Postgraduate Diploma in Space Conversion and Habitability
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Space Conversion and Habitability. 8 modules covering the SOLAS Convention (Chapter II-2, fire prevention and fire fighting), the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, crew accommodation) and NAPA. Dedicated tutor and enrolment now open.
Postgraduate Diploma in Space Conversion and Habitability — 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: €1,090 (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
Analyse the technical and regulatory feasibility of a vessel conversion.
Carry out a survey of the vessel's current condition.
Assess the impact of the conversion on stability and structure.
Design habitable spaces in line with noise, vibration and comfort criteria.
Apply fire protection and evacuation regulations.
Design marine interiors using approved materials.
Plan the execution of the conversion at the shipyard.
Who it's for
- Conversion engineer who wants to specialise in Space Conversion and Habitability.
- Naval architect who wants to specialise in Space Conversion and Habitability.
- Marine interior designer who wants to specialise in Space Conversion and Habitability.
- Fire safety engineer who wants to specialise in Space Conversion and Habitability.
- Repair superintendent who wants to specialise in Space Conversion and Habitability.
- Refit project manager who wants to specialise in Space Conversion and Habitability.
- Graduates in engineering or science who want to join repair shipyards.
What you'll work with
- SOLAS Convention (Chapter II-2, fire prevention and fire fighting)
- Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, crew accommodation)
- Code on Noise Levels on Board Ships (Resolution MSC.337(91))
- International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures (FTP Code 2010)
- MSC.1/Circ.1533 (guidelines for evacuation analysis of passenger ships)
- ISO 6954 (vibration and habitability on ships)
- International Convention on Load Lines, 1966
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Reasons for a conversion1.2Types: change of use, lengthening and refit1.3Technical feasibility study1.4Regulations applicable to existing vessels1.5Consideration of a major alteration1.6Class and flag approval1.7Managing a conversion project1.8Well-known conversion case studies1.9Typical costs and timescales1.10Case study: feasibility of converting a ferry
2.1Existing documentation and gaps2.2On-board 3D laser scanning2.3Thickness measurement2.4Inspection of structure and systems2.5Modelling the current condition2.6IHM hazardous materials inventory2.7Asbestos detection2.8Assessment of reusable equipment2.9Condition report2.10Workshop: processing a point cloud
3.1Effect of the conversion on weights and centres3.2Stability test3.3Intact stability under the IS Code3.4Damage stability under SOLAS3.5Structural reinforcement3.6Openings in decks and bulkheads3.7Freeboard and the Load Line Convention3.8Tonnage and its recalculation3.9Calculations with Maxsurf or NAPA3.10Practical exercise: stability study after lengthening
4.1MLC 2006 and accommodation4.2Minimum areas and heights4.3Noise in accommodation spaces4.4Vibration and comfort, ISO 202834.5Lighting and ventilation4.6Marine HVAC4.7Common and recreational spaces4.8Ergonomics of workspaces4.9Comfort notations from classification societies4.10Laboratory: HVAC calculation for a cabin
5.1Structural fire protection5.2A, B and C divisions5.3Materials under the FTP Code5.4Means of escape5.5Evacuation analysis, MSC.1/Circ.15335.6Detection and extinguishing systems5.7Life-saving appliances5.8Passenger accessibility5.9Safety on passenger ships5.10Case study: redesign of escape routes
6.1General arrangement of spaces6.2Lightweight finishing materials6.3Furniture and fittings6.4Modular panels and ceilings6.5Acoustic and thermal insulation6.6Prefabricated cabins6.7Service integration6.8Aesthetics and owner's branding6.9Weight of interiors6.10Workshop: layout of a passenger area
7.1Yard works planning7.2Stripping and hot work7.3Hazardous waste management7.4Trade coordination7.5Weight control during works7.6Testing of modified systems7.7Sea trials and stability tests7.8Final documentation and certificates7.9Commissioning and warranty7.10Practical exercise: works plan for a refit
8.1Vessel definition and new use8.2Survey and diagnosis8.3Proposed general arrangement8.4Stability and structural analysis8.5Habitability design8.6Fire safety and evacuation8.7Budget and planning8.8Approval plan8.9Report 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. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the programme with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is NAPA, Maxsurf Stability, AutoCAD, Rhinoceros 3D, Pathfinder, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for surveying the current condition with laser scanning, post-conversion stability testing and evacuation simulation. Assessment is continuous, module 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.
Analyse the technical and regulatory feasibility of a vessel conversion.
Carry out a survey of the vessel's current condition.
Assess the impact of the conversion on stability and structure.
Design habitable spaces in line with noise, vibration and comfort criteria.
Apply fire protection and evacuation regulations.
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.
- Spanish language proficiency sufficient 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 an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
Work is carried out with NAPA, Maxsurf Stability, AutoCAD, Rhinoceros 3D and Pathfinder. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the open-source alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM 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 higher-level programme. Please check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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