Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Vessel Types and Characteristics Course

This course gives you a complete, structured view of the vessels that operate at sea and on inland waters. You will learn how boats and ships are classified by size, function, propulsion, operating area and hull type, how leisure and sports craft differ from merchant ships, which technical features define container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, ro-ro vessels and ferries, and how tugs, offshore support, dredging, research and rescue vessels are designed for their missions.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
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About the program

What is the Vessel Types and Characteristics Course?

This short course gives you the fundamental knowledge to identify, classify and compare the main families of vessels. You will study classification criteria by size, function, propulsion, navigation area and cargo capacity, conventional, semi-planing, planing and multihull hulls, sailing yachts, motor boats, inflatables and RIBs, container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, ro-ro vessels, ferries and reefers, and work and service vessels such as tugs, offshore support vessels, dredgers, research ships and rescue units, with attention to dimensions, capacity, stability, propulsion and equipment.

What sets this course apart: it links each vessel type to the mission it was designed for, so you understand why hull form, propulsion and equipment differ from one family to another; it covers the whole spectrum from small leisure craft to large merchant and service vessels; and it closes with an applied final project in which you produce a comparative technical report on several vessel types.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Classification criteria: size, function, propulsion, navigation area and cargo capacity.
  • Hull types: conventional, semi-planing, planing and multihull craft.
  • Leisure craft: sailing yachts, motor boats, catamarans, inflatables and RIBs.
  • Merchant ships: container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, ro-ro vessels, ferries and reefers.
  • Work and service vessels: tugs, offshore support, dredgers, research and rescue units.
  • Applied project: comparative technical report on several vessel types.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Vessel Types and Characteristics Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

General classification of vessels and principles of type identification in naval architecture

  • 1.1. Concept of a vessel and classification criteria by size, function, propulsion, operating area and cargo capacity
  • 1.2. Differences between small craft, merchant ships, service vessels and large specialized units
  • 1.3. Classification by navigation regime: coastal, ocean-going, river and lake craft
  • 1.4. Types by hull regime: conventional (non-planing), semi-planing, planing and multihull craft
  • 1.5. Visual and technical identification of the main families of vessels in transport, leisure, fishing and maritime services
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Leisure and sports craft: types, technical characteristics and uses in recreational boating

  • 2.1. Classification of leisure craft: sailing yachts, motor yachts, speedboats, leisure catamarans and sports boats
  • 2.2. Structural and design features of cruising, racing and coastal sailing yachts
  • 2.3. Motor boats for leisure: open boats, cabin boats, sports boats and motor cruisers
  • 2.4. Inflatable boats and RIBs: structural configuration, operational advantages and common uses
  • 2.5. Factors that shape the design of leisure craft: comfort, stability, speed, safety and range
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Merchant ships and maritime logistics: commercial types and operational characteristics

  • 3.1. Container ships: deck design, cargo capacity, stowage systems and port operations
  • 3.2. Bulk carriers and tankers: transport of raw materials, fuels and specialized liquid cargoes
  • 3.3. Ro-ro vessels and ferries: transport of vehicles, passengers and rolling cargo on regional routes
  • 3.4. Reefer ships and vessels specialized in the transport of perishable goods
  • 3.5. Technical characteristics of large merchant ships: dimensions, cargo capacity, stability and operational efficiency
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Work, service and support vessels for technical and logistical operations at sea

  • 4.1. Harbor and ocean-going tugs: robust design, propulsion power and specialized maneuverability
  • 4.2. Offshore support vessels and service craft for platforms and industrial operations at sea
  • 4.3. Dredgers and vessels specialized in the maintenance of channels, ports and marine works
  • 4.4. Scientific and oceanographic research vessels: floating laboratories, sensors and operational capabilities
  • 4.5. Salvage, rescue and maritime emergency response vessels
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Final project: type analysis of vessels and comparative assessment of technical and operational characteristics

  • 5.1. Selection of several vessel types for comparative analysis by mission, size and operating area
  • 5.2. Study of the main technical characteristics: dimensions, capacity, propulsion, structure and equipment
  • 5.3. Assessment of the operational advantages and limitations of each vessel type according to its role in the maritime sector
  • 5.4. Analysis of how vessels are designed and adapted to their operating environments and functional requirements
  • 5.5. Preparation of a comparative technical report on different vessel types
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Vessel Types and Characteristics Course

It is 300 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
6
months to finish
25 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 Vessel Types and Characteristics Course

01Identify and classify vessels by design and function, distinguishing dry cargo, liquid cargo, passenger and special vessels and recognizing their stability and maneuverability features.
02Understand nautical nomenclature and the measurement systems used on vessels, identifying structural elements and equipment and reading plans and technical manuals.
03Interpret technical information for the safe handling of different vessel types, identifying type-specific risks and the corresponding emergency procedures.
04Assess the stability and performance of different vessels in various sea conditions by interpreting stability, trim and loading data.
05Select the right vessel for each voyage, considering the type of navigation, duration, expected weather and required range.
06Recognize the propulsion and steering systems of different vessels, including their limitations and their effect on maneuverability.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Vessel Types and Characteristics Course

01Boatbuilding techniciansupport in the design of structures, choice of materials and propulsion systems for different vessel types.
02Naval technical inspectorsupervision of the construction and repair of vessels and checking of compliance with regulations.
03Naval technical consultantadvice on the purchase, sale and valuation of boats and ships.
04Marine surveyorassessment of damage to vessels and support in the investigation of maritime incidents.
05Professional in maritime insurance, logistics or port operations who needs to understand vessel capabilities
06Instructor in nautical trainingteaching vessel types and characteristics at nautical schools and maritime training centers.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Vessel Types and Characteristics Course

The propulsion system: a sailing yacht is driven mainly by the wind acting on its sails, while a motor boat relies on internal combustion or electric engines. This difference also shapes hull form, stability and deck layout.

A conventional, non-planing hull moves through the water and is limited by its hull speed, which suits efficiency and range; a planing hull rises onto the surface at speed, reducing wetted area and allowing much higher speeds at the cost of fuel consumption and comfort in a seaway.

Leisure and sports craft, inflatables and RIBs, container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, ro-ro vessels, ferries, reefers, tugs, offshore support vessels, dredgers, research vessels and salvage and rescue units.

No. Basic nautical terminology helps, but the course starts from the fundamentals. Experience on board is valued but not required.

You choose several vessel types, compare their dimensions, capacity, propulsion, structure and equipment, assess their advantages and limitations for their mission and write a comparative technical report.

Fully online, through a virtual campus accessible from any device, with downloadable materials and tutorials with the teaching staff.

The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied project. 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 naval engineering and marine architecture students, maritime industry professionals in insurance, logistics and port operations, shipyard and workshop staff, crew members and deck officers, and boating and ship-modeling enthusiasts; basic knowledge of navigation and nautical terminology is recommended, and experience on board is valued but not required.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer, tablet or mobile device with a stable internet connection and an up-to-date browser; the materials can be downloaded for study at your own pace.
  • 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 $176 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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