Professional Diploma in Marine Diesel Engines
This professional diploma gives you a deep understanding of the operation, maintenance and fault diagnosis of these critical systems. You will work on combustion, fuel injection, turbocharging, cooling and lubrication circuits, along with operating data analysis and maintenance planning.
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 Marine Diesel Engines?
This professional diploma gives you a deep understanding of the operation, maintenance and fault diagnosis of marine diesel engines, which are critical systems on board. It includes specialised knowledge of thermodynamics, combustion, lubrication and cooling, aimed at improving performance and extending engine life. It prepares you to face the challenges of the maritime sector, from efficient operation to solving complex problems.
Its strengths are a practical approach based on real case analysis and fault simulation; emerging technologies, with the study of electronic control and alternative fuels for sustainability; predictive maintenance through monitoring and data analysis to anticipate failures; and regulation and safety, with compliance with international standards and engine handling protocols.
Programme highlights
- The fundamentals of thermodynamics and the diesel cycle applied to marine engines.
- Detailed analysis of injection, lubrication and cooling systems.
- Inspection techniques, fault diagnosis and repair procedures.
- Optimising performance, reducing fuel consumption and extending engine life.
- The applicable environmental and maritime safety regulations.
- Designed to advance your career in marine diesel technology.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Marine Diesel Engines
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Thermodynamic Principles and Diesel Engine Architecture
- 1.1. Four-stroke and two-stroke diesel cycles applied to marine propulsion
- 1.2. Classification of marine engines by speed (slow, medium and high speed)
- 1.3. Fixed structural components: bedplate, engine block, cylinder head and crankcase
- 1.4. Reciprocating gear: pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft and bearings
- 1.5. Heat balance, energy losses and volumetric efficiency
- 1.6. Calculation of indicated power, brake power and specific fuel oil consumption (SFOC)
- 1.7. Interpretation of performance diagrams and characteristic curves
- 1.8. Classification of marine diesel engines
Fuel Injection and Fuel Management Systems
- 2.1. Properties of marine fuels (MGO, MDO, HFO) and treatment
- 2.2. In-line and rotary mechanical injection pumps
- 2.3. Marine injectors: types, calibration and spray patterns
- 2.4. High-pressure common rail and unit injector systems
- 2.5. Electronic engine management (ECU/EDC) and process sensors
- 2.6. Fuel preparation: centrifugal separators, viscometers and preheaters
- 2.7. Fault diagnosis in the fuel system and water contamination
- 2.8. Pumps and injectors
Air Intake, Turbocharging and Exhaust Systems
- 3.1. Fundamentals of supercharging and marine turbochargers
- 3.2. Fixed and variable geometry turbochargers (VGT)
- 3.3. Charge air coolers (intercooler / aftercooler)
- 3.4. Exhaust gas dynamics and exhaust manifolds
- 3.5. Emission treatment systems: scrubbers and SCR (NOx)
- 3.6. Maintenance, blower cleaning and turbine balancing
- 3.7. Anomaly detection through scavenge air pressure and exhaust temperature
- 3.8. Turbochargers and intercoolers
Cooling and Lubrication Systems
- 4.1. Fresh water (closed circuit) and seawater (open circuit) cooling systems
- 4.2. Plate and shell-and-tube heat exchangers: maintenance and descaling
- 4.3. Cooling water pumps: centrifugal and flexible impeller pumps
- 4.4. Properties of marine lubricants, viscosity index and TBN
- 4.5. Forced lubrication circuit, pumps, filters and oil coolers
- 4.6. Continuous oil purification and laboratory analysis of samples
- 4.7. Prevention of overheating, cavitation and oil dilution
- 4.8. Cooling water treatment
Starting, Governing and Marine Transmission Systems
- 5.1. Starting methods: electric, pneumatic (compressed air) and hydraulic
- 5.2. Starting air compressors, air receivers and direct starting valves
- 5.3. Reversing systems and marine reduction gearboxes
- 5.4. Flexible couplings, shaft lines and thrust bearing
- 5.5. Speed regulation: mechanical, hydraulic and electronic governors
- 5.6. Turning gear systems and safety interlocks
- 5.7. Alignment of the shaft line with the crankshaft and crankshaft deflection test
- 5.8. Clutches and reduction gears
Inspection, Testing and Fault Diagnosis
- 6.1. Borescope inspection of combustion chambers and cylinders
- 6.2. Measurement of crankshaft deflections and cylinder liner wear
- 6.3. Mechanical vibration analysis and imbalance detection
- 6.4. Monitoring of maximum combustion pressures and pressure diagrams
- 6.5. Infrared thermography applied to manifolds, pipes and bearings
- 6.6. Systematic diagnosis of exhaust smoke (white, black, blue)
- 6.7. Non-destructive testing (NDT) of critical engine components
- 6.8. Measurement of compression and pressures
Preventive and Corrective Maintenance and Overhaul
- 7.1. Reliability-Centred Maintenance (RCM) plan for the engine
- 7.2. Dismantling and assembly procedures for cylinder heads, pistons and connecting rods
- 7.3. Liner honing, valve seating and seal replacement
- 7.4. Replacement of main and connecting rod bearings with clearance checks (Plastigauge)
- 7.5. Maintenance of water pumps, oil pumps and thermostats
- 7.6. Valve clearance adjustment and valve timing
- 7.7. Management of critical spare parts, special tools and port logistics
- 7.8. Overhaul of cylinder heads
Safety, Regulations and Performance Testing
- 8.1. MARPOL Convention (Annex VI) and emission control regulations (Tier I, II, III)
- 8.2. Emergency shutdown systems (Overspeed/ESD) and safety alarms
- 8.3. Prevention of crankcase explosions and oil mist monitoring
- 8.4. Safety procedures in enclosed spaces and handling of high-pressure fluids
- 8.5. Running-in protocols after overhaul (break-in)
- 8.6. Load tests, test bench and sea trials
- 8.7. Test bench and sea trials
- 8.8. Preparation of the engine's technical history and intervention reports
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Marine Diesel Engines
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 Marine Diesel Engines
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Marine Diesel Engines
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Marine Diesel Engines
Heavy fuel oil (HFO) or marine fuel oil (MFO)
Yes. The programme includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with port, ocean, fog, heavy-weather and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator placements/internships through partnership agreements.
The maritime industry.
Functional SMCP is recommended. We provide support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a related qualification or experience in maritime/port operations. The admission interview will confirm your suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Partnerships and the Alumni Network.
Simulator exercises (rubrics), passage plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and an applied master's thesis.
More programmes in Machinery and electrics
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Academic or professional profile: technical background in mechanics, electromechanics or similar, or demonstrable experience in the maintenance or repair of diesel engines.
- Prior knowledge: basic notions of thermodynamics, combustion and cooling systems are valued.
- Documentation: up-to-date CV, copy of qualifications or certificates (if applicable), identity document or passport, and an optional letter of interest.
- Specific requirements: an interest in marine diesel technology and its application in the maritime sector.
- 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.