Postgraduate Diploma in Azimuth Thrusters, Ducts and Waterjets
Online 800 h Postgraduate Diploma in Azimuth Thrusters, Ducts and Waterjets. 8 modules covering ISO 484-1 and ISO 484-2 (propeller manufacturing tolerances), ITTC Recommended Procedures (propulsion) and STAR-CCM+. Tutor assigned and enrolment open.
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
Compare non-conventional propulsion systems.
Apply propeller hydrodynamics to propulsor design.
Analyse the behaviour of propellers in nozzles.
Evaluate azimuth thrusters for different operating profiles.
Size waterjet propulsion systems.
Use numerical tools in propulsor design.
Define operating, maintenance and regulatory requirements.
Who it's for
- Propulsion engineer who wishes to specialise in Azimuth Thrusters, Ducts and Waterjets.
- Hydrodynamicist who wishes to specialise in Azimuth Thrusters, Ducts and Waterjets.
- Naval CFD engineer who wishes to specialise in Azimuth Thrusters, Ducts and Waterjets.
- Propeller designer who wishes to specialise in Azimuth Thrusters, Ducts and Waterjets.
- Propulsor applications engineer who wishes to specialise in Azimuth Thrusters, Ducts and Waterjets.
- Machinery surveyor who wishes to specialise in Azimuth Thrusters, Ducts and Waterjets.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter shipbuilding.
What you'll work with
- ISO 484-1 and ISO 484-2 (propeller manufacturing tolerances)
- ITTC Recommended Procedures (propulsion)
- HSC Code 2000 (high-speed craft)
- IMO Res. MSC.137(76) (manoeuvrability standards)
- IACS UR M (machinery requirements)
- Class rules for propulsion systems (DNV, Bureau Veritas)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Limitations of the conventional propeller with rudder1.2Mechanical and electric azimuth thrusters1.3Pods: Azipod and Mermaid1.4Propellers in nozzles1.5Waterjets in fast craft1.6Voith Schneider cycloidal propellers1.7Tunnel and retractable thrusters1.8Selection by vessel type1.9Trends in electric propulsion1.10Case study: propulsion selection for a tug
2.1Momentum theory2.2Blade element theory2.3Systematic series: Wageningen B and Ka2.4KT and KQ coefficients and efficiency2.5Cavitation and the Burrill diagram2.6Hull–propeller interaction: wake and suction2.7Controllable-pitch propellers2.8Lifting-line design2.9Hull pressure fluctuations2.10Laboratory: propeller selection using Wageningen series
3.1Accelerating and decelerating nozzles3.2Nozzle 19A and Ka series3.3Nozzle and propeller thrust3.4Bollard pull performance3.5Tip-to-nozzle clearance3.6Tip cavitation3.7Structural nozzle design3.8Applications in tugs and trawlers3.9Bollard pull tests3.10Practice: bollard pull calculation for a tug
4.1Layouts: tractor, pusher and Z-drive4.2Transmission mechanics in L and Z drives4.3Electric pods and cooling4.4Forces during turning and manoeuvring4.5Interaction between thrusters4.6Prohibited angles and interference zones4.7Dynamic positioning with azimuth thrusters4.8Loads on bearings and seals4.9Operation in ice4.10Workshop: interaction analysis of two azimuth thrusters in DP
5.1Principles of the water jet5.2Components: intake, pump, nozzle and deflector5.3Intake design and losses5.4Axial and mixed-flow pumps5.5Pump cavitation5.6Performance of the complete system5.7Manoeuvring with deflectors and reverse5.8Interaction with the planing hull5.9Selection for patrol boats and fast ferries5.10Practice: waterjet selection for a 35-knot craft
6.1CFD of propellers in open water6.2Actuator disc models6.3Simulation of pods and nozzles6.4CFD of waterjet intakes6.5Panel methods6.6Structural analysis of blades6.7Geometry optimisation6.8Validation against tests6.9Scaling results to full scale6.10Laboratory: CFD simulation of a propeller in a nozzle
7.1Class requirements for propulsors7.2Induced vibration and noise7.3Inspection of blades and seals7.4Maintenance of angled gearboxes7.5Common failures and causes7.6Condition monitoring7.7Cavitation erosion and repair7.8Energy efficiency and EEXI7.9Ice class rules7.10Case study: seal failure in an azimuth thruster
8.1Definition of the vessel and its operating profile8.2Selection of propulsor type8.3Hydrodynamic sizing8.4Cavitation analysis8.5Hull integration8.6Manoeuvrability analysis8.7Cost estimation8.8Test plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the enrolment period, which makes it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, ANSYS CFX, OpenProp, in free, academic or evaluation versions. The exercises are based on real procedures: CFD simulation of a propeller in a nozzle, selection of an azimuth thruster, and sizing of a waterjet. Assessment is continuous per module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Compare non-conventional propulsion systems.
Apply propeller hydrodynamics to propulsor design.
Analyse the behaviour of propellers in nozzles.
Evaluate azimuth thrusters for different operating profiles.
Size waterjet propulsion systems.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards.
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 consists of 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 work with STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, ANSYS CFX, OpenProp. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma on passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official title from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when enrolling.
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