Professional diploma800 h · Online · 8 modules
Professional Diploma in Naval Simulation and 3D Modelling
This professional diploma gives you the essential tools and knowledge to master the latest technologies in ship design and analysis. You will work with CAD modelling, meshing and the fundamentals of flow simulation, and you will practise interpreting and documenting results.
Duration800 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules8
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About the programme
What is the Professional Diploma in Naval Simulation and 3D Modelling?
This professional diploma gives you the tools to analyse and design vessels with today's technologies, from building accurate 3D models to simulating their behaviour in different scenarios. The technical focus is on optimising performance through finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
What sets the programme apart: training with industry software such as Rhinoceros, SolidWorks, Ansys and OpenFOAM; practical cases on ships, offshore platforms and marine systems; and parametric modelling, structural optimisation and hydrodynamic simulation techniques.
Programme typeProfessional diploma
ModeOnline
Duration800 hours
Modules8
Start1 December
Programme highlights
- Tools: use of naval simulation and 3D modelling software.
- Design and optimisation: designing ships and improving their performance through simulation.
- Scenario analysis: creating and analysing complex maritime scenarios to support strategic decisions.
- Realistic modelling: high-fidelity 3D models of vessels and marine environments.
Syllabus
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Naval Simulation and 3D Modelling
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Module 1
Fundamentals of Naval Architecture and 3D Ship Geometry
- 1.1. Introduction to computer-aided ship design (CAD): history, digital workflow and comparison of naval software platforms
- 1.2. Geometry of spline/NURBS curves and surfaces: generation of waterlines, sections, diagonals and three-dimensional lines plan
- 1.3. Hull surface modelling: creation of fair surfaces, continuity control (G⁰, G¹, G²) and correction of imperfections
- 1.4. Calculation of initial hydrostatics: determination of displacements, centre of buoyancy (CB), centre of gravity (CG) and metacentre (KM)
- 1.5. Hydrostatic attribute curves: generation of KN curves, Bonjean curves, wetted surface and form coefficients (Cb, Cm, Cp, Cw)
- 1.6. File import and export: exchange of neutral formats (IGES, STEP, DXF, OBJ) between modelling and analysis platforms
- 1.7. Geometric quality criteria: verification of surface watertightness, manufacturing tolerances and preparation for numerical analysis
- 1.8. Ship design software
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your paceModule 2
Advanced 3D Modelling of Hulls, Superstructures and Interior Spaces
- 2.1. Parametric modelling of complex hulls: multihulls (catamarans, trimarans), stepped hulls (steps) and inverted bows
- 2.2. Design of appendages and propulsors: 3D modelling of rudders, centreboards, bilge keels, nozzles and variable-geometry propellers
- 2.3. Modelling of superstructures and decks: aerodynamic forms on yachts, navigation bridges and workboat structures
- 2.4. Subdivision and interior layout: creation of bulkheads, double bottoms, fuel/water tanks and accommodation spaces
- 2.5. Marine component libraries: integration of deck fittings, bollards, winches, rescue boats and lifting systems
- 2.6. Piping and ducting modelling (3D Piping): three-dimensional routing of drainage, bilge, firefighting and fuel systems
- 2.7. Photorealistic rendering and presentation: application of marine materials, ambient lighting and virtual walkthroughs for clients
- 2.8. Rendering and visualisation of models
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your paceModule 3
3D Structural Modelling and Naval Part Detailing for Fabrication
- 3.1. Modelling of the internal structure: three-dimensional placement of floors, longitudinals, beams, bulkheads and primary/secondary stiffeners
- 3.2. Assignment of profiles and scantlings: application of naval profiles (L, T, HP) and plating according to Classification Society rules
- 3.3. Hull plate development (Plating): three-dimensional flattening of plates with complex curvature for CNC cutting (Unrolling/Flattening)
- 3.4. Generation of cutting drawings and nesting (Nesting): optimising the use of steel and aluminium sheets for thermal/laser cutting
- 3.5. Detailing of joints and welds: bevel preparation, cut-outs (mouse holes) and marking of reference lines for assembly
- 3.6. Bill of materials (BOM) management: automatic extraction of weights, centres of gravity per block and material reports
- 3.7. Block construction strategy: modular subdivision of the 3D model for shipyard assembly logistics
- 3.8. Construction drawings and bills of materials
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your paceModule 4
Stability Simulation, Computational Naval Architecture and Damage
- 4.1. Intact stability simulation: righting lever curves (GZ), assessment of IMO criteria and dynamic loading condition
- 4.2. Damage stability and subdivision: simulation of progressive flooding, permeability calculation and subdivision criteria
- 4.3. Grounding and dry-docking simulation: distribution of reactions on keel blocks, stability during refloating manoeuvres and supports
- 4.4. Simulation of weight shifts on board: virtual inclining test, tank transfers and free surface effect
- 4.5. Stability analysis in waves: simulation of ship rolling on crests and troughs of longitudinal waves
- 4.6. Simulation of heavy-lift operations: stability during lifting manoeuvres with shipboard cranes and dynamic heeling effects
- 4.7. Automation of stability reports: generation of regulatory technical Stability Booklets directly from the 3D model
- 4.8. Intact and damage stability criteria
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your paceModule 5
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Applied to Naval Hydrodynamics
- 5.1. Fundamentals of naval CFD: Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, domain discretisation and boundary conditions
- 5.2. Generation of hydrodynamic meshes: structured, unstructured and adaptive meshes; boundary layer treatment (y⁺)
- 5.3. Resistance simulation: calculation of wave-making resistance, viscous friction and aerodynamic drag of the superstructure
- 5.4. Free surface modelling (VOF): simulation of water-air interaction, generation of the ship's wave system and sinkage (trim/squat)
- 5.5. Simulation of appendages and interference: flow analysis around rudders, bilge keels and hull-propeller interaction effect
- 5.6. CFD-based hull form optimisation: parametric modification of the bow (bulb) and stern to reduce fuel consumption
- 5.7. Validation of CFD results: comparison of numerical simulations with towing tank tests (EFD)
- 5.8. Meshing and validation in CFD
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your paceModule 6
Seakeeping and Manoeuvrability Simulation
- 6.1. Seakeeping simulation (Behaviour at Sea): ship response to waves (RAOs in 6 degrees of freedom: Pitch, Roll, Heave, etc.)
- 6.2. Wave spectrum modelling: simulation of irregular seas using JONSWAP and Pierson-Moskowitz spectra
- 6.3. Comfort and operability assessment: calculation of on-board accelerations, MSI criterion (Motion Sickness Incidence) and helideck operability criteria
- 6.4. Simulation of extreme phenomena: prevention of slamming, green water on deck and parametric rolling
- 6.5. Manoeuvrability and steering: simulation of manoeuvring trials (turning circle, zigzag, spiral manoeuvre) using dynamic models
- 6.6. Simulation of stabilisation systems: effectiveness of active fin stabilisers, anti-roll tanks (Anti-Roll Tanks) and gyroscopes
- 6.7. Simulation of ship-bottom/channel interaction: shallow water effect, bank effect and suction forces during overtaking in channels
- 6.8. Virtual manoeuvring trials
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your paceModule 7
Nautical Simulators, Virtual Environments and Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
- 7.1. Architecture of nautical simulators: integration of real-time dynamic ship models with 3D rendering engines
- 7.2. Development of virtual marine scenarios: 3D modelling of ports, navigation channels, aids to navigation (marks/lighthouses) and metocean conditions
- 7.3. Integration with control consoles: connection of control hardware (engine telegraph, wheel, joysticks) to the physics of the simulated ship
- 7.4. Dynamic Positioning (DP) simulation: modelling of azimuth thrusters, bow thrusters and position control algorithms in open sea
- 7.5. Application of Virtual Reality (VR) in design: 1:1 scale immersive walkthroughs to assess ergonomics on the bridge and in engine rooms
- 7.6. Augmented Reality (AR) for ship maintenance: overlaying 3D technical data on real machinery to guide repairs on board
- 7.7. Simulation of towing and mooring manoeuvres: dynamic modelling of lines, interaction between tugs and assisted ships
- 7.8. Bridge simulation and training environments
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your paceModule 8
Capstone Project in 3D Modelling and Naval Hydrodynamic Simulation
- 8.1. Definition of the case study: selection of a hull or vessel design for complete modelling and performance simulation
- 8.2. Parametric 3D modelling and watertight subdivision: generation of the hull surface, appendages and internal subdivision in 3D
- 8.3. Computational naval architecture calculations: preparation of hydrostatic analyses and simulation of intact and damage stability
- 8.4. Execution of CFD simulation: mesh preparation, calculation of resistance at different operating speeds and form optimisation
- 8.5. Seakeeping and dynamic behaviour simulation: obtaining RAO curves and assessing hull behaviour in a specific sea state
- 8.6. Visualisation and digital twin (Digital Twin): preparation of the 3D model for final rendering, virtual walkthrough or integration into a real-time simulator
- 8.7. Project presentation and defence
- 8.8. Final presentation: technical defence of the three-dimensional model and simulation results before a committee of naval architects and ship designers
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your pacePlan your pace
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Naval Simulation and 3D Modelling
It is 800 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
15
months to finish
67 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 Professional Diploma in Naval Simulation and 3D Modelling
01Develop accurate naval models.
02Optimise vessel design and performance.
03Assess and mitigate risks in maritime operations.
04Apply simulation to naval decision-making.
05Master 3D modelling tools to represent naval scenarios.
06Integrate naval simulation with control and navigation systems.
Careers
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Naval Simulation and 3D Modelling
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Naval Simulation and 3D Modelling
It focuses on both, combining the design and operation of naval simulators with the 3D modelling needed to create them.
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/placement periods through partnership agreements.
It focuses on both aspects: the 3D design of virtual vessels and the simulation of their behaviour in various maritime environments.
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 engineering (naval, mechanical, industrial or similar), architecture, 3D design or related fields; alternatively, demonstrable experience in 3D modelling, simulation or the shipbuilding industry.
- Technical competence: basic knowledge of 3D modelling (CAD/CAM), simulation and naval concepts. Familiarity with naval simulation software is not required but is valued.
- Documents: up-to-date CV, copy of degree certificate (if applicable), identity document or passport and a motivation letter. A portfolio is optional.
- Technical requirements for online study: a computer capable of running modelling and simulation software, a stable internet connection and a dedicated graphics card (recommended).
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom ₦408,000 deposit
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