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Professional diploma · Machinery and electrics

Professional Diploma in Marine Diesel Engines

This professional diploma gives you a deep understanding of the operation, maintenance and fault diagnosis of these critical systems. You will work on combustion, fuel injection, turbocharging, cooling and lubrication circuits, along with operating data analysis and maintenance planning.

100% online800 hours8 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This professional diploma gives you a deep understanding of the operation, maintenance and fault diagnosis of marine diesel engines, which are critical systems on board. It includes specialised knowledge of thermodynamics, combustion, lubrication and cooling, aimed at improving performance and extending engine life. It prepares you to face the challenges of the maritime sector, from efficient operation to solving complex problems.

Its strengths are a practical approach based on real case analysis and fault simulation; emerging technologies, with the study of electronic control and alternative fuels for sustainability; predictive maintenance through monitoring and data analysis to anticipate failures; and regulation and safety, with compliance with international standards and engine handling protocols.

Programme highlights

  • The fundamentals of thermodynamics and the diesel cycle applied to marine engines.
  • Detailed analysis of injection, lubrication and cooling systems.
  • Inspection techniques, fault diagnosis and repair procedures.
  • Optimising performance, reducing fuel consumption and extending engine life.
  • The applicable environmental and maritime safety regulations.
  • Designed to advance your career in marine diesel technology.

Study plan

01Thermodynamic Principles and Architecture of the Diesel Engine100 h
Four-stroke and two-stroke diesel cycles applied to ships. Classification of engines by speed (slow, medium and high speed). Structural components: bedplate, block, cylinder head and crankcase. Running gear: pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft and bearings. Heat balance and energy losses. Calculating indicated power, brake power and specific fuel oil consumption (SFOC). Interpreting performance curves and diagrams.
02Injection Systems and Fuel Management100 h
Properties and treatment of marine fuels (MGO, MDO and HFO). Mechanical in-line and rotary injection pumps. Injectors: types, calibration and spray patterns. Common rail and unit injector systems. Electronic engine management (ECU/EDC) and sensors. Fuel preparation: centrifuges, viscometers and preheaters. Fault diagnosis in the fuel circuit, including water contamination.
03Intake, Turbocharging and Exhaust Systems100 h
Fundamentals of turbocharging and marine turbochargers. Fixed and variable geometry turbochargers. Charge air coolers. Exhaust gas dynamics and manifolds. Emission treatment systems: scrubbers and SCR for NOx. Maintenance and cleaning of blowers. Turbine balancing. Detecting anomalies through boost pressure and exhaust temperature.
04Cooling and Lubrication Systems100 h
Fresh water (closed) and sea water (open) cooling circuits. Plate and shell-and-tube heat exchangers, their maintenance and descaling. Centrifugal and flexible impeller cooling water pumps. Properties of marine lubricants: viscosity index and TBN. Forced lubrication circuit. Continuous purification and laboratory oil analysis. Preventing overheating, cavitation and dilution. Cooling water treatment.
05Starting, Control and Marine Transmission Systems100 h
Electric, pneumatic and hydraulic starting methods. Compressors, air receivers and direct starting valves. Reversing systems and reduction gearboxes. Flexible couplings, shaft lines and thrust bearings. Speed regulation with governors. Slow-turning systems and safety interlocks. Shaft line alignment with the crankshaft and deflection checks. Clutches.
06Inspection, Testing and Fault Diagnosis100 h
Borescope inspection of combustion chambers and cylinders. Measuring crankshaft deflections and liner wear. Vibration analysis. Monitoring peak pressures and pressure diagrams. Infrared thermography. Systematic diagnosis of exhaust smoke. Non-destructive testing (NDT) of critical components. Measuring compression and pressures.
07Preventive and Corrective Maintenance and Overhaul100 h
Reliability-Centred Maintenance (RCM) plan. Dismantling and reassembling cylinder heads, pistons and connecting rods. Liner honing, valve seating and seal replacement. Replacing bearings and checking clearances. Maintenance of water and oil pumps and thermostats. Adjusting valve clearances and timing. Managing critical spares, special tools and logistics in port. Cylinder head overhaul.
08Safety, Regulation and Performance Testing100 h
MARPOL Annex VI and Tier I, II and III emission standards. Emergency stop systems and safety alarms. Preventing crankcase explosions and oil mist monitoring. Confined space procedures and handling of high-pressure fluids. Running-in protocols after overhaul. Load tests, test bed trials and sea trials. Compiling the engine's technical history and intervention reports.

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 faults in marine diesel systems.
  • Optimise the performance and efficiency of marine diesel engines.
  • Manage preventive and corrective maintenance.
  • Comply with safety and environmental regulations in engine operation.
  • Supervise and coordinate teams in marine diesel engineering operations.
  • Implement continuous improvement strategies in engine operation.

Career outcomes

  • Marine mechanic: maintenance and repair on merchant, fishing, leisure and other vessels.
  • Field service technician: diagnosis and repair in ports and shipyards, nationally and internationally.
  • Technical inspector: assessing engine condition for insurers, shipowners and maritime authorities.
  • Maintenance manager: coordinating preventive and corrective maintenance across a fleet.
  • Technical sales adviser: sales and advice on engines, spare parts and related services.
  • Product designer or engineer: developing and improving engines for manufacturers and naval engineering firms.
  • Trainer or instructor in marine diesel technology.
  • Marine surveyor: expert reports on breakdowns, casualties and claims.

Entry requirements

  • Academic or professional profile: technical background in mechanics, electromechanics or similar, or demonstrable experience in the maintenance or repair of diesel engines.
  • Prior knowledge: basic notions of thermodynamics, combustion and cooling systems are valued.
  • Documentation: up-to-date CV, copy of qualifications or certificates (if applicable), identity document or passport, and an optional letter of interest.
  • Specific requirements: an interest in marine diesel technology and its application in the maritime sector.

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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