Professional Diploma in Electronic Navigation and Bridge Operations
This professional diploma gives you the knowledge and practical judgment to use modern electronic navigation systems safely and efficiently from the bridge. You will learn how GNSS and its backups, ECDIS, radar and ARPA, AIS and bridge communications work, how to interpret and cross-check their information, how the integrated bridge, autopilot and alarm management support the watch, and how to handle equipment failures, cyber risks and contingencies, so that technology strengthens rather than replaces good seamanship.
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 Professional Diploma in Electronic Navigation and Bridge Operations?
This professional diploma prepares bridge officers and maritime professionals to operate electronic navigation equipment with confidence and to make sound decisions from the information it provides. You will study the e-Navigation concept, carriage requirements, reliability, redundancy and the human factor; GNSS and augmentation, terrestrial and inertial systems and navigation without GNSS; electronic navigational charts, ECDIS functions, route checking, layers, updates and warnings; radar principles, target tracking, collision avoidance and image interpretation in restricted waters and rough seas; AIS, VHF-DSC, maritime safety information and VTS communications; gyrocompasses, logs, echo sounders and NMEA integration; and IBS and INS, track control, BNWAS, alarm management, bridge ergonomics and workload.
What sets this professional diploma apart: an operator's perspective focused on what the officer of the watch needs to know, rather than on component repair; constant emphasis on cross-checking electronic data against other sources and visual observation; dedicated content on GNSS failures, navigation without satellite positioning and equipment failure drills; attention to human factors, alarm management, ergonomics and workload on the bridge; practical coverage of maintenance routines, software updates, backups and cyber risks; and a final project in which you configure an electronic bridge and its contingency procedures.
Program highlights
- e-Navigation and the human factor: carriage requirements, reliability, redundancy and type approval.
- Positioning: GNSS and augmentation, terrestrial and inertial backups and navigation without GNSS.
- ECDIS in practice: ENCs, route checking, alarms, layers, updates and navigational warnings.
- Radar and ARPA: target tracking, collision avoidance, interpretation and adjustments for sea state.
- Integrated bridge: IBS and INS, track control, BNWAS, alarm management and workload.
- Final project: configuring an electronic bridge with maintenance and contingency procedures.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Electronic Navigation and Bridge Operations
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Introduction to electronic navigation
- 1.1. Evolution of electronic systems
- 1.2. The e-Navigation concept
- 1.3. Mandatory equipment by ship type
- 1.4. Reliability and redundancy
- 1.5. The human factor
- 1.6. Rules for navigation equipment
- 1.7. Type approval of equipment
- 1.8. Recording of equipment on board
Positioning systems
- 2.1. GNSS and its augmentation systems
- 2.2. Loran and terrestrial systems
- 2.3. Inertial navigation
- 2.4. Backup systems
- 2.5. Handling position failures
- 2.6. Navigation without GNSS
- 2.7. Atomic clocks and synchronization
- 2.8. Integrity testing
Electronic charts and ECDIS
- 3.1. Electronic navigational charts (ENC)
- 3.2. ECDIS functions
- 3.3. Alarms and route checking
- 3.4. Chart updates
- 3.5. Mandatory ECDIS training requirements
- 3.6. Configuring layers in ECDIS
- 3.7. Navigating in areas without chart coverage
- 3.8. Managing navigational warnings
Radar and ARPA
- 4.1. Radar principles
- 4.2. Target tracking
- 4.3. Collision avoidance
- 4.4. Image interpretation
- 4.5. Integration with the chart
- 4.6. Radar in restricted waters
- 4.7. Adjustments for sea state
- 4.8. Radar errors
AIS and communications
- 5.1. AIS and its messages
- 5.2. VHF-DSC
- 5.3. Satellite systems
- 5.4. Maritime safety information
- 5.5. Integration on the bridge
- 5.6. AIS safety messages
- 5.7. Communications with VTS
- 5.8. Weather information on the bridge
Navigation sensors
- 6.1. Gyrocompass and satellite compass
- 6.2. Speed log and echo sounder
- 6.3. Anemometer
- 6.4. Heading systems
- 6.5. Sensor calibration
- 6.6. Motion sensors
- 6.7. Gyrocompass errors
- 6.8. NMEA integration
Integrated bridge and automation
- 7.1. IBS and INS systems
- 7.2. Autopilot and track control
- 7.3. Alarm management
- 7.4. Bridge ergonomics
- 7.5. Bridge navigational watch alarm systems (BNWAS)
- 7.6. Ergonomics of displays and controls
- 7.7. Workload management
- 7.8. Bridge audits
Maintenance, cyber security and practice
- 8.1. Equipment maintenance
- 8.2. Software updates
- 8.3. Cyber risks
- 8.4. Contingency procedures
- 8.5. Backups
- 8.6. Equipment failure drills
- 8.7. Incident logging
- 8.8. Final project: configuring an electronic bridge
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Electronic Navigation and Bridge Operations
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 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 Professional Diploma in Electronic Navigation and Bridge Operations
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Electronic Navigation and Bridge Operations
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Electronic Navigation and Bridge Operations
GNSS and its backups, inertial and terrestrial positioning, ECDIS, radar and ARPA, AIS, VHF-DSC and satellite communications, navigation sensors and integrated bridge systems.
Mainly at those who use the equipment on the bridge. It also covers sensor calibration, maintenance routines and software updates, but it does not focus on component-level repair.
No. Navalis teaches how ECDIS works and how to use it well; mandatory generic and type-specific ECDIS certificates are issued by approved centers and the competent maritime authority.
A full module covers handling position failures, backup systems, inertial and terrestrial navigation, integrity testing and navigating without GNSS.
Yes: alarm management, ergonomics of displays and controls, workload management, BNWAS and bridge audits.
Yes. A related qualification or experience in maritime or port operations is enough; the admission interview confirms that the program suits your profile.
Fully online, with multimedia content, practical cases and interactive exercises available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The professional diploma comprises 800 hours of study across 8 modules of about 100 hours each and ends with a final project. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
More programs in Bridge and navigation
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at bridge officers and masters, naval engineers and technicians, students and graduates of maritime programs, staff of shipping companies and shipyards, and maritime inspectors and auditors who need to understand how electronic navigation systems work. A higher technical qualification in electronics, telecommunications or nautical studies, or proven experience with electronic navigation systems, is recommended, together with basic knowledge of electronics, networks and communication systems and, ideally, of maritime navigation.
- 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 documents and multimedia content.
- 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.