Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Maritime French for Navigation Course

This course gives you the essential language tools to communicate effectively in French-speaking ports and with international crews. You will learn the nautical terms, safety phrases and standard communication protocols used at sea, so you can understand and give clear instructions, interpret maritime documents and handle everyday situations on board with confidence. It is designed for seafarers, cruise and ferry staff, recreational sailors and anyone who navigates in French-speaking waters.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
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About the program

What is the Maritime French for Navigation Course?

This short course teaches you the French you need on board and in port. You will study the anatomy of the vessel and its essential technical vocabulary, from hull and deck to mooring gear, propulsion and dimensions; the language of navigation and maneuvering, with relative bearings, berthing verbs, helm and engine orders, sea state and aids to navigation; VHF radiocommunications, including the phonetic alphabet, distress, urgency and safety calls, position reports and vessel identification; the vocabulary of safety, emergencies and life-saving equipment; and the documents, checklists and reports that make up daily paperwork on board.

What sets this course apart: realistic simulations of dialogues in port, on board and during emergencies; listening practice with a variety of accents and complex messages; pronunciation guides, interactive exercises and multimedia resources; an introduction to French maritime customs and protocols; and 24/7 online access with pre-recorded lessons and discussion forums so you can learn at your own pace.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Vessel vocabulary in French: hull, deck, superstructure, mooring gear and propulsion.
  • Maneuvering language: bearings, berthing verbs and standard helm and engine orders.
  • VHF radio: phonetic alphabet, Mayday, Pan-Pan and Sécurité calls and position reports.
  • Safety French: life-saving appliances, firefighting terms and emergency phrases.
  • Paperwork on board: logbook, notices to mariners, checklists and damage reports.
  • Practical simulations of real situations in French-speaking ports and waters.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Maritime French for Navigation Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Anatomy of the vessel and essential technical vocabulary in French

  • 1.1. Identifying the main parts of the hull: la proue (bow), la poupe (stern), tribord (starboard) and bâbord (port side)
  • 1.2. Technical vocabulary for the deck and superstructure: le pont, la passerelle, la cuisine (galley), le cockpit and la cabine
  • 1.3. Names of maneuvering and mooring gear: l'ancre, le guindeau, les taquets, les défenses and les amarres
  • 1.4. Describing propulsion and steering systems: l'hélice, le gouvernail, the outboard motor and the inboard engine
  • 1.5. Terminology for dimensions and draft: length overall (LOA), beam, draft and freeboard
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Communication for navigation and maneuvering terminology

  • 2.1. Using relative directions and the points of the compass rose in French: cardinal points and relative bearings
  • 2.2. Essential vocabulary for berthing and unberthing: amarrer, larguer, virer and choquer
  • 2.3. Standard helm and engine orders based on the Standard Marine Communication Phrases and their French equivalents
  • 2.4. Basic terminology for sea state and weather conditions: la houle, la marée, le courant, le coup de vent and le brouillard
  • 2.5. Identifying visual signals and aids to navigation in French: bouées, balises, phares and day shapes
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

VHF radiocommunications and standard safety protocols

  • 3.1. The international phonetic alphabet (Alfa, Bravo, Charlie...) and standard pronunciation of numbers in radio communications
  • 3.2. Structure of distress, urgency and safety calls: Mayday, Pan-Pan and Sécurité procedures
  • 3.3. Standard phrases for exchanging traffic information: over, out, received, say again and confirm
  • 3.4. Vocabulary for geographical position and transmitting coordinates in latitude and longitude
  • 3.5. Identification and reporting procedures: using the vessel's name, call sign and MMSI number
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Vocabulary for safety, emergencies and life-saving equipment

  • 4.1. Identifying personal protective equipment in French: gilets de sauvetage, combinaisons d'immersion and harnais
  • 4.2. Terminology for collective life-saving appliances: radeaux de survie, embarcations de sauvetage and emergency beacons (EPIRB)
  • 4.3. Vocabulary for firefighting on board: extincteur, manche à incendie, bouche d'incendie and détecteur de fumée
  • 4.4. Emergency phrases for critical situations: man overboard, abandon ship, fire on board and I am sinking
  • 4.5. Describing basic first-aid procedures in French: seasickness, hypothermia, burns and bleeding
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Nautical documentation, checklists and technical reports

  • 5.1. Vocabulary for completing the logbook (journal de bord) and maintenance records
  • 5.2. Reading and interpreting notices to mariners (avis aux navigateurs) and weather forecasts in French
  • 5.3. Terminology for reviewing checklists before putting to sea
  • 5.4. Writing damage reports and supply inventories
  • 5.5. Identifying the vessel's legal documents: registration, insurance policy and skipper's license
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Maritime French for Navigation 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 installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

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 Maritime French for Navigation Course

01Communicate effectively in maritime emergencies, using the Standard Marine Communication Phrases to pass clear, concise information to other vessels and search and rescue authorities.
02Understand and use essential French maritime terminology to name the parts of the vessel, common maneuvers and standard communications.
03Interpret weather bulletins and navigational warnings in French and adapt the passage to conditions, communicating with the authorities in French.
04Deal with port authorities and service staff in French, reporting ETA, movements and assistance needs and understanding port instructions and regulations.
05Understand and respond to maritime safety messages broadcast in French, identifying their nature, assessing their impact and passing the relevant information to the bridge.
06Read manuals and technical documentation for navigation equipment in French, recognizing their structure and standard symbols to interpret specifications, diagrams and operating procedures.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Maritime French for Navigation Course

01Bridge officer or officer of the watch on vessels operating in French-speaking waters
02Master on international routes with French-speaking traffic, dealing with crews and port authorities
03Vessel traffic services and maritime administration staff in French-speaking areas
04Operations staff at shipowners and agencies with business in French-speaking countries
05Cruise and ferry staff serving French-speaking passengers
06Marine surveyors and inspectors working with French-speaking crews and terminals
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Maritime French for Navigation Course

No. The course starts from essential vocabulary and builds up to radio procedures and documents, although a basic nautical vocabulary in any language will help you progress faster.

Yes. A full module covers the phonetic alphabet, distress, urgency and safety calls, standard traffic phrases, position reporting and vessel identification by name, call sign and MMSI.

Yes. You will learn the names of life-saving and firefighting equipment and the key phrases for man overboard, abandon ship, fire on board and basic first aid.

Yes. It is useful for anyone who sails along French or other French-speaking coasts and needs to understand local instructions, port staff and weather information.

Fully online, with pre-recorded lessons available 24/7, discussion forums, interactive exercises, pronunciation guides and audio resources.

The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of 60 hours each, combining vocabulary work, listening practice and simulated dialogues.

Yes. The final module covers the logbook, notices to mariners, pre-departure checklists, damage reports, inventories and the vessel's legal documents.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: aimed at people with an interest in the maritime sector (navigation, fishing, transport) or experience of recreational or professional nautical activities; no previous knowledge of French is required, although a basic nautical vocabulary in any language is recommended.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer, tablet or smartphone with an internet connection to access the materials and virtual classes.
  • 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
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $192 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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