Professional diploma800 h · Online · 8 modules

Professional Diploma in Navigation Electronics: GNSS, Radar and Sonar

This professional diploma gives you a complete technical command of the electronic equipment used for modern navigation. You will learn how GNSS receivers, marine radar, sonar and echo sounders, chart plotters and ECDIS, AIS, autopilots and NMEA networks work, how to integrate them on the bridge, and how to install, calibrate, maintain and repair them so that every vessel navigates safely and efficiently.

Duration800 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules8
Program diagnosis

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.

Your diagnosis
6of 6 to cover

You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.

About the program

What is the Professional Diploma in Navigation Electronics: GNSS, Radar and Sonar?

This professional diploma prepares you to understand, operate and look after the full suite of navigation electronics on board. You will study SOLAS carriage requirements, bridge integration, power supplies and electromagnetic compatibility; GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou, DGPS and SBAS, GNSS errors, jamming and backup positioning; X and S band radar, gain, sea and rain controls, echo interpretation, ARPA, solid-state and Doppler radar; underwater acoustics, echo sounders, side-scan, forward-looking and fishing sonar; raster and vector charts, plotters and ECDIS; AIS, autopilots, heading sensors and gyrocompasses on NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 and Ethernet networks; and the installation, calibration, preventive maintenance and fault-finding of all this equipment.

What sets this professional diploma apart: it covers the whole navigation electronics chain in one program, from positioning and radar to sonar, charts and autopilots, rather than a single system; it looks at equipment through the eyes of the technician as well as the navigator, with real attention to antennas, transducers, cabling, lightning protection and documentation; it explains how sensors share data across NMEA and Ethernet networks and how to diagnose them when they fail; it addresses GNSS vulnerabilities and backup positioning; and it closes with a structured approach to preventive maintenance, software updates, technical records and maintenance planning.

Program typeProfessional diploma
ModeOnline
Duration800 hours
Modules8
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • GNSS positioning: GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou, DGPS, SBAS, jamming and backup systems.
  • Marine radar: X and S bands, controls, echo interpretation, ARPA, solid-state and Doppler radar.
  • Sonar and echo sounders: multifrequency, side-scan, forward-looking and fishing sonar.
  • Charts and ECDIS: raster and vector charts, plotters, route planning and radar and AIS overlay.
  • AIS, autopilots and networks: heading sensors, gyrocompasses, NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 and Ethernet.
  • Installation and maintenance: antennas, transducers, cabling, calibration and fault diagnosis.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Navigation Electronics: GNSS, Radar and Sonar

8 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Fundamentals of navigation electronics

  • 1.1. Evolution of marine electronic equipment
  • 1.2. SOLAS requirements and mandatory equipment
  • 1.3. Integration on the bridge
  • 1.4. Power supply and electrical protection
  • 1.5. Interference and electromagnetic compatibility
  • 1.6. Integrated bridges and INS systems
  • 1.7. Navigation software
  • 1.8. Bridge ergonomics
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

GNSS systems

  • 2.1. GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou
  • 2.2. Accuracy, DGPS and SBAS
  • 2.3. Receiver configuration
  • 2.4. Errors and vulnerabilities
  • 2.5. Integration with chart plotters and autopilots
  • 2.6. GNSS antennas and their installation
  • 2.7. Interference and jamming
  • 2.8. Backup positioning systems
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Marine radar

  • 3.1. Radar principles and the X and S bands
  • 3.2. Controls: gain, sea clutter and rain clutter
  • 3.3. Echo interpretation
  • 3.4. ARPA and target tracking
  • 3.5. Radar maintenance
  • 3.6. Solid-state radar
  • 3.7. Radar and collision avoidance
  • 3.8. Doppler radar
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Sonar and echo sounders

  • 4.1. Principles of underwater acoustics
  • 4.2. Echo sounders and multifrequency sounders
  • 4.3. Side-scan and imaging sonar
  • 4.4. Fishing sonar
  • 4.5. Interpreting acoustic images
  • 4.6. Forward-looking sonar
  • 4.7. Calibrating echo sounders
  • 4.8. Transducer maintenance
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Chart plotters, electronic charts and ECDIS

  • 5.1. Raster and vector charts
  • 5.2. Multifunction chart plotters
  • 5.3. ECDIS: regulations and functions
  • 5.4. Route planning and monitoring
  • 5.5. Updating charts
  • 5.6. Official and private cartography
  • 5.7. Integration with radar and AIS
  • 5.8. ECDIS training requirements
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 6

AIS, autopilots and NMEA networks

  • 6.1. AIS Class A and Class B
  • 6.2. The autopilot and its configuration
  • 6.3. NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 networks
  • 6.4. Sensor integration
  • 6.5. Network diagnosis
  • 6.6. Autopilot performance in adverse conditions
  • 6.7. Heading sensors and the gyrocompass
  • 6.8. Marine Ethernet networks
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 7

Equipment installation

  • 7.1. Siting antennas and transducers
  • 7.2. Cabling and connections
  • 7.3. Calibration and testing
  • 7.4. Installation documentation
  • 7.5. Installation standards
  • 7.6. Installing VHF and AIS antennas
  • 7.7. Lightning protection
  • 7.8. Verification and sign-off of the installation
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 8

Maintenance and repair

  • 8.1. Preventive maintenance
  • 8.2. Fault diagnosis
  • 8.3. Software updates
  • 8.4. Replacing components
  • 8.5. Diagnostic tools
  • 8.6. Warranty management
  • 8.7. Technical equipment records
  • 8.8. Maintenance plan
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Navigation Electronics: GNSS, Radar and Sonar

It is 800 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
15
months to finish
67 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 Professional Diploma in Navigation Electronics: GNSS, Radar and Sonar

01Interpret and analyze data from navigation sensors, combining AIS, radar and ECDIS to build a complete picture of the situation and anticipate risks.
02Diagnose and repair faults in navigation equipment through systematic testing, technical manuals and specialized diagnostic tools.
03Operate and maintain electronic navigation systems, reading sensor information accurately, managing uncertainty and applying the necessary corrections.
04Integrate navigation systems to improve operational efficiency, using navigation data to optimize routes, reduce risk and cut fuel consumption.
05Adopt emerging navigation technologies, combining advanced GNSS, AIS and radar data for accurate situational awareness in varied conditions.
06Organize the information produced by navigation equipment, from installation records to maintenance logs, to support sound technical and operational decisions.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Navigation Electronics: GNSS, Radar and Sonar

01Installation and maintenance technician for navigation equipment (GNSS, radar, sonar) on ships and boats
02Onboard electronics officer or technician responsible for the operation and repair of navigation systems
03Technician at marine service companiescalibration, repair and testing of navigation electronics.
04Technical consultant on the selection and installation of navigation equipment for vessels
05Technical sales specialist or R&D team member for marine navigation electronics
06Technical trainer in navigation electronics or expert witness in maritime incidents involving navigation equipment
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Professional Diploma in Navigation Electronics: GNSS, Radar and Sonar

GNSS positioning (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou), marine radar and ARPA, sonar and echo sounders, chart plotters and ECDIS, AIS, autopilots, heading sensors and the NMEA and Ethernet networks that connect them.

It is broader: radar and AIS are part of it, but the diploma also covers satellite positioning, sonar, electronic charts, autopilots and, above all, the installation, calibration and repair of the whole navigation electronics suite.

Both. Navigators gain a deeper understanding of their equipment and its limits, while technicians learn the installation, diagnosis and maintenance side in detail.

No. The diploma explains ECDIS regulations, functions and training requirements; the type-specific and official ECDIS training required for watchkeeping is issued under the rules of the competent maritime authority.

Yes. A related degree or vocational qualification, or experience with marine electronics, is enough; the admission interview confirms that the program suits your profile.

Yes. The GNSS module looks at errors, vulnerabilities, interference and jamming, and at the backup positioning systems available when satellite signals are degraded.

Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded, practical exercises and tutorials with the teaching staff.

The professional diploma comprises 800 hours of study across 8 modules of about 100 hours each. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.

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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 deck officers and marine electronics technicians, maintenance technicians and naval engineers, fishing and oceanographic research professionals who rely on sonar, marine surveyors and inspectors, and electronics or nautical students seeking a practical specialization. A degree in electronic engineering, telecommunications, nautical science or a related field, or a higher vocational qualification in electronics or electricity with experience maintaining navigation equipment, is recommended; basic knowledge of electronics, communications and navigation systems is expected.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a camera and microphone, a broadband internet connection and software to view documents.
  • 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 $1,384 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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