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Professional diploma · Shipyard and finishesProfessional Diploma in Yacht Carpentry and Finishing
This professional diploma gives you the essential skills for the construction and finishing of luxury vessels. You will work with timber, veneers, fittings and coating systems, with a section on measuring, fitting and quality control on board.
100% online800 hours8 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time
What is this programme?
This professional diploma gives you the essential skills to excel in the construction and finishing of luxury vessels. It covers everything from the selection of fine timbers to advanced lacquering and varnishing techniques, including bespoke interiors and decks in flawless condition. The programme is designed for a demanding market in which precision and aesthetics are fundamental.
What sets this diploma apart: a practical approach, working on real yacht carpentry and high-end finishing projects; cutting-edge materials, using innovative tools and products from the marine sector; and personalised design, with the fabrication of made-to-measure furniture and clever storage solutions.
Programme highlights
- Yacht carpentry: specialised techniques for building and repairing luxury vessels.
- High-end finishes: hands-on practice in varnishing, lacquering and coating to achieve flawless surfaces.
- Innovative materials: working with exotic timbers, composites and other state-of-the-art materials used in boatbuilding.
- Design and customisation: developing unique projects that meet the aesthetic and functional demands of exclusive yachts.
- Professional diploma: skills that can advance your career in shipyards and yacht maintenance companies.
- Professional future: skills in high demand in the luxury yachting sector.
Study plan
01Marine Timbers, Composite Materials and Wood Technology100 h
Mechanical properties, durability and hygroscopic behaviour of traditional timbers (teak, mahogany, iroko, cedar and oak). Synthetic substitutes and sustainable alternatives such as synthetic teak (PVC or polyurethane) and thermally modified and acetylated woods. Classification and selection of marine plywood to BS 1088 and classification society specifications. Core materials for lightweight panels: honeycomb (aramid or aluminium), structural foams (PET, PVC, SAN) and balsa. Interaction of wood with the marine environment: relative humidity, UV radiation, salinity, swelling and shrinkage. Selection and use of high-performance marine adhesives: structural epoxies, single-component polyurethanes and resorcinols. Preventive treatments against rot, wood-decay fungi and marine borers (Teredo navalis). Timber selection and drying.
02Tools, Machinery and Boatbuilding Carpentry Techniques100 h
Use and calibration of fine cabinetmaking hand tools: hand planes, chisels, gouges and scrapers. Workshop machinery: panel saws, routers, thicknessers, bandsaws and dust extraction systems. Advanced technologies: 3- and 5-axis CNC machining, 3D scanning of hulls and interiors, and laser or water-jet cutting. Lofting, templates and digital patterns: taking shapes from curved hulls and parts without right angles. Wood bending: steam bending, vacuum-moulded lamination and kerf bending. Mechanical joints and traditional boatbuilding joinery: dovetails, mortise and tenon, scarf joints and tongues. Workshop health and safety: respiratory protection, fire prevention and handling of wood dust. Practical work on traditional joints and assemblies.
03Construction, Installation and Maintenance of Teak Decks100 h
Design and geometric layout of deck planking: margins, covering board, king plank and symmetry of cuts. Fabrication methods: traditional plank-by-plank laying versus prefabricated panels built on templates in the workshop. Preparation of the substrate (fibreglass, aluminium or steel) and levelling with lightweight epoxies and fillers. Vacuum-bagged bonding of planks and selection of elastic polyurethane or MS polymer sealants. Seam caulking: groove preparation, bond-breaker tape and sanding flush. Maintenance, restoration and cleaning of teak decks: acid washing, degreasing, renewal sanding and replacement of damaged planks. Preservation treatments: marine oils, acrylic sealers and protectors versus natural weathering to silver grey. Practical work on caulking and sealing teak decks.
04Interior Cabinetmaking, Bespoke Furniture and Luxury Joinery100 h
Interior architectural design: optimising small spaces, making the most of volume and ergonomics in curved shapes. Construction of floating structures, lightweight bulkheads and anti-vibration fixing systems on the hull. Veneering: cutting, grain matching (book-matching and slip-matching), vacuum pressing and edge veneering. Fabrication of bespoke marine furniture: berths, convertible tables with fiddles, curved sofas and compartments with sea retainers. Complex mouldings, hardwood handrails, curved trims and integrated panels. Luxury marine hardware: concealed hinges, push latches, soft-close runners and 316L stainless steel or brass fittings. Thermal, acoustic and fire insulation behind linings, in line with safety standards such as the IMO FTP Code. Practical work on veneers, marquetry and lacquers.
05Fillers, Surface Preparation and the Base for Finishes100 h
Assessment of substrates (wood, plywood, GRP and metal) before painting or varnishing. Conditioning of the wood: progressive sanding, grain control, removal of natural resins and degreasing with marine solvents. Formulation and application of lightweight epoxy fairing compounds to true up hulls and superstructures. Fairing with long boards, use of guide coats and visual and tactile checks of flatness. Fine-grain finishing fillers to remove porosity, imperfections and marks. Epoxy primers and pore sealers: barriers against bleeding of the wood's natural oils. Control of residual moisture before applying clear or pigmented systems, using capacitance or pin meters. Practical work on sanding and preparation for varnish.
06Marine Varnishes, Clear Systems and High-End Finishes100 h
Types of marine varnish: clear oil-based synthetics, single-component polyurethanes and two-component polyurethanes. Special clear coatings: high-clarity epoxies with UV blockers combined with fluorinated polyurethanes. Traditional hand-varnishing schedules: brush application (tipping), intermediate sanding and building up 8 to 12 coats. Spray application: adjusting viscosity, thinning, pressure and nozzle size. High-gloss, satin and matt finishes: levelling techniques, environmental control and prevention of dust nibs. Wet sanding, compounding with abrasive paste and final polishing with wool or foam pads. Maintenance and spot repair of damaged varnish: UV degradation, localised flaking and delamination. Practical work on exterior varnish maintenance.
07Topcoats, Gelcoat and Surface Repair100 h
Two-component acrylic polyurethane and polyester polyurethane topcoat enamels for superstructures and topsides. Spraying techniques for topcoats: HVLP guns, fan adjustment, overlap and prevention of orange peel. Gelcoat correction and refinishing: formulation, catalysing, application by spray or spatula, graded sanding and blending polish. Preparation of paint booths and areas: control of temperature, humidity, laminar airflow and positive pressure. Finish defects: blushing, cracking, blistering, solvent boil, silicone contamination (fish eyes) and their correction. Treatment and enhancement of onboard metalwork: clear lacquers over bronze and stainless steel, and finishes on exposed carbon fibre. Measurement of gloss, dry film thickness and adhesion testing on finishes of high aesthetic value. Practical work on polishing and buffing surfaces.
08Estimating, Quality Control (QA/QC) and Integrated Project100 h
Calculation of materials, cutting lists for hardwoods, yield of chemical products and estimation of waste. Preparation of budgets and quotations for carpentry and finishing work in yacht refits. Time planning and management of work areas in shipyards or boatyards (dry-dock schedule). Quality inspection of carpentry and finishes: final checklists, clearance tolerances and grain continuity. Environmental and HSE regulations in the finishing workshop: control of volatile organic compounds, solvent waste and air filtration before discharge. Handover protocols to the owner or captain: temporary protection of varnished or painted surfaces during other work on board. Presentation of the integrated project. Integrated project: full planning of a carpentry and finishing job, for example an exterior teak table with an inlaid compass rose, or a restoration plan for the deck and furniture of a classic yacht, including drawings, cutting lists, varnish or paint schedules and a budget.
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
- Master the construction and repair of wooden structures on vessels.
- Apply advanced finishing techniques to protect and enhance yachts.
- Manage yacht carpentry projects from design to final delivery.
- Interpret drawings and technical specifications for yacht carpentry.
- Select and use the right tools and materials for yacht carpentry and finishing.
- Ensure the watertightness and durability of wooden structures on yachts.
Career outcomes
- Yacht carpenter: construction, repair and maintenance of wooden structures, including furniture, decks and linings.
- Yacht finishing specialist: application of high-quality varnishes, lacquers and paints on wood and other materials.
- Marine furniture installer: fitting furniture and accessories and ensuring they are secure and functional.
- Classic yacht restorer: rehabilitation and conservation of older wooden vessels using traditional techniques.
- Yacht interior designer (with additional training): creation of personalised spaces that combine function, aesthetics and comfort.
- Carpentry project supervisor in shipyards: management and coordination of teams of carpenters and finishing specialists.
- Technical adviser at marine products companies: advising customers and professionals on materials, tools and techniques.
- Entrepreneur: setting up your own yacht carpentry and finishing workshop.
Entry requirements
- Academic or professional profile: vocational training in wood and furniture, boatbuilding or related fields, or demonstrable professional experience in carpentry, cabinetmaking or finishing.
- Technical knowledge: basic notions of carpentry, use of hand and power tools, reading of technical drawings and occupational safety.
- Documentation: up-to-date CV, copy of your qualification or certificates of work experience, national ID or passport, and an optional letter of interest.
- Additional skills (valued, not required): experience in surface finishing, knowledge of materials for marine environments (varnishes, paints, etc.) and familiarity with marine safety regulations.
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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