Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules
Master's in Technical Ship Inspection and Certification
This master's programme gives you a complete and specialised view of ship assessment and regulatory compliance in the maritime sector. You will work with survey methods, classification rules, damage assessment and reporting. The programme teaches the subject and does not confer surveyor accreditation.
Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
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About the programme
What is the Master's in Technical Ship Inspection and Certification?
This master's programme gives you a complete and specialised view of ship assessment and regulatory compliance in the maritime sector. It covers inspection techniques, from structural safety to propulsion systems and life-saving equipment, and teaches you to interpret and apply the rules of classification societies and international maritime authorities. Its aim is to prepare you to lead certification processes that ensure the safety, efficiency and sustainability of ships.
What makes the programme different: real practical cases of inspections and certifications; the use of software for managing inspections and documentation; and constant updating on international regulations and standards. The programme teaches the subject; surveyor accreditation and official certificates are issued by classification societies and the national maritime authority.
Programme typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
Start1 December
Programme highlights
- Regulatory command: study of the national and international legislation that applies to ship inspection and certification.
- Technical skills: assessment of structures, systems and equipment to ensure the safety and efficiency of vessels.
- Solid preparation in the subject matter that complements the surveyor accreditations issued by classification societies and maritime authorities.
- Practical methodology: learning through real cases and simulations.
- Specialisation in a high-demand field, to become a reference in ship inspection and certification.
Syllabus
Syllabus of the Master's in Technical Ship Inspection and Certification
11 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Module 1
Advanced Diagnosis and Comprehensive Assessment of Ship Structures for Technical Certification
- 1.1. Structural fundamentals of shipbuilding: material types, mechanical properties and behaviour under static and dynamic loads
- 1.2. Non-destructive testing (NDT): advanced techniques such as phased array ultrasonics, eddy currents, digital radiography and infrared thermography applied to ship structures
- 1.3. Structural integrity assessment methodologies: acceptance criteria, tolerances and failure thresholds in accordance with IMO and ABS standards
- 1.4. Finite element modelling (FEM) for predictive diagnosis: creation, validation and tuning of structural models with specialised software
- 1.5. Assessment of wastage and corrosion in metallic and composite hulls: identification of critical areas and analysis of degradation agents
- 1.6. Investigation of fatigue and fracture in structures subject to cyclic loading: crack propagation analysis and mitigation strategies
- 1.7. In-service inspection and monitoring: design of integrated systems for real-time tracking using smart sensors and maritime IoT techniques
- 1.8. Procedures for technical audits and certification: preparation, execution, documentation and reporting in accordance with international standards
- 1.9. International and national regulations applicable to structural integrity certification: SOLAS, IACS, ISO and specific national regulations
- 1.10. Case studies in comprehensive assessment and advanced diagnosis: analysis of real structural failures and development of corrective and preventive plans
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 2
Advanced Non-Destructive Testing Techniques and Equipment Verification in Naval Engineering
- 2.1. Fundamentals of non-destructive testing (NDT): physical principles, types and applications in naval engineering
- 2.2. Advanced NDT techniques: ultrasonics, digital radiography, eddy currents, infrared thermography and assisted visual inspection
- 2.3. Specialised equipment and sensors: calibration, maintenance and optimisation for demanding marine environments
- 2.4. Methodologies for planning and carrying out comprehensive inspections of hulls, structures and ship auxiliary systems
- 2.5. Applicable international regulations and standards: ISO, ASTM, DNV, Lloyd’s Register and their impact on ship certification
- 2.6. Advanced data interpretation: detection of defects, corrosion and structural fatigue, and failure analysis using specialised software
- 2.7. Verification testing of critical equipment: engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems and automated control systems
- 2.8. Quality assurance and control protocols in inspection processes: traceability, technical documentation and management of non-conformities
- 2.9. Innovations in NDT: drones for remote inspection, artificial intelligence for predictive analysis and digitalisation of technical reports
- 2.10. Case studies and simulations: evaluation of inspection reports, decision-making and preparation for ship certification audits
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 3
Advanced Diagnostic and Comprehensive Assessment Methodologies for Ship Structures for Quality Certification
- 3.1. Fundamentals of ship structural integrity: key concepts of strength, fatigue, corrosion and deformation in the metallic and composite materials used in shipbuilding
- 3.2. Advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques: phased array ultrasonics, eddy currents, acoustic emission, infrared thermography and magnetic particle testing applied to ship structures
- 3.3. Predictive diagnosis and continuous assessment methodologies: statistical models, trend analysis and real-time monitoring to anticipate structural defects and deterioration
- 3.4. Comprehensive assessment of impact, fatigue and corrosion damage: systematic protocols for the identification, quantification and criticality classification of structural failures in hulls, decks and bulkheads
- 3.5. International regulations and standards applicable to ship inspection and certification: review of IMO, IACS UR, ABS, DNV-GL and LR in the context of structural quality certification
- 3.6. Implementation of digital techniques and smart sensors: use of drones, 3D scanners and laser measurement systems to obtain accurate dimensional and structural condition data
- 3.7. Advanced processing and analysis of inspection data: artificial intelligence, machine learning and specialised software to evaluate structural condition and issue accurate diagnoses
- 3.8. Methodologies for planning and carrying out comprehensive inspections: design of inspection plans based on risk, frequency, scope and technical criteria to ensure maximum coverage and effectiveness
- 3.9. Protocols for preparing technical reports for certification: structure, content, objective evidence and acceptance criteria in accordance with national and international regulations
- 3.10. Case studies in the comprehensive assessment of ship structures: detailed analysis of representative case studies, solving complex problems and decision-making to issue quality certifications with technical rigour
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 4
International regulatory framework, technical auditing, quality management and operational safety for ship certification and compliance
- 4.1. International regulatory framework: the SOLAS, MARPOL and STCW conventions and their application in technical ship inspection
- 4.2. Technical auditing: advanced methodologies for documentary and physical assessment of ships, including preparation, execution and reporting
- 4.3. Quality management in the shipbuilding industry: implementation of systems based on ISO 9001 and maritime-sector-specific standards
- 4.4. Maritime operational safety: risk analysis, incident management and mitigation procedures in marine operations
- 4.5. Ship certification and classification: technical processes and criteria applied by classification societies and maritime authorities
- 4.6. International safety and environmental protection regulations: integration of and compliance with environmental and safety requirements in ship operation and design
- 4.7. Digital auditing tools: use of emerging technologies such as management software, digital platforms and data analytics to ensure technical compliance
- 4.8. Assessment and verification of ISM safety management systems: internal audits, documentation reviews and evaluation of operational performance
- 4.9. Procedures for Port State Control and Flag State Control inspections: preparation, conduct and post-inspection follow-up
- 4.10. Legal and contractual aspects of ship inspection and certification: liabilities, warranties and dispute resolution
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 5
Comprehensive Management of Predictive Maintenance and Quality Control in Advanced Marine Equipment
- 5.1. Fundamentals of predictive maintenance: concepts, benefits and applications in modern marine systems
- 5.2. Advanced condition monitoring techniques: vibration, thermography, ultrasonics and lubricant analysis
- 5.3. Implementation of sensor and data acquisition systems on critical propulsion and auxiliary equipment
- 5.4. Signal interpretation and data-driven diagnosis to prevent failures in marine machinery
- 5.5. Integrated maintenance plans: development, optimisation and adaptation to maritime operating cycles
- 5.6. International certification protocols and regulations applicable to quality control in the shipbuilding industry
- 5.7. Methodologies for advanced technical inspection: non-destructive techniques and acceptance criteria
- 5.8. Application of digital technologies: SCADA systems, IoT and big data for maintenance management on ships
- 5.9. Assessment of the service life cycle of marine equipment and its impact on strategic maintenance planning
- 5.10. Reliability and operational availability management: key indicators, risk analysis and mitigation strategies
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 6
Advanced Diagnosis of Ship Structures and Systems for Global Quality and Safety Certification
- 6.1. Non-destructive testing (NDT) applied to ship structures: advanced techniques including phased array ultrasonics, digital radiography, infrared thermography and eddy currents for detecting internal and surface defects
- 6.2. Structural analysis using numerical methods: finite elements, three-dimensional modelling and simulation of hydrodynamic and static loads on hulls, superstructures and critical components
- 6.3. Structural integrity: fatigue, corrosion and fracture criteria, with a focus on international rules (ABS, DNV-GL, LR) to assure service life and operational safety
- 6.4. Advanced diagnosis of propulsion and auxiliary systems: vibration assessment, lubricant analysis and online monitoring for failure prevention using predictive techniques
- 6.5. Inspection and certification of fire safety systems and gas-freeing systems: functional tests, materials assessment and compliance with SOLAS and IMO standards
- 6.6. Methodologies for quality certification of welds and structural joints: common causes of failure, inspection procedures and complementary destructive testing
- 6.7. Comprehensive assessment of stability and structural strength in extreme conditions: impact of waves, ice and sustained static loads during maritime operations
- 6.8. Implementation of continuous structural health monitoring (SHM) systems: smart sensors, data transmission and real-time analysis for predictive maintenance and resource optimisation
- 6.9. Normative and regulatory procedures in ship certification: interpretation and application of international and regional standards for technical audits and the issue of safety and quality certificates
- 6.10. Preparation of detailed technical reports: documentation, analysis of results, technical recommendations and submission to certification bodies for assurance and validation of compliance
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 7
Advanced Strategies and Techniques in the Assessment, Diagnosis and Certification of High-Performance Ship Structures and Systems
- 7.1. Fundamentals of technical ship inspection: types of inspection, applicable international standards (IMO, ISO, ABS, DNV) and specific regulations for high-performance structures and systems.
- 7.2. Advanced structural assessment methodologies: non-destructive testing (NDT) applied to hulls, superstructures and critical elements; ultrasonics, radiography, acoustic emission and infrared thermography.
- 7.3. Comprehensive diagnosis of marine materials: metallurgical analysis, detection of fatigue and corrosion in high-strength steels and special alloys, sampling techniques and in-situ assessment.
- 7.4. Modelling and simulation to predict structural behaviour: use of FEM and CFD software for stress, vibration and structural dynamics analysis under extreme operating conditions.
- 7.5. Assessment of critical systems: advanced inspection of propulsion, hydraulic, electrical and automation systems; application of smart sensors and real-time monitoring for continuous certification.
- 7.6. High-performance certification protocols and criteria: development and application of checklists, test plans and acceptance and rejection criteria in accordance with international standards and industry best practice.
- 7.7. Risk management and structural integrity assurance: analysis of potential failures, safety factors and predictive maintenance based on data gathered during inspection.
- 7.8. Environmental regulations and their impact on certification: assessment of pollution prevention systems, MARPOL compliance and specific local regulations for the shipbuilding industry.
- 7.9. Advanced technical documentation: rigorous preparation of technical reports, inspection records, traceability and submission to control and certification bodies.
- 7.10. Case studies and real-life cases: detailed analysis of inspections and certifications on highly complex ships, process optimisation and resolution of critical incidents in real time.
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 8
Technological Innovations and Practical Applications in State-of-the-Art Ship Inspection and Certification Systems
- 8.1. Fundamentals of ship inspection: international regulations and applicable standards (IMO, IACS, ABS, DNV-GL)
- 8.2. Emerging technologies in inspection: applications of drones, underwater robots and artificial intelligence systems for fault detection
- 8.3. Advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) methodologies: phased array ultrasonics, eddy currents, infrared thermography and digital radiography
- 8.4. Integrated structural monitoring systems: smart sensors, IoT and real-time analytics platforms for continuous assessment
- 8.5. Automation and digitalisation of certification processes: blockchain, big data and secure electronic records
- 8.6. Virtual simulation and augmented reality for training and for planning complex inspections in the marine and offshore sectors
- 8.7. Specific applications in the certification of steel structures, propulsion systems and on-board safety equipment
- 8.8. Calibration and verification protocols for measuring instruments and sensors used during ship inspection
- 8.9. Comprehensive quality and compliance management in technical inspection: technical reporting, audits and documentary traceability
- 8.10. Case studies and failure analysis: study of incidents and application of corrective techniques in state-of-the-art ship certification
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 9
Advanced Diagnosis of Ship Structures and Critical Systems for Quality Certification, Safety and Risk Management
- 9.1. Fundamentals of ship structural integrity: analysis of static and dynamic loads on ships and offshore platforms
- 9.2. Advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) methodologies: ultrasonics, eddy currents, acoustic emission and infrared thermography applied to marine materials
- 9.3. Assessment and diagnosis of fatigue and corrosion in steel structures: monitoring techniques and remaining life prediction
- 9.4. Computational modelling and structural simulation: finite elements for analysis of stress, deformation and behaviour under extreme conditions
- 9.5. Critical systems in naval engineering: identification, assessment and prioritisation for certification processes
- 9.6. Inspection protocols for key components: hull, bulkheads, welds, propulsion and steering systems
- 9.7. Applicable international regulations and standards: ISO 19901, DNV GL, ABS, LR and their application in quality and safety certification
- 9.8. Risk management in operation and maintenance: qualitative and quantitative analysis, risk matrix and mitigation plans
- 9.9. Technical audit procedures for ship certification: design, execution, reporting and follow-up of non-conformities
- 9.10. Integration of online monitoring systems (SCADA, IoT) for continuous verification of structural condition and operability of critical systems
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 10
Inspection of safety, life-saving and fire-fighting systems
- 10.1. SOLAS requirements for life-saving appliances
- 10.2. Inspection of lifeboats and davits
- 10.3. Liferafts and approved service stations
- 10.4. Fixed fire-extinguishing systems
- 10.5. Fire detection and alarms
- 10.6. Firefighter's outfits and self-contained breathing apparatus
- 10.7. Fire doors and structural fire protection
- 10.8. Emergency lighting and signage
- 10.9. Abandon-ship and fire drills
- 10.10. Recording of deficiencies and corrective actions
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 11
Master's thesis: Integration of Disruptive Technologies and Innovative Strategies for Comprehensive Certification in Technical Ship Inspection
- 11.1. Fundamentals of disruptive technologies applied to technical ship inspection: artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics
- 11.2. Integration of advanced sensors and IoT systems for real-time monitoring of ship structures and components
- 11.3. Innovative methodologies for non-destructive testing (NDT) enhanced by drones and autonomous underwater vehicles
- 11.4. Digital twin models focused on the simulation and dynamic management of marine assets for control and maintenance
- 11.5. Application of blockchain for traceability and integrity assurance in technical ship certification processes
- 11.6. Development of advanced algorithms for the automated detection of structural failures and corrosion in hulls and auxiliary systems
- 11.7. Implementation of augmented and virtual reality systems for training, remote inspection and support for certification decision-making
- 11.8. Comprehensive risk management and operational safety strategies based on big data analytics in the maritime environment
- 11.9. Up-to-date international regulations and technical standards for the adoption of new technologies in ship certification
- 11.10. Design and completion of the master's thesis: practical integration of disruptive technologies in a real technical ship inspection and certification case
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your pacePlan your pace
Duration and format of the Master's in Technical Ship Inspection and Certification
It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
29
months to finish
125 weeks
weeks in total
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.
Faculty
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
Objectives of the Master's in Technical Ship Inspection and Certification
01Assess and certify regulatory compliance on ships.
02Manage and supervise ship repair projects.
03Diagnose and resolve technical problems on vessels.
04Lead and coordinate technical ship inspections.
05Prepare technical reports and marine surveys.
06Implement and optimise preventive maintenance programmes.
Careers
Career opportunities after the Master's in Technical Ship Inspection and Certification
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the Master's in Technical Ship Inspection and Certification
The naval sector.
Yes. The pathway includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with port, ocean, fog, heavy-weather and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/internship placements through agreements.
The naval sector.
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 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.
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Online admission
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
Entry requirements
- Academic or professional profile: a degree in Naval Engineering, Naval Architecture or Industrial Engineering (with a naval or maritime specialisation), or an equivalent technical qualification. Demonstrable professional experience in the naval sector (shipyards, shipping companies, classification societies, etc.) is also accepted.
- Recommended prior knowledge: fundamentals of shipbuilding, propulsion systems, marine installations and maritime regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL, etc.).
- Documentation: an up-to-date CV, a copy of your qualification or proof of experience, ID card or passport, and a motivation letter on your interest in ship inspection and certification.
- Skills: technical analysis, attention to detail, oral and written communication, teamwork and user-level IT skills (word processor and spreadsheet).
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
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