Antifouling and Underwater Hull Painting Course
This course teaches you to select, prepare and apply antifouling systems on the underwater hulls of leisure craft. You will learn about compatibility, primers, film thickness control and the applicable biocide regulations.
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 Antifouling and Underwater Hull Painting Course?
This short course teaches you to select, prepare and apply antifouling systems on the underwater hulls of leisure craft. You will choose the antifouling according to water type, use and boat speed, prepare the surface by washing, sanding and stripping, apply tie-coat and barrier primers, control coverage and wet film thickness with a gauge, and comply with biocide and waste regulations.
What sets this course apart: selection between hard, self-polishing and hybrid antifouling; compatibility, so that repainting does not fail through poor adhesion; metals, including drives, propellers and aluminum; regulations on biocides, waste and boatyards; and an applied case in which you plan the painting of an underwater hull.
Program highlights
- Selection: hard, self-polishing, ablative and foul-release coatings compared.
- Compatibility: repainting without adhesion failures.
- Metals: drives, propellers and aluminum hulls without galvanic risk.
- Film thickness: coverage rates and wet film gauges.
- Regulations: biocides, waste management and boatyard practice.
- Applied case: a painting plan for the underwater hull of a 9 m motorboat.
Syllabus of the Antifouling and Underwater Hull Painting Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Fouling and types of antifouling
- 1.1. Marine fouling: biofilm, algae, barnacles, mussels and their effect on fuel consumption and speed
- 1.2. Hard antifouling (no controlled erosion) and its use on fast boats
- 1.3. Self-polishing and ablative antifouling: wear mechanism and biocide renewal
- 1.4. Silicone foul-release coatings and biocide-free alternatives
- 1.5. Common biocides: cuprous oxide, copper thiocyanate, zinc pyrithione and metallic copper
Surface preparation
- 2.1. Pressure washing at haul-out, inspection of the underwater hull and assessment of the existing antifouling
- 2.2. Wet sanding with the right grit and extraction to minimize biocide-laden dust
- 2.3. Chemical stripping and soft blasting to remove accumulated antifouling layers
- 2.4. Preparing new gelcoat: release agents, degreasing and keying
- 2.5. Environmental conditions: temperature, relative humidity, dew point and drying times
Primers and paint systems
- 3.1. Underwater paint systems: primer, epoxy barrier, tie coat and antifouling
- 3.2. Compatibility between old and new antifouling and the tape adhesion test
- 3.3. Technical data sheets: theoretical coverage, volume solids and overcoating intervals
- 3.4. Application by roller, brush and airless spray; thinning and equipment cleaning
- 3.5. Wet and dry film thickness, number of coats and reinforcement in high-wear areas
Metals, drives and waterline
- 4.1. Antifouling for aluminum and sterndrives: copper-free products and the risk of galvanic corrosion
- 4.2. Primers for propellers, shafts and metals: preparation, coatings and alternatives
- 4.3. Protecting anodes and transducers: areas that must not be painted and specific products
- 4.4. Marking out the waterline with a laser level and masking tape
- 4.5. Painting the boot top and the adjacent topsides varnish or enamel
Regulations, safety and practical case
- 5.1. Regulation (EU) 528/2012 on biocidal products and the IMO AFS Convention on anti-fouling systems
- 5.2. Management of wash water, sanding residue and containers in boatyards and marinas
- 5.3. Painter safety: PPE, respiratory protection, ventilation and safety data sheets
- 5.4. Underwater hull maintenance plan: inspections afloat, cleaning and haul-out frequency
- 5.5. Practical case: painting plan for the underwater hull of a 9 m motorboat with quotation
Duration and format of the Antifouling and Underwater Hull Painting 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 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 Antifouling and Underwater Hull Painting Course
Career opportunities after the Antifouling and Underwater Hull Painting Course
Questions about the Antifouling and Underwater Hull Painting Course
Not always. Some types are incompatible and cause adhesion failures. The course explains how to identify them and when to use a tie coat.
Products without cuprous oxide, to avoid galvanic corrosion. Module 4 covers preparation and the right systems for metals.
It depends on its type and condition. The course explains how to assess the hull and when a wash and light sanding are enough or stripping is necessary.
Yes. The course covers Regulation (EU) 528/2012, the AFS Convention and the management of sanding residue and wash water.
Module 4 explains how to mark out the waterline with a laser level and masking tape, and how to paint the boot top cleanly.
The course is taught online and comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied practical case.
More programs in Shipyard and finishes
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at painters, boatyard technicians, crew members and boat owners who want to choose and apply antifouling and underwater hull paint correctly.
- 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 a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
- Admission: enrollment is open all year round; 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.