Marine Propeller Cavitation Course
Online 300-hour course on marine propeller cavitation. 6 modules covering ITTC 7.5-02-03-03.1 Model-Scale Cavitation Test, ITTC 7.5-02-03-03.3 Cavitation Induced Pressure Fluctuations Model Scale Experiments and Simcenter STAR-CCM+. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Marine Propeller Cavitation Course — studying from Ireland
Ireland's maritime sector spans shipping services, offshore energy, marine research and sports boating, with ports such as Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes supporting trade and logistics. The offshore wind and marine renewables sector is growing, creating demand for engineers in structures, marine systems and subsea technology. Marine research institutions such as the Marine Institute contribute to ocean science and offshore technology. Oversight is provided by the Irish Maritime Administration within the Department of Transport and by classification and safety bodies.
Fees for Ireland: €448 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Ireland
Typical roles
Questions from Ireland
Which bodies in Ireland regulate or recognise marine and offshore engineering professionals?
In Ireland, marine matters fall under the Irish Maritime Development Office and the Irish Maritime Administration, while the Marine Survey Office handles vessel safety. Professional engineering membership is usually sought through Engineers Ireland. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by these bodies, so they do not grant certificates of competency or professional status.
How do employers in Ireland's marine and offshore sectors view private online qualifications?
Employers in Ireland's offshore energy, shipping and nautical industries generally prioritise certified competencies and sea-going or project experience. A private online qualification may complement your background but is judged at each employer's discretion. There is no guarantee it will be accepted for any particular role.
Can I study this online from Ireland and do I need a visa or to relocate?
You can study from home in Ireland, as the programme is fully online and taught in English, so no student visa is needed to study from home. Programme lengths are 300, 800 or 1,900 hours depending on the course. Fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Each student is assigned a technical tutor.
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
Explain the physical mechanisms of propeller cavitation.
Identify the types of cavitation and their consequences.
Predict cavitation using empirical and numerical methods.
Interpret cavitation tests and observations.
Evaluate pressure pulses, erosion and radiated noise.
Apply design criteria to control cavitation.
Carry out a cavitation analysis of a real propeller.
Who it's for
- Propeller design engineer wishing to specialise in marine propeller cavitation.
- Cavitation and noise specialist wishing to specialise in marine propeller cavitation.
- Cavitation tunnel technician wishing to specialise in marine propeller cavitation.
- Naval CFD engineer wishing to specialise in marine propeller cavitation.
- Propulsion inspector wishing to specialise in marine propeller cavitation.
- Hydrodynamics researcher wishing to specialise in marine propeller cavitation.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter propeller manufacturers.
What you'll work with
- ITTC 7.5-02-03-03.1 Model-Scale Cavitation Test
- ITTC 7.5-02-03-03.3 Cavitation Induced Pressure Fluctuations Model Scale Experiments
- ISO 484-1 Marine propellers: manufacturing tolerances
- DNV Rules for Ships, SILENT class notation
- ISO 17208-1 Underwater acoustics — Quantities and procedures for ship radiated noise
- IMO MEPC.1/Circ.906 Guidelines for the reduction of underwater radiated noise
- ICES Cooperative Research Report No. 209 Underwater noise of research vessels
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Vapour pressure and cavitation number1.2Nucleation and gas content in water1.3Types: sheet, bubble, cloud and tip vortex1.4Face and back blade cavitation1.5Burrill diagram1.6Onset and development of cavitation1.7Effect of immersion and wake1.8Bubble dynamics: Rayleigh-Plesset equation1.9Scaling cavitation from model to ship1.10Case study: cavitation margin with Burrill
2.1Blade erosion and damage mechanisms2.2Thrust loss and efficiency drop2.3Pressure pulses induced on the hull2.4Stern vibration and structural excitation2.5Underwater radiated noise2.6Hub vortex cavitation and PHVC2.7Cavitation on rudders and appendages2.8Inspection and classification of erosion damage2.9Repair of damaged blades2.10Case study: diagnosis of erosion on a propeller
3.1Mass transfer models: Schnerr-Sauer and Zwart3.2RANS simulation with sheet cavitation3.3Panel methods with cavity model3.4Tip vortex cavitation in CFD3.5Prediction of hull pressure pulses3.6Erosion simulation: risk indices3.7Mesh requirements in cavitating zones3.8Comparison with tunnel observations3.9Limitations of current models3.10Practice: cavitation simulation on a 2D aerofoil
4.1Cavitation tunnel: set-up and operation4.2Observation with stroboscope and high-speed camera4.3Erosion paint on models4.4Measurement of pressure pulses in the tunnel4.5Scaling of cavitation and Reynolds numbers4.6Control of nuclei content4.7Full-scale cavitation observation4.8Endoscopy and hull observation windows4.9ITTC test standards4.10Laboratory: video analysis of cavitation
5.1Radial blade load distribution5.2Skew and tip unloading5.3Cavitation-resistant blade sections5.4Ducted propellers and CLT5.5Wake improvement with pre-swirl devices5.6Trade-off between efficiency and cavitation5.7Resistant materials: NiAl bronze and stainless steels5.8Low-noise requirements for research vessels5.9Propeller design for naval vessels5.10Workshop: redesign of pitch distribution
6.1Propeller definition and wake conditions6.2Preliminary assessment with empirical criteria6.3Numerical cavitation simulation6.4Estimation of hull pressure pulses6.5Erosion risk assessment6.6Radiated noise analysis6.7Proposal for design modification6.8Tunnel verification test plan6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Simcenter STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, PROCAL, OpenFOAM, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real cavitation tunnel model test procedures, sheet cavitation simulation on a blade, and erosion inspection of propellers in service. 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.
Explain the physical mechanisms of propeller cavitation.
Identify the types of cavitation and their consequences.
Predict cavitation using empirical and numerical methods.
Interpret cavitation tests and observations.
Evaluate pressure pulses, erosion and radiated noise.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
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 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Simcenter STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, PROCAL, OpenFOAM. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
SEIUM Institute's own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the 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 recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Course in Digital Twins for Naval Fleets
Online 300 h course in digital twins for naval fleets. 6 modules covering ISO 23247 Automation systems. Digital twin framework for manufacturing, DNV-RP-A204 Qualification and assurance…
Course in Maritime Law Applied to Insurance
Online course of 300 hours in maritime law applied to insurance: 6 modules covering the foundations of maritime law, the marine insurance contract, hull and machinery…
Safe Cargo Stowage Regulations Course
300-hour online course in safe cargo stowage regulations. 6 modules covering the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code), SOLAS Convention, chapters…
More in Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical
All Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships