Nautical Interior Design Course
This nautical interior design course immerses you in the creation of functional, attractive spaces on all kinds of vessels. You will learn to make the most of limited space, select durable and luxurious materials and create settings that reflect the nautical lifestyle. It gives you the skills to transform boat interiors into spaces that are comfortable, safe and beautiful, from cabins and saloons to galleys and helm stations.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program 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 program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Nautical Interior Design Course?
This short course prepares you to design boat interiors that balance comfort, function and aesthetics with the limits of space and weight and the demands of the marine environment. You will study the principles of interior design applied to yachts, sailing boats, catamarans, ferries, cruise ships and professional craft; ergonomics, circulation and accessibility in small volumes; the effects of humidity, salt, vibration, motion and weight; the functional layout of cabins, saloons, galleys, heads, helm stations and technical areas; materials, linings and finishes suited to the sea and the fixing of furniture in a moving environment; and lighting, color, thermal and acoustic comfort and sensory design on board.
What sets this course apart: an introduction to 3D design tools for visualizing and presenting projects; up-to-date knowledge of water- and corrosion-resistant materials and finishes; a strong focus on ergonomics, functionality and safety, including fire resistance and escape routes; techniques for lighting and acoustics that make life on board more comfortable; attention to the coherence between interior design and naval architecture; and an integrating project in which you develop the layout, materials, lighting and presentation documents for the interior of a vessel.
Program highlights
- Interior design foundations: habitability, ergonomics and the constraints of the marine environment.
- Functional layout: cabins, saloons, galleys, heads, helm stations, circulation and storage.
- Marine materials: technical woods, composites, laminates, nautical textiles, metals and linings.
- Furniture in motion: fixings, joints, latches and stability of fittings in a dynamic environment.
- Lighting, color and comfort: natural light, color psychology, insulation, ventilation and noise control.
- Integrating project: interior layout, specifications and presentation of a complete vessel interior.
Syllabus of the Nautical Interior Design Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Foundations of nautical interior design, spatial ergonomics and the technical constraints of the marine environment
- 1.1. Principles of interior design applied to vessels: habitability, functionality, aesthetic identity and adaptation to nautical use
- 1.2. Vessel types and their influence on interior design: yachts, sailing boats, catamarans, ferries, cruise ships and professional craft
- 1.3. Ergonomics and use of space on board: circulation, accessibility, comfort and optimization of small volumes
- 1.4. Constraints of the marine environment: humidity, salinity, vibration, motion, weight and safety requirements for interiors
- 1.5. The relationship between interior design, naval architecture and the general arrangement of the vessel: reconciling form, structure and use
Functional layout, living areas and spatial planning of interiors in leisure and professional vessels
- 2.1. Functional organization of the interior: cabins, saloons, galleys, heads, helm stations and technical areas
- 2.2. Interior zoning by cruising profile and vessel type: day use, night use, charter, long stays or technical service
- 2.3. Design of routes, access points and transitions between spaces: flow, safety and functional hierarchy on board
- 2.4. Integration of interiors and decks: visual continuity, indoor-outdoor relationship and use of views and natural light
- 2.5. Planning of fixed and modular furniture: storage, multifunctionality and adaptation to the motion of the vessel
Materials, linings, finishes and construction solutions for technically and aesthetically demanding nautical interiors
- 3.1. Selection of materials suited to the marine environment: technical woods, composites, laminates, nautical textiles, metals and synthetic surfaces
- 3.2. Interior linings and decorative solutions: panelling, flooring, ceilings, upholstery and finishes that resist humidity and wear
- 3.3. Balancing aesthetics, weight and durability: criteria for choosing materials by performance, maintenance and style
- 3.4. Fixing, assembly and stability solutions for furniture in a dynamic environment: anchorages, latches, joints and safe use
- 3.5. Protective treatments, surface finishes and resistance to fire, abrasion and interior corrosion
Lighting, color, environmental comfort and sensory design of interior spaces on vessels
- 4.1. Lighting design for nautical interiors: general, accent, ambient and task lighting according to space and use
- 4.2. Making the most of natural light: portlights, hatches, openings and strategies to enlarge the perception of space
- 4.3. Color psychology and color schemes in nautical settings: visual spaciousness, aesthetic identity and emotional comfort
- 4.4. Thermal, acoustic and visual comfort on board: insulation, ventilation, air conditioning and control of interior noise
- 4.5. Sensory design and user experience: textures, materials, atmosphere and the perception of luxury, wellbeing or technical functionality
Integrating project in nautical interior design with conceptual development, technical resolution and professional presentation
- 5.1. Definition of the case study: vessel type, user profile, desired style and technical constraints of the project
- 5.2. Development of the interior layout proposal: zoning, layout, routes and functional organization of the space
- 5.3. Selection of materials, finishes, furniture and lighting with criteria of technical feasibility and aesthetic coherence
- 5.4. Resolution of environmental comfort and interior construction details: ergonomics, safety, storage and maintenance
- 5.5. Preparation of project documentation: drawings, diagrams, specifications, renders or presentation boards
Duration and format of the Nautical Interior Design Course
It is 300 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 installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
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 FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Nautical Interior Design Course
Career opportunities after the Nautical Interior Design Course
Questions about the Nautical Interior Design Course
Balancing functionality, comfort and aesthetics with the limits of space and weight and the demands of the marine environment, such as humidity, salt, vibration and motion.
Blues, whites, reds and beige are common, with accents such as turquoise, sea green and gold; the course explains how to use color to enlarge space and create the desired atmosphere.
Yes. It covers fire resistance of materials, safe fixing of furniture, accessibility and escape routes, with reference to maritime safety rules such as SOLAS.
It helps but is not essential. The course introduces 3D tools for visualizing and presenting projects, and the project documentation can combine drawings, diagrams and presentation boards.
Yes. The layout, materials, lighting and comfort criteria apply both to new builds and to the renovation and customization of existing interiors.
You define a vessel, user profile and style, develop the interior layout, select materials, furniture and lighting, resolve comfort and construction details and prepare the project documentation.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied project. It is taught fully online, so you can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
More programs in Shipyard and finishes
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at naval architects and interior designers specializing in vessels, leisure boat owners and shipowners who want to renovate or customize their interiors, design and nautical students, boatbuilding and repair companies that want to offer interior design services, and hospitality and tourism professionals working on marine-themed spaces; a background in interior design, architecture or industrial design, or experience in interior design, boatbuilding or traditional shipwrightry, together with some familiarity with CAD or 3D software, is helpful.
- 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 software to view PDF documents.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose 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 enroll
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.