Postgraduate Diploma in Dry Dock Planning and Commissioning
Online 800-hour postgraduate diploma in Dry Dock Planning and Commissioning. 8 modules covering IACS Rec. 47 (shipbuilding and ship repair quality standard), ESP Code (Res. A.1049(27), enhanced surveys) and Primavera P6. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Dry Dock Planning and Commissioning — studying from Australia
Australia's maritime sector is substantial, encompassing naval shipbuilding, offshore oil and gas, port operations and recreational boating. The Royal Australian Navy's shipbuilding programmes, including the Hunter class frigates and Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia, generate significant engineering demand. Offshore energy developments on the North West Shelf and in Bass Strait require marine and structural expertise. Recreational boating is widespread, supported by a strong sports nautical industry. Employers include naval shipbuilders, offshore operators, port authorities and marine equipment manufacturers.
Fees for Australia: A$1,420 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Is this training recognised by Australian maritime regulators such as AMSA?
SEIUM qualifications are private and are not official state degrees or accredited by national bodies. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority regulates maritime certificates and qualifications separately, and SEIUM training does not replace those requirements. Confirm with AMSA or your employer which credentials your intended role requires.
Which Australian employers might consider this qualification for naval or offshore work?
Offshore energy operators, shipbuilders, naval contractors, marine consultancies and sports nautical manufacturers are examples of Australian employers in this area. Their hiring decisions depend on their own criteria and on any required certifications. A private qualification is one factor among experience and licensing.
Can I study this part time from Australia, and can employers help pay?
Yes, the programmes are fully online and taught in English, so you can study from Australia without a student visa and fit learning around your schedule. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Confirm the total hours and expected pace before committing.
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
Describe dock and dry dock types and their constraints.
Plan the dry docking period in terms of scope, resources and schedule.
Manage repair projects with cost and quality control.
Apply system commissioning protocols.
Organise and evaluate sea trials.
Prepare the vessel handover documentation.
Plan the reactivation of vessels after periods of inactivity.
Who it's for
- Technical superintendent who wants to specialise in Dry Dock Planning and Commissioning.
- Ship repair project manager who wants to specialise in Dry Dock Planning and Commissioning.
- Dry dock planner who wants to specialise in Dry Dock Planning and Commissioning.
- Commissioning engineer who wants to specialise in Dry Dock Planning and Commissioning.
- Classification society surveyor who wants to specialise in Dry Dock Planning and Commissioning.
- Sea trials manager who wants to specialise in Dry Dock Planning and Commissioning.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter ship repair.
What you'll work with
- IACS Rec. 47 (shipbuilding and ship repair quality standard)
- ESP Code (Res. A.1049(27), enhanced surveys)
- ISO 21500 (project management)
- ISO 8501-1 (surface preparation)
- ISO 15016 (speed and power trials)
- SOLAS Convention (surveys and certificates)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Dry docks and floating docks1.2Syncrolifts and slipways1.3Capabilities and limitations of each system1.4Docking plans for the vessel1.5Loads on keel blocks1.6Calculation of the stern reaction1.7Stability during docking1.8Layout of keel blocks and wedges1.9Safety in dry dock operations1.10Case study: docking plan for a 180 m vessel
2.1Specification of repair work2.2Tendering and comparison of shipyards2.3Work packages2.4Critical path scheduling2.5Shipyard resources and subcontractors2.6Hull works: blasting and painting2.7Machinery and shafting works2.8Class surveys in dry dock2.9Management of additional work2.10Practical exercise: schedule for a 21-day docking
3.1Project management methodologies3.2Budgeting and cost control3.3Daily progress monitoring3.4Project risk management3.5Coordination meetings3.6Communication between superintendent and shipyard3.7Quality of works3.8Occupational safety in dry dock3.9Close-out and invoicing3.10Workshop: cost control of a docking with deviations
4.1Definition of commissioning on vessels4.2Phases: mechanical, functional and integrated tests4.3Commissioning systems and subsystems4.4Test procedures and protocols4.5Harbour acceptance tests (HAT)4.6Initial energisation and sequence4.7Start-up of engines and generators4.8Automation testing4.9Recording of punch lists4.10Laboratory: test protocol for a generator set
5.1Sea trials programme5.2Speed and power trials according to ISO 150165.3Manoeuvrability trials according to IMO MSC.137(76)5.4Emergency stop test5.5Steering gear tests5.6Anchoring tests5.7Vibration and noise measurement5.8Endurance and consumption trials5.9Observation by owner and class5.10Case study: analysis of speed trial results
6.1Handover protocol6.2Class and statutory certificates6.3Inventory and documentation6.4Warranty period6.5Management of outstanding deficiencies6.6Crew training6.7Familiarisation with systems6.8Transfer of responsibility and insurance6.9Flagging and registration6.10Practical exercise: handover checklist
7.1Reactivation after lay-up7.2Commissioning after major repairs7.3Trials after conversions7.4Verification of safety systems7.5Subsequent class surveys7.6Success indicators for commissioning7.7Lessons learned7.8Feedback to design7.9Warranty management7.10Case study: reactivation of a cruise ship after a prolonged lay-up
8.1Vessel selection8.2Docking plan8.3Specification of works8.4Planning and budgeting8.5Commissioning plan8.6Sea trials programme8.7Handover plan8.8Risk management8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded lectures and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: 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 Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, DNV ShipManager, advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for specifying docking works, planning a dry dock period and the sea trials protocol. Assessment is continuous by 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.
Describe dock and dry dock types and their constraints.
Plan the dry docking period in terms of scope, resources and schedule.
Manage repair projects with cost and quality control.
Apply system commissioning protocols.
Organise and evaluate sea trials.
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 regulatory texts.
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 totals 800 hours, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, DNV ShipManager and advanced Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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