Professional Diploma in Maritime Traffic Simulation
Learn to model, simulate and optimise maritime traffic, collision risk and port operations. 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 Maritime Traffic Simulation?
This diploma provides comprehensive training in the use of simulation tools for managing and analysing maritime traffic. You will learn to model complex scenarios, optimise the efficiency of ports and channels and improve navigational safety. It is designed for maritime professionals, engineers and port managers who want to acquire advanced traffic simulation skills.
It stands out by combining full mission simulators, stochastic modelling, collision risk assessment, VTS simulation, digital twins and environmental analysis, and by culminating in a capstone project applied to an access channel or a high-traffic area. It is a private online professional programme with a Navalis Institute certificate.
Programme highlights
- Advanced modelling: master the techniques for building realistic, accurate maritime traffic models.
- Risk analysis: learn to identify and assess navigational risks using simulations.
- Resource optimisation: use simulation to optimise the use of port resources and improve operational efficiency.
- Informed decision-making: improve strategic decisions based on simulation results.
- Specialised software: become familiar with the leading maritime traffic simulation tools.
- Practical application: develop a capstone project and case studies to consolidate your maritime simulation skills.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Maritime Traffic Simulation
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Fundamentals of Maritime Simulation and Traffic Theory
- 1.1. Modelling and simulation principles applied to maritime traffic, port design and navigation routes
- 1.2. Maritime traffic flow theory: density, speed, channel capacity and level of service (LoS)
- 1.3. Classification of simulators under IMO standards and DNV-ST-0033 (Maritime Simulator Systems)
- 1.4. Data sources for simulation: AIS (Automatic Identification System), VTS, radar, hydrographic and tidal data
- 1.5. Hydro-aerodynamic interaction models: ship-ship, ship-channel and shallow-water effect (squat)
- 1.6. Validation and calibration methodologies for nautical simulation models using real field data
- 1.7. Ethics, limitations and scope of stochastic models in decision-making for port infrastructure
- 1.8. Queueing theory applied to port traffic
Full Mission Simulators and Bridge Operation
- 2.1. Hardware and software architecture of Full Mission Bridge (FMB) navigation simulators
- 2.2. Configuration of mathematical ship models (hydrodynamics, propulsion, steering, wind, current and waves)
- 2.3. Modelling navigation scenarios in reduced visibility, narrow channels and extreme weather conditions
- 2.4. Integration of real equipment in the simulated environment: ECDIS, Radar/ARPA, conning, gyro and propulsion controls
- 2.5. Training and simulation of complex manoeuvres: berthing, unberthing, turning in basins and tug use
- 2.6. Assessment of crew performance using quantitative metrics and deviation indicators in simulators
- 2.7. Design of simulation exercises under the STCW Code for the training of security and navigation officers
- 2.8. Assessment of pilots and masters in the simulator
Stochastic Modelling and Maritime Traffic Network Simulation
- 3.1. Queueing theory and waiting lines applied to vessel arrivals, anchorages and port terminals
- 3.2. Discrete-event simulation (DES) for analysing bottlenecks in access channels and interconnections
- 3.3. Traffic demand generation algorithms and probability distributions for transit and service times
- 3.4. Operational capacity analysis of ports and interoceanic canals using maritime simulation software
- 3.5. Modelling of convoy behaviour and turn-based passage schemes (two-way and one-way channels)
- 3.6. Simulation of cargo transfer logistics, bunkering operations and pilotage services
- 3.7. Optimisation of anchorage waiting times and Just-In-Time (JIT) arrival scheduling
- 3.8. Discrete-event simulation
Collision Risk Assessment and Ship Domain Models
- 4.1. Concept and evolution of the Ship Domain and the Safety Zone in open and restricted waters
- 4.2. Calculation of the closest point of approach (CPA) and time to CPA (TCPA) in dynamic environments
- 4.3. Collision risk assessment simulations using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms
- 4.4. Automating COLREG compliance in simulated dense-traffic environments and autonomous ships (MASS)
- 4.5. Analysis of screen fixation, operator fatigue and target interpretation errors on ARPA/ECDIS consoles
- 4.6. Modelling of emergency evasive manoeuvres in multi-vessel encounters
- 4.7. Forensic reconstruction and simulation of real collisions and groundings for causal investigation
- 4.8. Collision risk indices
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Simulation and Port Management
- 5.1. Architecture of VTS (Vessel Traffic Services) simulators for operator and supervisor training
- 5.2. Simulation of waterway management, traffic separation schemes (TSS) and anchorage areas
- 5.3. Modelling ship-shore data interaction: integration of coastal radars, thermal cameras and weather sensors
- 5.4. Communication protocols in Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) under high-pressure, saturated simulations
- 5.5. Simulation of VTS contingencies: surveillance equipment failure, loss of communications and channel closures
- 5.6. Traffic management in emergencies: vessels not under command, hazardous substance spills and SAR operations in the VTS area
- 5.7. Key performance indicators (KPIs) of maritime traffic management in simulated VTS centres
- 5.8. Simulation of port entry and departure
Traffic Simulation Software, Algorithms and Digital Tools
- 6.1. Macroscopic and microscopic maritime traffic simulation tools (TRANSAS/Wärtsilä, Vissim-Maritime, OpenTwin, MARIN)
- 6.2. Creation and editing of vector charts (S-57/S-103), 3D bathymetry and custom marine scenarios
- 6.3. Use of agent-based models (ABM) to simulate vessel behaviour patterns
- 6.4. Development of digital twins of ports and waterways for real-time monitoring and simulation
- 6.5. Integration of particle physics for tidal currents, wind hydrodynamics and wave propagation
- 6.6. AIS big data processing methods for the automatic creation of synthetic scenarios from real traffic
- 6.7. Programming and scripting (Python/MATLAB) for automated analysis of simulation output data
- 6.8. Commercial simulation software
Environmental Simulation, Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation
- 7.1. Modelling of ship atmospheric emissions (CO₂, SOx, NOx, particulate matter) in simulated traffic scenarios
- 7.2. Simulation of the impact of speed restrictions (slow steaming) and ECA/SECA zones on traffic flow
- 7.3. Environmental risk assessment in oil spill modelling and chemical dispersion simulations
- 7.4. Simulation of optimised routes considering ocean currents and weather routing
- 7.5. Modelling the hydrodynamic impact of large vessel passage on bank and channel bed erosion
- 7.6. Simulator-based assessment of alternative fuels (LNG, ammonia, methanol) and their safety protocols in dense traffic
- 7.7. Quantifying the impact of port electrification and waiting times on the local carbon footprint
- 7.8. Maritime traffic emissions
Infrastructure Analysis, Project Evaluation and Capstone Project
- 8.1. Simulations for the design of new maritime works: channel widening, dredging to greater depths and new basins
- 8.2. Operational feasibility assessment for the entry of larger vessels (Post-Panamax, Ultra Large Container Ships)
- 8.3. Cost-benefit sensitivity analysis of port projects through reduced simulated waiting times
- 8.4. Integration of maritime traffic simulations with environmental impact assessments and operating permits
- 8.5. Presentation of simulation results to stakeholders, maritime authorities and investors
- 8.6. Audit protocols and independent review of nautical simulation studies
- 8.7. Capstone project presentation
- 8.8. Capstone project: complete modelling, simulation and optimisation of an access channel or a high-traffic maritime area, assessing capacity, collision risks and environmental efficiency
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Maritime Traffic Simulation
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.
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 Professional Diploma in Maritime Traffic Simulation
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Maritime Traffic Simulation
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Maritime Traffic Simulation
The programme works with macroscopic and microscopic maritime traffic simulation tools (TRANSAS/Wärtsilä, Vissim-Maritime, OpenTwin, MARIN), S-57/S-103 charts, agent-based models, digital twins and Python/MATLAB scripting.
Yes. The syllabus covers the architecture of Full Mission Bridge simulators and the integration of ECDIS and Radar/ARPA, with scenarios in port, reduced visibility, narrow channels and extreme weather.
Online with live sessions; a hybrid option is available for simulator stays or internships through partnership agreements.
Among others, the IMO standards for simulators, DNV-ST-0033, the STCW Code, COLREG, traffic separation schemes (TSS), ECA/SECA zones and S-57/S-103 electronic charts.
Yes, with a related qualification or experience in maritime or port operations. The admission interview will confirm the fit with the programme.
No. The programme is studied entirely online and does not include work placements; Navalis Institute does not arrange internships or jobs.
Through simulator practicals (with rubrics), checklists, micro-tests and an applied final project.
It is a capstone project in which you model, simulate and optimise an access channel or a high-traffic maritime area, assessing its capacity, collision risks and environmental efficiency.
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: a degree in maritime, transport, engineering or related fields, or demonstrable experience in the maritime sector (masters, pilots, officers); familiarity with international maritime regulations (COLREG, SOLAS), navigation systems and communications is valued.
- Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction; basic technical English is recommended.
- Technical resources: a computer with high-speed internet, an up-to-date browser, office software skills and the ability to run simulations.
- 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.