Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Berth and Quay Planning Course

This course gives you a thorough understanding of the critical factors behind safe and efficient berthing operations. It covers everything from risk assessment and equipment selection to the detailed planning of berthing and unberthing manoeuvres. You will learn how to optimise quay space, reduce environmental impact and comply with international standards, so that you are ready to lead mooring operations safely and efficiently.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
Programme diagnosis

Prior knowledge check

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About the programme

What is the Berth and Quay Planning Course?

This short course prepares you to plan and run berths and quays in marinas and port terminals. You will learn the types of quays, pontoons and berths and the parameters that govern berth allocation, how to design a berthing plan with a functional layout and controlled occupancy, how to prepare and carry out berthing and unberthing manoeuvres with the right lines and fenders, how to assess and control risks on the quay, from structural limits to weather restrictions and emergencies, and how to digitise berth planning with management systems, operational data and key indicators.

What sets this course apart: an advanced approach to risk at every stage of the mooring process; practical tools to make the most of quay space and reduce costs; attention to international and local standards; real cases and industry best practice; and an introduction to planning tools and simulation for accurate, safe decisions.

Programme typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Programme highlights

  • Advanced risk analysis: identify and mitigate hazards at every stage of mooring.
  • Quay space optimisation: better operational efficiency and lower costs.
  • Compliance: alignment with international and local standards.
  • Berthing manoeuvres: preparation, approach, lines, fenders and stop/go criteria.
  • Real cases: lessons from real experience and industry best practice.
  • Digital planning: berth management systems, indicators and analytics.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Berth and Quay Planning Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Berthing fundamentals, quay types and berth allocation criteria

  • 1.1. Types of quays, pontoons and berths: configuration, physical limitations and operational uses
  • 1.2. Critical allocation parameters: length overall, beam, draught, weight, beam wind and leeway
  • 1.3. Shelter and exposure conditions: waves, reflection, currents, gusts and channelling effect
  • 1.4. Quay capacities: fenders, bollards, cleats, mooring points and structural strength
  • 1.5. Operational restrictions: manoeuvrability, turning circles, minimum depths and exclusion zones
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Berthing plan design, functional layout and capacity and flow optimisation

  • 2.1. Zoning of the facility: transit, long stay, services, loading and unloading, and restricted areas
  • 2.2. Berth sizing: clearances, manoeuvring corridors, accessibility and compatibility by vessel class
  • 2.3. Occupancy management: turnover, time windows, bookings, controlled overbooking and mitigation of seasonal peaks
  • 2.4. Internal signage and buoyage: visual references, leading lines, numbering and manoeuvring aids
  • 2.5. Landside flows: access, vehicle circulation, supply areas and operational checkpoints
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Berthing and unberthing manoeuvres, quay assistance and standard procedures

  • 3.1. Pre-manoeuvre preparation: briefing, roles, internal communications and checking of environmental conditions
  • 3.2. Safe approach: speeds, angles, propeller effect, drift and leeway control
  • 3.3. Mooring and tensioning: line selection, configuration, load sharing and sequence for casting off and taking in
  • 3.4. Use of fenders and protection: types, positioning, contact control and damage prevention
  • 3.5. Deckhand assistance: signals, coordination, safe intervention and stop/go criteria
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Quay safety, infrastructure integrity and risk control in berthing operations

  • 4.1. Risk assessment on quays: falls, entrapment, impacts, line tension and danger zones
  • 4.2. Permit management and area control: access, perimeters, interference and coordination with third parties
  • 4.3. Structural capacity and load limits: operational criteria, warning signs and preventive restrictions
  • 4.4. Prevention of weather-related incidents: thresholds, partial closures, restrictions and relocations
  • 4.5. Emergency response on the quay: fire, spills, injuries, evacuation and external coordination
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Digital berth planning, operational analytics and continual improvement of the mooring system

  • 5.1. Berth management systems: bookings, allocation, real-time occupancy and traceability
  • 5.2. Integration of operational data: weather, tides, incidents, consumption and maintenance
  • 5.3. Key indicators: effective occupancy, turnover, manoeuvre time, damage, complaints and safety
  • 5.4. Analytics for decision-making: demand forecasting, resource planning and scenario-based reconfiguration
  • 5.5. Standardisation and SOPs: checklists, training, internal audits and change control
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Berth and Quay Planning Course

It is 300 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
6
months to finish
25 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 AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Berth and Quay Planning Course

01Manage efficient mooring operations, planning manoeuvres around weather, currents, tides and vessel characteristics.
02Supervise safety during berthing manoeuvres, identifying risks and giving clear instructions to the team.
03Optimise the use of port and marina resources, taking capacity, timing and restrictions into account.
04Coordinate the optimal arrangement of fenders according to vessel type and environmental conditions.
05Safeguard the structural integrity of both vessel and quay during berthing.
06Assess and mitigate the risks associated with berthing, checking the plan against environmental factors and quay characteristics.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Berth and Quay Planning Course

01Berth planner at port terminals and marinasquay occupancy optimisation and vessel scheduling.
02Port operations supervisorcoordination of berthing and unberthing activities.
03Consultant in quay and mooring system designadvice on planning port infrastructure.
04Port safety inspectorverification of safety rules in mooring operations.
05Trainer in mooring techniques and quay safetytraining staff in best practice.
06Port projects managerplanning and supervision of berth and quay projects.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Berth and Quay Planning Course

To make the best use of the available quay and berth space, maximising the efficiency of port operations and the safety of vessels.

Length, beam, draught and weight of the vessel, water depth, exposure to wind, waves and currents, quay capacity and operational restrictions.

Yes. One module is devoted to preparing and carrying out berthing and unberthing manoeuvres, lines, fenders and assistance on the quay.

Both. The content applies to marina pontoons and leisure berths as well as to quays in port terminals.

You study how berth management systems, operational data and indicators support allocation, occupancy control and decision-making.

Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.

The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enrol.

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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
  • Profile: aimed at quay construction and maintenance supervisors, civil and port engineers, port operations managers, engineering and architecture students and maritime professionals interested in berth and quay planning; vocational training in port operations or logistics, a degree in a related field, or proven experience in port or berth planning, is recommended.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrolment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $164 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

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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.

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