Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules

Master's in Integrated Maintenance of Leisure Boats and Yachts

Duration1,500 h

ModeOnline

Start1 December

Modules11

Program diagnosis

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.

Your diagnosis

6of 6 to cover

You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.

About the program

What is the Master's in Integrated Maintenance of Leisure Boats and Yachts?

This master's teaches you to diagnose, repair and plan the complete technical care of a boat, from the composite hull and propulsion to the electrical systems and onboard electronics. You will diagnose osmosis and delamination and repair them with laminating techniques and epoxy resins, service diesel, petrol and outboard engines with symptom-based diagnosis, check batteries, chargers and inverters in line with ISO 10133 and ISO 13297, configure plotters, radar and AIS on NMEA 2000 networks, and organize haul-outs, inspections and costs within a documented preventive plan.

What sets this master's apart: an integrated view, with hull, engines, electrics, electronics, plumbing and rigging in a single program; applied regulations, with ISO 10133, ISO 13297, ABYC E-11 and Directive 2013/53/EU studied through real cases; a workshop approach, with step-by-step procedures, measuring tools and diagnostic criteria; technical management, covering haul-out planning, quotations and work records; and a Final Project in which you build the complete maintenance plan for a 15-meter yacht.

Program typeMaster’s degree

ModeOnline

Duration1,500 hours

Modules11

Start1 December

Program highlights

Integrated view: hull, engines, electrics, electronics, plumbing and rigging in one program.
Applied regulations: ISO 10133, ISO 13297, ABYC E-11 and Directive 2013/53/EU through real cases.
Workshop approach: step-by-step procedures, measuring tools and diagnostic criteria.
Technical management: haul-out planning, quotations and work records.
Sail and power: diesel, petrol and outboard engines alongside rigging, sails and deck gear.
Final Project: a complete maintenance plan for a 15-meter yacht.

Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Integrated Maintenance of Leisure Boats and Yachts

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Boat fundamentals and maintenance planning

1.1. Types of leisure craft: monohulls, catamarans, RIBs, sailing yachts and motor yachts
1.2. Technical boat terminology: underwater hull, topsides, bulkheads, floors, keel and transom
1.3. Regulatory framework of the sector: Directive 2013/53/EU, design categories A to D and the builder's plate
1.4. Corrective, preventive and predictive maintenance: differences, advantages and application to leisure craft
1.5. Drawing up a technical equipment inventory with manufacturer, model, serial number and hours of use
1.6. Maintenance schedules by engine hours, by season and by sailing cycles
1.7. Basic marine workshop tools: torque wrenches, multimeters, feeler gauges, pullers and moisture meters
1.8. Occupational safety in the workshop and on board: PPE, confined spaces, chemicals and safety data sheets
1.9. Technical documentation: manufacturer manuals, diagrams, maintenance log and photographic record
1.10. Client and quotation management: initial inspection, estimating hours and materials and reporting findings

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 2

Hull, structure and composite materials

2.1. Hull materials: glass-reinforced polyester, vinylester, epoxy, aluminum, steel and timber
2.2. Sandwich construction with PVC foam, balsa and honeycomb cores and their failure modes
2.3. Principles of scantlings according to ISO 12215 and reading structural reinforcements on drawings
2.4. Hull inspection: hammer tapping, moisture measurement, thermography and detecting delamination
2.5. Osmosis in polyester hulls: causes, diagnosis, gelcoat peeling, drying and epoxy treatment
2.6. Repairing structural damage: 12:1 scarfing, laminating biaxial fabrics and controlled curing
2.7. Repairing wet deck cores: opening up, extraction, renewing the core and bedding fittings
2.8. Aluminum and steel hulls: corrosion, ultrasonic thickness measurement and weld repair
2.9. Wooden boats: caulking, renewing planks, rot treatments and varnishing
2.10. Through-hulls, seacocks and stern tubes: inspection, renewal and sealing according to ISO 9093

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 3

Surfaces, antifouling and cathodic protection

3.1. Surface preparation: sanding through the grits, degreasing, anchor profile and control of temperature and humidity
3.2. Cosmetic gelcoat repair: filling scratches, color matching, wet sanding and polishing
3.3. Marine paint systems: epoxy primers and single- and two-component polyurethane enamels
3.4. Self-polishing, hard and aluminum-safe antifouling: selection according to area and use
3.5. Regulations on biocides in antifouling and environmental management of sanding waste in the boatyard
3.6. Varnish and treatment of exterior timber: teak decks, cleaning, oils, seam sealing and maintenance
3.7. Galvanic and electrolytic corrosion: the galvanic series in seawater and critical metal couples on board
3.8. Zinc, aluminum and magnesium sacrificial anodes: selection, location, wear monitoring and renewal
3.9. Measuring protection potential with a silver-silver chloride reference electrode
3.10. Vinyl graphics, lettering, protecting GRP with waxes and ceramic sealants and cleaning stainless steel

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 4

Marine diesel engines and shaft line

4.1. Principles of the four-stroke diesel engine, turbocharging and intercooling
4.2. Diesel fuel system: tank, separating pre-filter, lift pump, injectors and bleeding
4.3. Mechanical and common rail injection: components, working pressures and diagnosis with manufacturer software
4.4. Lubrication: SAE viscosities, oil analysis, hour-based changes and filter renewal
4.5. Seawater cooling with heat exchanger: impeller pump, thermostats, anodes and descaling
4.6. Intake and wet exhaust: exhaust elbows, mixers, anti-siphon loops and risk of water ingress
4.7. Symptom-based diagnosis: white, blue and black smoke, loss of power and abnormal temperatures
4.8. Gearboxes and reduction gears: types, oil, cable adjustment and electronic controls
4.9. Shaft line: alignment with feeler gauges, flexible couplings, stern tubes, rubber bearings and stuffing boxes
4.10. Fixed and variable-pitch propellers, saildrives and pod systems: inspection, balancing and maintenance

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 5

Petrol engines, outboards and sterndrives

5.1. Two- and four-stroke outboard engines: architecture, direct injection and lubrication systems
5.2. Annual outboard service: oil, filters, spark plugs, water pump impeller and gearcase oil
5.3. Electronic diagnosis of outboards: reading codes, sensors, control modules and connectors
5.4. Inboard petrol engines: ignition, electronic injection and ignition protection according to ISO 8846
5.5. Sterndrives: bellows, universal joints, engine alignment and hydraulic trim
5.6. Ventilation of petrol engine compartments and blowers according to ISO 11105
5.7. Trim and tilt systems: hydraulic pumps, position sensors and leak tracing
5.8. Corrosion on drives and outboards: anodes, specific paints and freshwater flushing after use
5.9. Winterising petrol engines: fuel stabilization, cylinder fogging and draining circuits
5.10. Personal watercraft and jet propulsion: impeller, nozzles, maintenance and basic diagnosis

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 6

DC and AC electrical installations

6.1. Applied electrical fundamentals: Ohm's law, voltage drop, cable size and ampacity tables
6.2. Lead-acid, AGM, gel and LiFePO4 lithium batteries: capacity, cycles, BMS and storage
6.3. Battery banks: series and parallel connection, isolators, splitters and DC-DC chargers
6.4. Alternators and multi-stage regulators: charging diagnosis and adjustment according to battery type
6.5. DC installations according to ISO 10133 and ABYC E-11: protection, colors and terminals
6.6. AC on board: shore power, isolation transformer, galvanic isolator and ISO 13297
6.7. Generators, inverters and inverter-chargers: sizing, installation and periodic maintenance
6.8. Renewable energy on board: solar panels, MPPT controllers, wind generators and hydrogenerators
6.9. Locating electrical faults: multimeter, clamp meter, insulation tests and earth leakage
6.10. Reading and drawing single-line electrical diagrams and the boat's distribution panel

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 7

Navigation electronics and communications

7.1. Architecture of onboard electronics: plotters, multifunction displays, sensors and data networks
7.2. NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 networks: topology, terminators, backbone power and diagnosis
7.3. Installing echo sounders, transducers and logs: location, through-hulls and calibration
7.4. Marine radar: principles, antenna installation, cabling and gain and sea clutter settings
7.5. Class A and B AIS: operation, MMSI configuration and integration with the plotter
7.6. VHF radio with DSC, antennas, coaxial cables and SWR testing with a wattmeter
7.7. Autopilots: control unit, electronic compass, hydraulic drives and calibration underway
7.8. Electronic safety equipment: EPIRBs, PLBs, SARTs and their servicing
7.9. Wind instruments, wifi, 4G and satellite connectivity and remote boat monitoring
7.10. Diagnosing electronic faults: interference, corroded connectors, firmware updates and grounds

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 8

Plumbing, fuel, water and air conditioning

8.1. Fuel installations according to ISO 10088: tanks, type-approved hoses, vents and filler fittings
8.2. Fuel contamination: water, diesel bug, biocides, polishing and tank cleaning
8.3. Fresh water systems: pressure pumps, expansion tanks, water heaters and purification
8.4. Reverse osmosis watermakers: membranes, pre-filters, preservation and hourly output
8.5. Black and gray water: manual and electric toilets, holding tanks and discharge under MARPOL Annex IV
8.6. Bilge systems according to ISO 15083: electric and manual pumps, level switches and alarms
8.7. Seawater-cooled marine air conditioning: compressors, pumps, strainers, refrigerant charge and maintenance
8.8. Refrigeration of fridges and freezers on board: eutectic plates, 12 V compressors and diagnosis
8.9. LPG for cooking on board according to ISO 10239: cylinders, regulators, detectors and leak tests
8.10. Hydraulics on board: hydraulic steering, bathing platforms, passerelles and stabilizers

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 9

Rigging, sails, deck and deck gear

9.1. Standing rigging: 1x19 stainless wire, terminals, turnbuckles and renewal criteria by age and use
9.2. Inspecting mast and boom: spreaders, welds, corrosion, sheaves and mast foot
9.3. Rig tuning: tension with a tension gauge, mast rake and balance between shrouds
9.4. Running rigging and ropes: materials such as polyester and Dyneema, eyes, splices and renewal
9.5. Sail maintenance: inspecting seams, battens and reinforcements, storage and minor repairs
9.6. Genoa and mainsail furlers: dismantling, cleaning, bearings and tension adjustment
9.7. Winches: stripping, cleaning, greasing gears and pawls and renewing springs
9.8. Windlasses and capstans: electric motor, clutch, chain, chain counter calibration and protection
9.9. Deck fittings: stanchions, pulpits, cleats, bedding with butyl and polyurethane sealants
9.10. Bow and stern thrusters, rudders, stocks and rudder tubes: clearances, inspection and repair

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 10

Haul-out, safety, regulations and technical management

10.1. Haul-out operations: travel hoist, crane, slipway trolley, lifting points and blocking the boat
10.2. Inspection ashore: hull, anodes, through-hulls, propellers, shafts, rudder and antifouling condition
10.3. Mandatory safety equipment: liferafts, lifejackets, flares and extinguishers and their servicing
10.4. Fixed extinguishing systems in the engine room and fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detection
10.5. Periodic inspections of leisure craft in Spain, as a reference case: types, documentation and technical preparation
10.6. Pre-purchase technical survey: checklist, sea trial and writing the report
10.7. Complete winter lay-up and recommissioning: engines, water, batteries, sails, upholstery and deck
10.8. Environmental management in boatyards and marinas: hazardous waste, used oils and recycling points
10.9. Organizing the marine workshop: work orders, time control, spare parts stock and suppliers
10.10. Maintenance management software and a digital record of each boat's technical history

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 11

Final Project

11.1. Choosing the boat for the project, a 15-meter yacht, and gathering its technical data, drawings and manuals
11.2. Complete inventory of systems and equipment with manufacturer, model, hours of use and criticality criteria
11.3. Documented initial inspection of hull, deck, propulsion, electrics and electronics
11.4. Equipment criticality analysis and prioritization of risks to safety and operability
11.5. Defining preventive tasks by system with frequencies by hours, months and seasons
11.6. Annual haul-out planning with work sequence, estimated duration and resources
11.7. Detailed budget for labor, spare parts, consumables, boatyard and external services
11.8. Designing the maintenance log and the work record sheets
11.9. Writing the technical report with reference standards, diagrams and justification of decisions
11.10. Presenting the project to an assessment panel, explaining the plan and responding to case questions

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Integrated Maintenance of Leisure Boats and Yachts

It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

Hours per week

4 h30 h

With 12 h per week

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 Coordinator

Objectives

Objectives of the Master's in Integrated Maintenance of Leisure Boats and Yachts

01Repair composite hulls.

02Maintain marine diesel engines.

03Diagnose outboards and sterndrives.

04Inspect electrical installations.

05Integrate navigation electronics.

06Plan haul-outs and maintenance.

Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Integrated Maintenance of Leisure Boats and Yachts

01Marine maintenance technicianworkshops, boatyards and marinas.

02Marine workshop managerorganizing jobs, teams and quotations.

03Charter fleet technicianmaintaining rental boats between seasons.

04Private yacht technicianlooking after the technical condition of owners' yachts.

05Pre-purchase technical adviserinspecting boats for buyers and brokers.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Integrated Maintenance of Leisure Boats and Yachts

It is not essential, although some knowledge of mechanics or electrics helps. The first module lays the foundations of terminology, tools and safety, and each block starts from first principles before moving on to diagnosis and repair.

Yes. It covers diesel, petrol and outboard engines, as well as rigging, sails, winches and furlers. The aim is for you to be able to work on any type of leisure boat or yacht.

Standards such as ISO 10133, ISO 13297, ISO 8846, ISO 12215, ISO 10088, ABYC E-11 and Directive 2013/53/EU are studied as course content and applied to practical installation, inspection and repair cases.

You draw up the integrated maintenance plan for a 15-meter yacht: equipment inventory, criticality analysis, preventive tasks, haul-out planning and budget, presented in a technical report and a presentation.

Yes. Module 10 covers the pre-purchase technical survey: the checklist, the sea trial and how to write a clear report for the buyer.

The master's is taught online and comprises 1500 hours of study across 11 modules of about 136 hours each, ending with a Final Project in which you apply what you have learned to a complete technical case.

Related programs

More programs in Shipyard and finishes

View the whole area →

Professional diploma · 800 hProfessional Diploma in Underwater Welding$1,660 · View program →Master’s degree · 1,500 hMaster's in Nanotechnology for Marine Coatings$2,510 · View program →Short course · 300 hNautical Interior Design Course$470 · View program →

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 mechanics, electricians and technicians who want to specialize in leisure craft, and professionals at marinas, boatyards and charter companies looking for a complete technical view of the boat.
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.

01
Application
Your details, background and documents.
02
Instant review
We check that everything is complete and in order.
03
Enrollment
Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.

Start my applicationFrom $1,468 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

Any questions?

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.

Enroll now