Professional diploma800 h · Online · 8 modules
Professional 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.
Duration800 h
ModeOnline
StartDecember 1
Modules8
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About the programme
What is the Professional Diploma in Yacht Carpentry and Finishing?
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 typeProfessional diploma
ModeOnline
Duration800 hours
Modules8
StartDecember 1
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.
Syllabus
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Yacht Carpentry and Finishing
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Module 1
Marine Timbers, Composite Materials and Wood Technology
- 1.1. Mechanical properties, durability and hygroscopicity of traditional timbers: Teak (Tectona grandis), Mahogany, Iroko, Cedar and Oak
- 1.2. Synthetic substitute timbers and sustainable alternatives: synthetic teak (PVC/polyurethane), thermally modified and acetylated woods
- 1.3. Classification and selection of marine plywood (Marine Grade) to BS 1088 and classification society specifications
- 1.4. Core materials for lightweight panels: honeycomb (aramid/aluminium), structural foams (PET, PVC, SAN) and balsa wood
- 1.5. Interaction of wood with the marine environment: relative humidity, UV radiation, salinity, swelling and volumetric shrinkage
- 1.6. Selection and use of high-performance marine adhesives: structural epoxies, one-component polyurethanes (PUR) and resorcinols
- 1.7. Preventive treatments against rot, wood-decaying fungi and marine borers (Teredo navalis)
- 1.8. Timber selection and seasoning
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your paceModule 2
Tools, Machinery and Marine Joinery Techniques
- 2.1. Use and setting-up of fine cabinetmaking hand tools: hand planes, chisels, gouges and cabinet scrapers
- 2.2. Workshop machinery for marine joinery: panel saws, spindle moulders, thicknessers, band saws and dust extraction systems
- 2.3. Joinery using advanced technologies: 3- and 5-axis CNC machining, 3D scanning of hulls and interiors, and laser/waterjet cutting
- 2.4. Marking-out, moulds and digital templating (Template/Lofting): taking shapes in curved hulls with no right angles
- 2.5. Wood bending: Steam Bending, vacuum-moulded lamination and Kerfing
- 2.6. Mechanical fastenings and traditional marine joints: dovetails, mortise and tenon, scarf joints and splines
- 2.7. Health and safety in the joinery workshop: respiratory protective equipment, fire prevention and handling of fine wood dust
- 2.8. Traditional joints and assemblies
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your paceModule 3
Construction, Installation and Maintenance of Teak Decks
- 3.1. Design and geometric layout of deck planking: margin boards, covering board, king plank and cutting symmetry
- 3.2. Deck manufacturing methods: traditional plank-by-plank laying vs. panels prefabricated on templates in the workshop
- 3.3. Substrate preparation (GRP, aluminium, steel) and levelling systems with lightweight epoxies / fairing fillers
- 3.4. Vacuum bonding of deck planks (Vacuum Bagging) and selection of elastic polyurethane/MS polymer sealants
- 3.5. Seam caulking process: preparing grooves, applying bond-breaker tape and flat sanding
- 3.6. Maintenance, restoration and cleaning of teak decks: acid cleaning, degreasing, renewal sanding and replacement of damaged planks
- 3.7. Preservation treatments: marine oils, acrylic sealers and teak protectors vs. natural weathering to a silver-grey tone
- 3.8. Caulking and sealing of teak decks
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your paceModule 4
Interior Cabinetmaking, Bespoke Furniture and Luxury Joinery
- 4.1. Architectural interior design for yachts: optimising small spaces, use of volume and curved ergonomics
- 4.2. Construction of floating structures, lightweight bulkheads and anti-vibration fixing systems on the hull
- 4.3. Wood veneering techniques: cutting, grain matching (Book-matching, Slip-matching), vacuum pressing and edge veneering
- 4.4. Manufacture of bespoke marine furniture: berths, convertible tables with fiddles, curved sofas and lockers with sea catches
- 4.5. Manufacture and installation of complex mouldings, hardwood handrails, curved trims and integrated panelling
- 4.6. Luxury marine hardware: concealed hinges, push-button catches, soft-close runners and fittings in 316L stainless steel / brass
- 4.7. Thermal, acoustic and fire-resistant insulation behind wood linings in accordance with safety standards (IMO FTP Code)
- 4.8. Veneers, marquetry and lacquering
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your paceModule 5
Fillers, Surface Preparation and Finishing Foundations
- 5.1. Assessment and inspection of substrates: wood, plywood, GRP and metal before painting/varnishing
- 5.2. Wood conditioning: progressive sanding, grain control, removal of natural resins and degreasing with marine solvents
- 5.3. Formulation and application of lightweight epoxy Fairing Compounds for fairing hulls and superstructures
- 5.4. Long-board sanding: long-board techniques, Guide coat and visual/tactile flatness control
- 5.5. Application of fine-grain Finishing Fillers to eliminate porosity, imperfections and pinholes
- 5.6. Sealing primers and epoxy pore sealers for woods and composites: barriers against bleeding of natural oils
- 5.7. Control of residual moisture in wood prior to applying clear or pigmented systems (capacitance/pin meters)
- 5.8. Sanding and preparation for varnish
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your paceModule 6
Marine Varnishes, Clear Systems and High-End Finishes
- 6.1. Types of marine varnish: oil-based synthetic clears, one-component polyurethanes and two-component (2K) polyurethanes
- 6.2. Special clear coatings: high-clarity epoxies with UV blockers combined with fluorinated polyurethane varnishes
- 6.3. Traditional hand varnishing schemes: brush application (Tipping method), intermediate sanding and build-up of coats (8 to 12 coats)
- 6.4. Spray application of varnishes: adjustment of viscosity, thinning, pressure and nozzle size
- 6.5. High Gloss, satin and matt finishes: levelling techniques, environmental control and prevention of dust nibs
- 6.6. Wet Sanding, Compounding and final polishing with wool/foam pads
- 6.7. Maintenance and spot repair of damaged varnish: UV degradation, local flaking and delamination
- 6.8. Maintenance of exterior varnish
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your paceModule 7
Topcoats, Gelcoat and Surface Repair
- 7.1. 2K acrylic polyurethane and polyester polyurethane finishing enamels for yacht superstructures and topsides
- 7.2. Advanced spray techniques for Topcoats: HVLP guns, fan adjustment, overlap and prevention of orange peel
- 7.3. Gelcoat correction, repair and refinishing: formulation, catalysis, spray/spatula application, blend sanding and integration polishing
- 7.4. Preparation of spray booths and application areas: control of temperature, relative humidity, laminar airflow and positive pressurisation
- 7.5. Defects in yacht finishes: blushing, crazing, blistering, solvent popping, silicone contamination (fish eyes) and their correction
- 7.6. Treatment and enhancement of metal parts on board: clear lacquers on bronze and stainless steel, and finishes on exposed carbon fibre
- 7.7. Gloss measurement (Glossmeter), dry film thickness and adhesion testing on high-aesthetic-value finishes
- 7.8. Polishing and buffing of surfaces
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your paceModule 8
Estimating, Quality Control (QA/QC) and Capstone Project
- 8.1. Material take-off, cutting lists for hardwoods, coverage of chemical products and waste estimation
- 8.2. Preparation of estimates and quotations for joinery and finishing projects in yacht refits (Yacht Refit)
- 8.3. Time planning and management of work areas within shipyards or boatyards (Dry-dock schedule)
- 8.4. Quality inspection of joinery and finishes: Punch lists, gap tolerances and grain continuity
- 8.5. Environmental protection regulations (HSE) in the finishing workshop: VOC management, solvent waste and air filtration before discharge
- 8.6. Handover protocols to the owner/captain: temporary protection of varnished/painted surfaces during other work on board
- 8.7. Presentation of the capstone project
- 8.8. Capstone project: complete planning of a joinery and finishing job (e.g. design and construction of an exterior teak table with an inlaid compass rose, or a plan for the comprehensive restoration of the deck and furniture of a classic yacht), including drawings, cutting list, selection of varnish/paint schemes and cost estimate
At this stage
100 hestimated workload8 wkweeks at your pacePlan your pace
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Yacht Carpentry and Finishing
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 instalment plan.
Faculty
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives
Objectives of the Professional Diploma in Yacht Carpentry and Finishing
01Master the construction and repair of wooden structures on vessels.
02Apply advanced finishing techniques to protect and enhance yachts.
03Manage yacht carpentry projects from design to final delivery.
04Interpret drawings and technical specifications for yacht carpentry.
05Select and use the right tools and materials for yacht carpentry and finishing.
06Ensure the watertightness and durability of wooden structures on yachts.
Careers
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Yacht Carpentry and Finishing
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Yacht Carpentry and Finishing
It focuses on construction and finishing, which may include restoration as part of the finishing process.
Yes. The programme includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with port, ocean, fog, heavy-weather and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator stays/internships through partnership agreements.
It focuses on yacht joinery and finishing, not on complete construction.
Functional SMCP is recommended. We provide support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a related qualification or experience in maritime/port operations. The admission interview will confirm your suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Partnerships and the Alumni Network.
Simulator exercises (rubrics), passage plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and an applied master's thesis.
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More programmes in Shipyard and finishes
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Online admission
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
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.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $664 deposit
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Any questions?
Ask us before you enrol
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.