Postgraduate Diploma in 12/24 V Electrics and Onboard Systems
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in 12/24 V Electrics and Onboard Systems. 8 modules covering ISO 10133 (low-voltage DC electrical systems in small craft), ISO 13297 (AC electrical systems in small craft) and Victron VictronConnect / VRM. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in 12/24 V Electrics and Onboard Systems — 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: €895 (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
Apply the fundamentals of DC electricity to 12/24 V installations.
Size lead-acid and lithium battery banks.
Select onboard generation and charging systems (alternator, solar, charger).
Design circuit distribution and protection in accordance with ISO 10133.
Prevent galvanic corrosion through cathodic protection.
Integrate onboard systems into a coherent and safe installation.
Diagnose and maintain electrical installations on boats.
Who it's for
- Marine electrician looking to specialise in 12/24 V Electrics and Onboard Systems.
- Marine electronics technician looking to specialise in 12/24 V Electrics and Onboard Systems.
- Onboard energy systems installer looking to specialise in 12/24 V Electrics and Onboard Systems.
- Boatyard technical manager looking to specialise in 12/24 V Electrics and Onboard Systems.
- Recreational craft inspector looking to specialise in 12/24 V Electrics and Onboard Systems.
- Yacht electrical systems engineer looking to specialise in 12/24 V Electrics and Onboard Systems.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter the recreational boating sector.
What you'll work with
- ISO 10133 (very low-voltage DC electrical systems in small craft)
- ISO 13297 (AC electrical systems in small craft)
- ABYC E-11 (AC and DC electrical systems on boats)
- ABYC E-13 (lithium-ion batteries)
- IEC 60092-507 (electrical installations in small vessels)
- ISO 8846 (ignition protection)
- Directive 2013/53/EU (recreational craft)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Voltage, current, resistance and power1.2Direct current versus alternating current1.312 V and 24 V systems: advantages and limits1.4Ohm's law and voltage drops1.5Polarity, earthing and isolated returns1.6Instruments: multimeter and clamp meter1.7Reading marine electrical diagrams1.8Symbols and colour codes1.9ISO 13297 and ABYC E-11 standards1.10Laboratory: basic measurements on a 12 V circuit
2.1Lead-acid, AGM and gel batteries2.2LiFePO4 lithium batteries2.3Capacity, cycles and depth of discharge2.4Battery management systems (BMS)2.5House and starter battery banks2.6Series and parallel connection2.7Battery ventilation and safety2.8Battery monitors and shunts2.9Sizing the bank according to loads2.10Practice: sizing a house bank
3.1Alternators and external regulators3.2Multi-stage shore power chargers3.3Battery isolators and combiners3.4DC-DC converters3.5Solar panels and MPPT controllers3.6Wind and hydro generators3.7Diesel generators and auxiliary sets3.8Daily energy balance3.9Combined inverters and chargers3.10Workshop: energy balance of a cruising sailboat
4.1Cable sizing according to ISO 101334.2Cross-sections, voltage drop and temperature4.3Fuses, circuit breakers and protection4.4Distribution panels and isolators4.5Busbars and terminals4.6Cable routing and mechanical protection4.7Earthing and shore connection4.8Isolation transformers4.9Prevention of electrical fires4.10Practice: calculating cable sizes and protection
5.1Galvanic corrosion and the galvanic series5.2Stray current corrosion5.3Sacrificial anodes: zinc, aluminium and magnesium5.4Measuring protection potential5.5Galvanic isolation and diodes5.6Corrosion of shafts, rudders and propellers5.7Equipotential bonding5.8Anode inspection and replacement5.9Corrosion in electrical connections5.10Laboratory: measuring the hull's protection potential
6.1LED lighting and navigation lights (COLREG Annex I)6.2Bilge pumps and alarms6.3Windlasses, bow thrusters and electric winches6.4Navigation electronics and their power supply6.5NMEA 2000 networks and bus power supply6.6Water and pressure systems6.7Refrigeration and air conditioning6.8Home automation and digital switching6.9Electromagnetic interference6.10Case study: electrical integration of a windlass
7.1Fault diagnosis methodology7.2Typical starting and charging faults7.3Insulation and leakage measurement7.4Thermography of panels and connections7.5Battery and terminal inspection7.6Preventive maintenance of the installation7.7Documentation and change records7.8Safety in electrical work7.9Refits and installation certification7.10Practice: diagnosing a current leak to earth
8.1Load inventory8.2Energy balance8.3Battery bank design8.4Generation and charging systems8.5Single-line diagram8.6Cable and protection calculations8.7Corrosion protection8.8Bill of materials and budget8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
A 100 % online course on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are 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 software used is Victron VictronConnect / VRM, AutoCAD Electrical, QElectroTech, Microsoft Excel (advanced), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real test-bench procedures for batteries and chargers, galvanic corrosion and potential measurements, and fault diagnosis on 12/24 V installations. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus a final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Apply the fundamentals of DC electricity to 12/24 V installations.
Size lead-acid and lithium battery banks.
Select onboard generation and charging systems (alternator, solar, charger).
Design circuit distribution and protection in accordance with ISO 10133.
Prevent galvanic corrosion through cathodic protection.
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 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 comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
You work with Victron VictronConnect / VRM, AutoCAD Electrical, QElectroTech and Microsoft Excel (advanced). 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 integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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