Postgraduate Diploma in Harsh-Conditions Operations, Towing and Manoeuvres
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Harsh-Conditions Operations, Towing and Manoeuvres. 8 modules covering the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG 1972), IMO Guidelines for Safe Ocean Towage (MSC/Circ.884) and Kongsberg K-Sim Navigation. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Characterise the types of work and service vessels.
Carry out manoeuvres with single and twin propellers in confined spaces.
Apply safe operating techniques in harsh weather conditions.
Plan towing operations and size their components.
Coordinate assistance and rescue operations.
Maintain the operational reliability of the vessel and its equipment.
Prepare risk analyses and crew training programmes.
Who it's for
- Service vessel skipper wishing to specialise in Harsh-Conditions Operations, Towing and Manoeuvres.
- Tug captain wishing to specialise in Harsh-Conditions Operations, Towing and Manoeuvres.
- Maritime rescue coordinator wishing to specialise in Harsh-Conditions Operations, Towing and Manoeuvres.
- Service fleet operations manager wishing to specialise in Harsh-Conditions Operations, Towing and Manoeuvres.
- Manoeuvring instructor wishing to specialise in Harsh-Conditions Operations, Towing and Manoeuvres.
- Maritime risk prevention technician wishing to specialise in Harsh-Conditions Operations, Towing and Manoeuvres.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter port towage.
What you'll work with
- International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG 1972)
- IMO Guidelines for Safe Ocean Towage (MSC/Circ.884)
- IMO Guidance on Towing and Mooring Equipment (MSC.1/Circ.1175)
- SAR Convention 1979 (search and rescue)
- IAMSAR Manual
- STCW Code
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Types of service vessels in port1.2Semi-rigid inflatable boats for work and rescue1.3Crew boats and mooring launches1.4Small tugs and pushers1.5Hull and propulsion characteristics1.6Ship clearance and professional qualifications1.7Regulations for service vessels1.8Mandatory safety equipment1.9Operational limits due to sea conditions1.10Practical: selecting a vessel for a port service
2.1Transverse thrust effect and lateral blade pressure2.2Propwash and suction current2.3Manoeuvres with twin engines and bow thrusters2.4Effect of wind on the topsides2.5Effect of current on manoeuvring2.6Berthing and unberthing in confined spaces2.7Manoeuvres with waterjet propulsion2.8Manoeuvres with outboard motors2.9Turning and pivoting in a small area2.10Workshop: simulator berthing practice with crosswind
3.1Navigation in heavy seas and breaking waves3.2Vessel control in following seas3.3Risk of surfing and broaching3.4Night navigation and reduced visibility3.5Speed management to reduce impacts3.6Crew positioning and crash seats3.7Injuries from repeated impacts3.8Fatigue and exposure limits3.9Criteria for suspending operations3.10Case study: analysis of an accident in beam seas
4.1Types of towing: alongside, stern and bow4.2Towing elements: lines, eyes and bridles4.3Calculation of towing force4.4Elasticity and line length4.5Attachment points and bollard strength4.6Towing at sea and in port4.7Risk of tug capsizing4.8Danger of taut lines and snap-back4.9Communication between vessels4.10Practical: towing plan for a disabled sailing yacht
5.1Organisation of maritime rescue5.2Approaching vessels in distress5.3Recovery of persons from the water5.4Rescue techniques in breaking waves5.5Assistance to stranded vessels5.6Bilge pumping and control of water ingress5.7First aid and hypothermia5.8Coordination with aerial assets5.9Documentation of assistance operations5.10Case study: rescue of a castaway from an inflatable
6.1Pre-departure checks6.2Maintenance of engines and drives6.3Inspection of inflatable tubes and hull6.4Maintenance of towing equipment6.5Electrical systems and batteries6.6Electronics and communications6.7Management of critical spares6.8Maintenance records6.9Fleet availability and planning6.10Practical: pre-departure checklist
7.1Operational risk assessment7.2Standard operating procedures7.3Practical training and drills7.4Personal protective equipment7.5Incident management and lessons learned7.6Coordination with port authorities7.7Insurance and civil liability7.8Team safety culture7.9Operational safety indicators7.10Case study: night towing operating procedure
8.1Definition of the service and operating area8.2Vessel selection and configuration8.3Manoeuvring procedures8.4Towing and assistance plan8.5Meteorological operating criteria8.6Maintenance plan8.7Crew training plan8.8Risk assessment8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Training 100 % online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which allows them to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Kongsberg K-Sim Navigation, Wärtsilä NTPRO, OrcaFlex, advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real towing manoeuvre procedures in simulators, rescue exercises in adverse conditions and risk assessment of service operations. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Characterise the types of work and service vessels.
Carry out manoeuvres with single and twin propellers in confined spaces.
Apply safe operating techniques in harsh weather conditions.
Plan towing operations and size their components.
Coordinate assistance and rescue operations.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory reading.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Kongsberg K-Sim Navigation, Wärtsilä NTPRO, OrcaFlex and advanced Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification issued by the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher-level programme. Consult the recognition policy when you enrol.
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