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Professional diploma · Machinery and electricsProfessional Diploma in Marine Diesel and Electric Engines
This professional diploma gives you complete and practical knowledge of the operation, maintenance and repair of propulsion systems. You will work on diesel engines, electric drives and hybrid configurations, with fault finding and maintenance planning as a constant thread.
100% online800 hours8 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time
What is this programme?
This professional diploma offers comprehensive, practical training in the operation, maintenance and repair of modern marine propulsion systems. It covers thermodynamics, combustion and lubrication, together with emerging technologies in electric motors and hybrid systems, so that you can optimise vessel performance and efficiency and prepare for the challenges of today's maritime sector.
What makes the programme different: a practical approach with real cases, fault simulation and performance analysis; innovative technologies, including electric, hybrid and alternative propulsion; and predictive maintenance strategies that extend the service life of equipment.
Programme highlights
- Marine propulsion: operation, maintenance and diagnosis of diesel engines and essential electrical systems.
- Leading-edge technology: innovations in energy efficiency, emissions control and hybrid systems.
- Practical cases and simulations: real exercises and advanced simulations.
- A professional diploma that supports your career in vessel engineering and operation.
- Specialised knowledge of marine engines for your professional future.
Study plan
01Thermodynamics, Power Cycles and Marine Diesel Engine Architecture100 h
Principles of applied thermodynamics and theoretical and real cycles (Diesel, Dual and Miller). Architecture and classification of marine engines: main propulsion versus auxiliaries, two-stroke and four-stroke engines (medium-speed and slow-speed). Engine kinematics: pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts, main bearings and cooled liners. Gas dynamics and supercharging: variable-geometry and two-stage turbochargers, intercoolers and gas washing. High-pressure electronic injection: marine common rail, piezoelectric injectors and high-pressure pumps. Marine fuel management: HFO, MGO, VLSFO/ULSFO blends, purification, centrifuging and viscosity control. Combustion monitoring: pressure-crank angle diagrams, peak pressure and cylinder balancing. Main components of the diesel engine.
02Marine Emissions, Decarbonisation and Alternative Fuels100 h
Regulatory framework: MARPOL Annex VI, emission control areas (ECA/SECA), EEXI and CII. NOx reduction: SCR and marine EGR. SOx and particulate reduction: open-loop, closed-loop and hybrid scrubbers. Dual-fuel engines: LNG and integrated Otto/Diesel cycle. Future decarbonisation: adapting engines to green methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. Energy efficiency: waste heat recovery systems (WHRS) and integrated steam or gas turbines. On-board energy audits, SEEMP plans and on-board carbon capture (OCCS). Exhaust gas treatment systems.
03Fundamentals of Marine Electric Propulsion and Electrical Machines100 h
Integrated electric propulsion architecture: advantages, redundancy and part-load efficiency. Generators: synchronous alternators, excitation, automatic voltage regulation (AVR) and paralleling. Propulsion motors: induction, permanent-magnet synchronous and superconducting machines. Power quality: harmonics, filters, power factor and frequency variations. Converters and variable-speed drives: PWM, VSI, CSI and multilevel topologies for medium voltage. Marine isolation and phase-shifting transformers for harmonic mitigation. Classification society rules for high voltage (above 1 kV). Synchronous and asynchronous motors.
04Hybridisation, Energy Storage and Shore Connection (Cold Ironing)100 h
Hybrid vessel configurations: series, parallel and combined diesel-electric (PTI/PTO/PTH). Energy storage: marinised lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors and flywheels. Battery management and safety: BMS, thermal runaway containment and gas detection. Integration of fuel cells into the ship's grid for zero-emission operation in port. High-voltage shore connection: IEC/IEEE 80005 standards, synchronisation and seamless transfer. On-board DC distribution grids: less weight and space, and better diesel engine operating regime. Peak shaving, spinning reserve and power support strategies with energy storage. Marine battery management.
05Mechanical Transmission, Advanced Propulsors and Hydrodynamic Control100 h
Gearboxes, hydraulic clutches, flexible couplings and shaft lines: alignment and torsional vibration analysis. Thrust bearings: lubrication, stern tube seals and temperature monitoring. Fixed-pitch versus controllable-pitch propellers: pitch-change hydraulics and operating curves. Steerable propulsors: podded drives, diesel-mechanical azimuth thrusters and waterjets. Transverse and cycloidal thrusters for improved manoeuvrability. Propeller-hull-engine interaction: cavitation, erosion, radiated noise and thrust-enhancing devices. Shaft line maintenance in dry dock: shaft drop measurement, draughts and propeller balancing. Gearboxes and clutches.
06Automation, Control Networks and Power Management Systems (PMS)100 h
Engine room automation for unattended machinery spaces (AUT-UMS and E0 notations). SCADA and HMI at the engine control console. Industrial networks on board: Modbus, Profibus, CANopen and industrial Ethernet in redundant ring. PMS: automatic generator start and stop, load management and automatic load shedding. EMS for real-time optimisation of hybrid plants. Redundancy, fault tolerance and FMEA analysis in dynamic positioning control (DP2/DP3). Cybersecurity of OT systems in line with IMO guidelines and IACS UR E26/E27. Load sharing and synchronisation.
07Predictive Maintenance, Fault Diagnosis and Marine Tribology100 h
Tribology: laboratory and on-board oil analysis (viscosity, TBN, insolubles, water and wear metals). Vibration analysis: accelerometers, FFT spectra and diagnosis of misalignment, imbalance and bearing faults. Infrared thermography and ultrasound for detecting hot spots and insulation leaks. Endoscopy and videoscopy for inspecting cylinders, valves, turbochargers and gears without dismantling. Maintenance strategies: condition-based (CBM) and reliability-centred (RCM). Digitalisation: digital twins and machine learning for predicting failures and remaining useful life. Spare parts management, on-board inventory and shipyard stoppage planning. Oil and vibration analysis.
08Industrial Safety, Operational Management and Integrative Propulsion Project100 h
Engine room safety: fire prevention and extinguishing (water mist, CO2, Novec 1230) and oil mist detection. Bunkering risks: procedures, representative sampling and dangerous goods safety. Operation of propulsion plants in line with international codes (ISM, STCW III/2 and III/3). Life cycle cost, CAPEX and OPEX of converting diesel vessels to electric or hybrid propulsion (retrofit). Bilge water management, oily water separators (15 ppm) and oil discharge monitoring equipment (ODME). Factory, harbour and sea acceptance tests for propulsion plants. Integrative project: conceptual and basic engineering to size and simulate the consumption, emissions and feasibility of a diesel, hybrid or electric plant for a commercial or specialised vessel, with final presentation.
Duration and format
800hours in total
8modules of 100 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round
At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 80 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 40.
What you will learn
- Diagnose and repair marine diesel and electric propulsion systems.
- Optimise the performance and efficiency of these engines.
- Manage preventive and corrective maintenance.
- Comply with safety and environmental regulations when operating them.
- Supervise the operation and running of these engines.
- Coordinate and lead marine engineering work teams.
Career outcomes
- Shipboard maintenance technician: diagnosis, repair and maintenance of marine engines and electrical systems.
- Engineering officer (skills development): engine room management, performance and safety.
- Shipyard technician: vessel repair and construction, specialising in propulsion.
- Marine engine technical inspector: assessment of condition and regulatory compliance.
- Marine equipment sales or distribution: technical advice and sales.
- Technician in maritime service companies: engine maintenance on offshore platforms and similar installations.
- Teacher or trainer in maritime training centres.
- Marine engineering technical consultant: design, installation and optimisation of propulsion systems.
Entry requirements
- Academic or professional profile: a higher technician qualification in Industrial Equipment Maintenance, Electromechanics or similar, or demonstrable experience in the maintenance and operation of diesel or electric engines.
- Prior knowledge: basic notions of thermodynamics, electricity, mechanics and control systems.
- Documentation: an up-to-date CV, a copy of your qualification (if applicable), a certificate of work experience (if applicable), ID card or passport and a motivation letter.
- Recommended: knowledge of maritime regulations and occupational safety.
How to enrol
Enrol online
Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.
Receive your access
We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.
Study at your pace
Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.
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