Postgraduate Diploma in Bridge and Navigation Systems
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Bridge and Navigation Systems. 8 modules covering SOLAS Chapter V, IEC 61924-2:2012 (INS) and Transas Navi-Trainer. Personal tutor assigned and enrolment open.
Postgraduate Diploma in Bridge and Navigation Systems — studying from Ireland
Ireland has a substantial electronics and telecommunications sector, with multinational semiconductor, networking and communications firms operating design, test and engineering centres across the country. Universities such as Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork and the Tyndall National Institute contribute research in microelectronics, photonics and communications. Engineers in this area design embedded systems, firmware, RF systems and telecommunications networks for industrial and consumer applications. Standards and spectrum management are overseen by national telecommunications and standards bodies.
Fees for Ireland: €1,490 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Ireland
Typical roles
Questions from Ireland
Which Irish bodies recognise electronics and telecom engineering qualifications?
Engineers Ireland is the main professional body for engineers and runs chartered registration. Telecoms and spectrum matters are regulated by ComReg, the Commission for Communications Regulation. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not state-awarded, and they are not accredited by any national body, so recognition depends on employers or the relevant body.
Do Irish electronics and telecom employers value private online study?
Ireland has a strong electronics, semiconductor and telecoms presence, and employers there usually emphasise hands-on competence, certifications where relevant and experience. A private online qualification may add to your profile, but its value is decided by each employer, and no outcome can be promised. Show practical embedded or RF work alongside it.
Is it feasible alongside work, and what should I expect from the tutoring?
The programme is 100% online and taught in English, so it suits working professionals who can manage their own time. No student visa is needed to study from Ireland. Master's programmes total 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 and specialist courses 300. Each student is assigned a technical tutor, fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship may be possible.
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
Design integrated bridges in compliance with SOLAS Chapter V.
Integrate navigation sensors and evaluate their errors.
Operate and configure radar with ARPA.
Use ECDIS for route planning and monitoring.
Integrate communications, AIS and IEC 61162 networks.
Configure heading and track control systems.
Apply cybersecurity measures to bridge equipment.
Who it's for
- Navigation systems engineer seeking to specialise in Bridge and Navigation Systems.
- Bridge officer seeking to specialise in Bridge and Navigation Systems.
- Marine electronics integrator seeking to specialise in Bridge and Navigation Systems.
- Radar and ECDIS technician seeking to specialise in Bridge and Navigation Systems.
- Marine equipment inspector seeking to specialise in Bridge and Navigation Systems.
- Maritime cybersecurity specialist seeking to specialise in Bridge and Navigation Systems.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter the naval sector.
What you'll work with
- SOLAS Chapter V
- IEC 61924-2:2012 (INS)
- IEC 61174:2015 (ECDIS)
- IEC 62388:2013 (radar)
- IEC 61162-450:2018
- IEC 62923-1:2018 (BAM)
- IEC 63154:2021
- IHO S-52 and S-57
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Evolution of the navigation bridge1.2Integrated Bridge System and INS1.3Ergonomics and bridge design1.4SOLAS Chapter V requirements1.5Carriage requirements by ship type1.6IMO performance standards1.7Alarms and BAM management1.8Redundancy and degraded modes1.9Single-operator bridge1.10Workshop: integrated bridge layout
2.1Gyrocompasses and magnetic compasses2.2Speed log and speed measurement2.3Echo sounders and depth measurement2.4GNSS and SBAS augmentation2.5Heading and attitude sensors2.6Anemometers and meteorological sensors2.7Sensor integration in the INS2.8Errors, drift and calibration2.9On-board sensor testing2.10Practical: GNSS error analysis
3.1Principles of marine radar3.2X and S bands3.3Solid-state radars3.4Automatic ARPA tracking3.5CPA and TCPA calculation3.6Clutter and gain adjustment3.7Radar and AIS fusion3.8IEC 62388 requirements3.9Radar limitations and errors3.10Laboratory: collision avoidance exercises with ARPA
4.1ENC charts and the S-57 standard4.2Display according to S-524.3Evolution to S-100 and S-1014.4Route planning and monitoring4.5ECDIS safety alarms4.6Chart updates and licensing4.7IEC 61174 requirements4.8Type-specific operator training4.9Common ECDIS errors4.10Case study: voyage plan in ECDIS
5.1Class A and Class B AIS5.2AIS messages and static data5.3GMDSS and associated equipment5.4VHF and digital selective calling5.5LRIT and long-range tracking5.6VDES and new communications5.7IEC 61162 interface between equipment5.8Voyage data recorder5.9Communications cybersecurity5.10Practical: decoding AIS messages
6.1Heading control systems (HCS)6.2Track control systems (TCS)6.3Ship manoeuvring dynamics6.4Autopilot modes6.5Dynamic positioning and DP classes6.6Interfaces with the steering gear6.7Deviation alarms6.8Steering gear system testing6.9Autonomous navigation and MASS6.10Laboratory: tuning a simulated autopilot
7.1Bridge networks and IEC 61162-4507.2Integration of multi-manufacturer equipment7.3IEC 60945 type testing7.4Installation and commissioning tests7.5IEC 63154 cybersecurity7.6IMO guidelines on cyber risk7.7Software update management7.8Bridge equipment maintenance7.9Human factors in navigation7.10Case study: audit of an integrated bridge
8.1Definition of the vessel and its operation8.2Equipment complement requirements8.3Integrated bridge architecture8.4Selection of sensors and radars8.5ECDIS and communications integration8.6Cybersecurity plan8.7Testing and installation plan8.8Human factors analysis8.9Report and presentation8.10Final 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 compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Transas Navi-Trainer, OpenCPN, Wireshark, Kongsberg K-Sim, MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Assessments are based on real procedures: collision avoidance exercises in simulator, route planning and monitoring in ECDIS, and bridge sensor integration tests. Assessment is continuous across modules 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.
Design integrated bridges in compliance with SOLAS Chapter V.
Integrate navigation sensors and evaluate their errors.
Operate and configure radar with ARPA.
Use ECDIS for route planning and monitoring.
Integrate communications, AIS and IEC 61162 networks.
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 between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Transas Navi-Trainer, OpenCPN, Wireshark, Kongsberg K-Sim, MATLAB. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Please check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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