Professional Diploma in Offshore Concrete Construction
This professional diploma prepares you to take part in the design and construction of offshore concrete structures, such as gravity-based foundations. You will work on concrete technology, structural design, fabrication and installation at sea, with a dedicated section on offshore wind.
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 Offshore Concrete Construction?
This professional diploma prepares you to take part in the design and construction of offshore concrete structures, such as gravity-based foundations, caissons and floating platforms for offshore wind. The programme covers how concrete behaves in the marine environment, design against fatigue and cyclic loading, fabrication in dry docks and at quayside, transport and installation at sea, and inspection and maintenance throughout the service life of the structure.
The programme stands out for its specialisation in marine structural concrete, its coverage of the full chain from design to installation, its focus on durability against corrosion and chemical attack, its direct application to the growth of offshore wind, and a practical case study in which you plan the construction of a gravity-based structure.
Programme highlights
- Distinguish between gravity-based structures, caissons and floating platforms.
- Apply durability criteria for concrete in the marine environment.
- Understand the effect of cyclic wave and wind loading on concrete structures.
- Organise the fabrication, transport and installation of offshore concrete structures.
- Professional orientation towards construction companies, engineering consultancies and offshore wind developers.
- A practical case study on planning the construction of a gravity-based structure.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Offshore Concrete Construction
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Concrete in Offshore Structures
- 1.1. History of concrete structures at sea
- 1.2. Gravity-based platforms
- 1.3. Caissons and gravity foundations
- 1.4. Concrete floaters for offshore wind
- 1.5. Concrete versus steel
- 1.6. The sector's value chain
- 1.7. Regulatory framework and design guidelines
- 1.8. Challenges and trends
Concrete Technology for the Marine Environment
- 2.1. Constituents and mix design
- 2.2. Cements and additions for marine use
- 2.3. High-strength concrete
- 2.4. Self-compacting concrete
- 2.5. Lightweight concrete
- 2.6. Reinforcement and prestressing
- 2.7. Fibres and alternative reinforcement
- 2.8. Quality control
Durability and Protection
- 3.1. Marine exposure environments
- 3.2. Chloride-induced corrosion
- 3.3. Sulphate attack
- 3.4. Wetting and drying cycles
- 3.5. Abrasion and ice impact
- 3.6. Concrete cover and its thickness
- 3.7. Cathodic protection of reinforcement
- 3.8. Design service life
Offshore Structural Design
- 4.1. Wave, wind and current actions
- 4.2. Limit states
- 4.3. Fatigue of concrete and reinforcement
- 4.4. Cracking and watertightness
- 4.5. Soil-structure interaction
- 4.6. Stability of gravity structures
- 4.7. Stability of floaters
- 4.8. Numerical modelling
Fabrication and Construction
- 5.1. Dry docks and fabrication yards
- 5.2. Quayside construction
- 5.3. Slip forming and climbing formwork
- 5.4. Modular prefabrication
- 5.5. Mass concrete pours
- 5.6. Thermal control of concrete
- 5.7. Materials logistics
- 5.8. Site safety
Transport and Installation
- 6.1. Launching and float-out
- 6.2. Stability during tow
- 6.3. Towing and marine planning
- 6.4. Seabed preparation
- 6.5. Ballasting and immersion
- 6.6. Set-down and levelling
- 6.7. Infill and scour protection
- 6.8. Weather windows
Inspection, Maintenance and End of Life
- 7.1. Inspection of offshore concrete structures
- 7.2. Non-destructive testing
- 7.3. Corrosion monitoring
- 7.4. Concrete repair at sea
- 7.5. Integrity management
- 7.6. Life extension
- 7.7. Decommissioning and refloating
- 7.8. Reuse and recycling
Case Study: Construction Planning for a Gravity-Based Structure
- 8.1. Definition of the structure
- 8.2. Site conditions
- 8.3. Selection of concrete and reinforcement
- 8.4. Durability strategy
- 8.5. Fabrication plan
- 8.6. Transport and installation plan
- 8.7. Inspection plan
- 8.8. Technical report
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Offshore Concrete Construction
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 Offshore Concrete Construction
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Offshore Concrete Construction
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Offshore Concrete Construction
It is one of its main applications, but platforms, port caissons and other gravity structures are also covered.
Some knowledge of structural concrete is advisable; the programme reviews the key concepts for the marine environment.
Yes. They are addressed as a technology under development, with their advantages, challenges and current status.
No. It is an institution-specific qualification and does not replace official degrees that confer professional competences.
Complete construction planning for a gravity-based structure, from materials to installation.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme has a workload of 120 hours. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, which is shown on this page and confirmed by the admissions team when you request information.
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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 Civil, Materials, Naval or a related engineering discipline, or professional experience in concrete construction or maritime works.
- Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow the classes and materials. A working knowledge of technical English is recommended, since much of the sector's regulation and documentation is written in English.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project defences.
- Admission process: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team. Enrolment is open all year round; admission is provisional until the committee validates your documentation.
- 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.