Marina Administration Course
Learn to run a marina or yacht harbour efficiently and profitably: operations, infrastructure, marketing and finance. 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 Marina Administration Course?
This course gives you the essential tools for the efficient and profitable management of a marina or yacht harbour. You will study maritime regulation, port operations, nautical marketing and team management, and learn to improve the customer experience so that your marina reaches its full potential. It is designed for marina directors and managers who want to improve management, increase profitability and raise customer satisfaction.
What sets it apart is its practical approach: real cases, a marina management simulation, specialised marina administration software and personalised tutoring in a flexible online format. It is a private professional programme from Navalis Institute and leads to a private Navalis Institute certificate.
Programme highlights
- Case studies: analysis of real situations and a simulation of marina management.
- Management tools: specialised software for the administration of marinas and harbours.
- Legal framework: learn the regulations in force and how to apply them to ensure the marina's compliance and viability.
- Resource management: optimise profitability through the effective administration of berths, services and facilities.
- Customer care: build loyalty among your users with excellent service and specialised marketing strategies.
- Safety and sustainability: implement safety protocols and environmentally friendly practices.
Syllabus of the Marina Administration Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Governance, Business Model and Institutional Framework of Integrated Marina Management
- 1.1. Types of marinas: functions, services, demand segments and operational sizing criteria
- 1.2. Ownership and management models: concession, direct management, mixed models and the allocation of responsibilities with third parties
- 1.3. Strategic planning for the marina: mission, vision, service portfolio and alignment with the tourist destination
- 1.4. Organisational design and critical roles: management, harbour master/operations, sales, maintenance, security and customer service
- 1.5. Tariff policy and revenue sources: berths, boatyard, utilities, commercial leases, events and ancillary services
Marina Port Operations: Berthing, Manoeuvring, User Services and 24/7 Operational Continuity
- 2.1. Berth management and turnover: allocation, reservations, transit, controlled overbooking and occupancy optimisation
- 2.2. Manoeuvring and docking protocols: coordination with users, assistance, signage, quayside safety and incident prevention
- 2.3. Essential services for boaters: water/electricity, fuel, waste, showers/facilities and service quality standards
- 2.4. Coordination with the boatyard and workshops: arrivals/departures, lifting logistics, work planning and risk control
- 2.5. Operations in adverse conditions: storms, swell, emergencies, contingency plans and service recovery
Infrastructure, Asset Maintenance and Technical Management of Critical Marina Facilities
- 3.1. Marine infrastructure: breakwaters, pontoons, fingers, fenders, bollards and periodic inspection criteria
- 3.2. Electrical and energy systems: distribution, protection, supply quality, consumption and load monitoring
- 3.3. Water networks and sanitation: supply, pumping stations, grey/black water and discharge control
- 3.4. Dredging and operational depths: bathymetric monitoring, dredging needs and management of access limitations
- 3.5. Maintenance master plan: preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance, prioritised by criticality and life-cycle cost
Sales, Nautical Marketing and Revenue Management for Experience- and Loyalty-Oriented Marinas
- 4.1. Commercial strategy by segment: local, transient, long-stay, superyachts and seasonal leisure boating
- 4.2. Advanced pricing: dynamic rates, seasonal policies, service packages and cancellation terms/guarantees
- 4.3. Sales and account management: agreements with clubs, agencies, brokers, charter fleets and destination partnerships
- 4.4. Customer experience and hospitality: standards, service protocols, NPS/CSAT and incident resolution
- 4.5. Applied digital marketing: local SEO, online reputation, content, campaigns and attracting transient visitors
Economic and Financial Management, Sustainability and Capstone Project in Marina Administration
- 5.1. Accounting and finance for marinas: cost structure, margins by service line and profitability analysis
- 5.2. Budgeting and control: forecasting, variances, CAPEX/OPEX, investment prioritisation and expected return
- 5.3. Sustainability and ESG performance: energy efficiency, water management, waste, biodiversity and verifiable reporting
- 5.4. Digitalisation of management: PMS/CRM, berth management, invoicing, assisted maintenance and operational analytics
- 5.5. Capstone project I: 360° diagnosis of the marina (operations, infrastructure, sales, security, finance and sustainability)
Duration and format of the Marina Administration Course
It is 300 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.
Dra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. 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
Dra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Marina Administration Course
Career opportunities after the Marina Administration Course
Questions about the Marina Administration Course
To provide a safe, sheltered place to moor boats.
Marina directors and managers, and professionals in the nautical, tourism or port management sectors who want to optimise management, improve profitability and raise customer satisfaction.
Online, with live sessions, learning materials and personalised tutoring. The programme lasts 300 hours in total.
To ensure a safe, efficient and profitable operation of the marina while meeting the needs of its customers.
Specialised management tools for marinas and harbours, such as PMS/CRM systems, berth management, invoicing, assisted maintenance and operational analytics.
Berth manager, port administrator, facilities manager, sales and marketing roles, safety officer, nautical activities coordinator, environmental technician and marina director.
No. The programme is studied entirely online and does not include work placements; Navalis Institute does not arrange internships or jobs.
Through practical cases, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and an integrative final project with a 360° diagnosis of a marina.
More programmes in Ports and marinas
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Profile: a degree in Business Administration, Tourism, Maritime Law or a related field; or proven professional experience in port management, recreational boating or the tourism sector.
- Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction; basic technical English is recommended.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection to follow the online classes and materials.
- 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.