; basic technical English is recommended, as much of the sector's regulation and documentation is published in English.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project defences.
- 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.
- 03EnrolmentChoose 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 enrol
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.