Coastal Infrastructure Storm Protection Course
This course prepares you to protect ports, seafronts and other coastal infrastructure against storms. You will study extreme waves and storm surges, typical damage from overtopping, wave impact and scour, forecasting and early warning systems, temporary and permanent preventive measures, and how to organise response and recovery after the event.
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 Coastal Infrastructure Storm Protection Course?
This short course prepares you to protect ports, seafront promenades and other coastal infrastructure against storms. You will study how extreme waves and storm surges are generated, the typical damage caused by overtopping, wave impact and scour, forecasting and early warning systems, temporary and permanent preventive measures, and how to organise the response and recovery after the event.
What sets this course apart: a practical orientation, with concrete measures before, during and after a storm; a sound technical basis in waves, storm surges and damage mechanisms; forecasting and warning using oceanographic prediction services; event management covering protocols, coordination and recovery; and a practical case in which you draw up a protection plan for a coastal asset.
Programme highlights
- Practical orientation: concrete measures before, during and after a storm.
- Technical basis: extreme waves, storm surges and damage mechanisms.
- Forecasting and warning: use of oceanographic prediction services.
- Protection measures: temporary barriers, reinforcement and nature-based solutions.
- Event management: protocols, coordination and recovery.
- Practical case: a storm protection plan for a seafront promenade.
Syllabus of the Coastal Infrastructure Storm Protection Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Coastal storms
- 1.1. Formation of depressions and storms
- 1.2. Extreme waves
- 1.3. Storm surges
- 1.4. Combination with the astronomical tide
- 1.5. Trends in a changing climate
Damage mechanisms
- 2.1. Overtopping of breakwaters and promenades
- 2.2. Wave impact on structures
- 2.3. Scour of foundations
- 2.4. Erosion of beaches and dunes
- 2.5. Flooding of facilities
Forecasting and early warning
- 3.1. Wave forecasting models
- 3.2. Oceanographic services and Copernicus Marine
- 3.3. Warnings and action thresholds
- 3.4. Real-time monitoring
- 3.5. Communicating warnings
Protection measures
- 4.1. Temporary barriers and closures
- 4.2. Reinforcement of existing defences
- 4.3. Protection of equipment and services
- 4.4. Restrictions on use and operations
- 4.5. Permanent and nature-based solutions
Response, recovery and practical case
- 5.1. Action protocols
- 5.2. Coordination with civil protection
- 5.3. Post-storm inspection
- 5.4. Repair and lessons learned
- 5.5. Practical case: storm protection plan for a seafront promenade
Duration and format of the Coastal Infrastructure Storm Protection 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.
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 Coastal Infrastructure Storm Protection Course
Career opportunities after the Coastal Infrastructure Storm Protection Course
Questions about the Coastal Infrastructure Storm Protection Course
No. It focuses on protection and management in the face of storms; the design of coastal works is covered at an introductory level.
Yes. You work with open-access oceanographic forecasting products.
Yes. It applies to seafront promenades, urban beaches, ports and other coastal facilities.
No. It complements emergency training but does not replace it or qualify you for regulated roles.
You prepare a storm protection plan for a seafront promenade, with measures, protocols and recovery actions.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied practical case. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enrol.
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: aimed at people with technical or higher education in engineering, marine sciences, environmental sciences or a related field, or with professional experience in ports and marinas, coastal administrations, civil protection and emergencies, or infrastructure maintenance.
- 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: 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.