Postgraduate Diploma in Tank Safety, Vaporisation and Bunkering
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Tank Safety, Vaporisation and Bunkering. 8 modules with the IGF Code (ships using gases or low-flashpoint fuels), ISO 20519 (specification for bunkering of LNG-fuelled vessels) and DNV Phast. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Tank Safety, Vaporisation and Bunkering — studying from Malta
Maritime activity is central to Malta's identity, with the Grand Harbour and Freeport at Marsaxlokk handling significant cargo and transhipment. Ship repair, yacht building and marine services form a important part of the sector, supported by a long tradition of shipbuilding and maritime engineering. Offshore and sports nautical activity, including yacht refit and marine leisure, provides further opportunities. Engineers typically work with shipyards, classification societies, port authorities and marine service providers.
Fees for Malta: €895 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Which bodies in Malta regulate naval and offshore engineering, and how does SEIUM fit in?
Malta is a major maritime nation, with the Transport Malta authority overseeing maritime affairs and the Malta Maritime Authority regulating shipping and registration. SEIUM Institute's qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any national body. Recognition for maritime roles is decided by employers or the relevant regulator, so confirm this before enrolling.
Do employers in Malta's maritime and yachting sectors value this type of training?
Malta's maritime cluster, including shipping services, ship management and yacht-related businesses, employs engineers and technical staff. Hiring in these sectors often prioritises practical experience and relevant certifications. Whether a private online qualification helps depends on the employer, so asking prospective employers in Malta is the best way to judge its value.
Can I study this part-time while working offshore or on rotation, and what is the language requirement?
Programmes are 100% online, so you can study from anywhere with internet access, and no student visa is needed to study from home. Teaching is in English, so you need a good working level of technical English. Hours range from 300 to 1,900 depending on the programme. Fees are payable in instalments and employer sponsorship is 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
Explain the properties of LNG as a marine fuel.
Compare types of containment tanks under the IGF Code.
Calculate boil-off generation and its management strategies.
Identify hazards of onboard gas systems.
Plan a safe bunkering operation with safety zones.
Evaluate emergency response and the role of the human factor.
Apply port and certification regulations to a bunkering operation.
Who it's for
- Gas systems engineer who wants to specialise in Tank Safety, Vaporisation and Bunkering.
- LNG bunkering coordinator who wants to specialise in Tank Safety, Vaporisation and Bunkering.
- Process risk analyst who wants to specialise in Tank Safety, Vaporisation and Bunkering.
- LNG vessel superintendent who wants to specialise in Tank Safety, Vaporisation and Bunkering.
- Port safety inspector who wants to specialise in Tank Safety, Vaporisation and Bunkering.
- Cryogenic containment engineer who wants to specialise in Tank Safety, Vaporisation and Bunkering.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter the maritime transport sector.
What you'll work with
- IGF Code (ships using gases or low-flashpoint fuels)
- ISO 20519 (specification for bunkering of LNG-fuelled vessels)
- ISO/TS 18683 (safety and risk assessment of LNG bunkering)
- IGC Code (gas carriers)
- EN 1473 (onshore LNG installations and equipment)
- IEC 60079 (explosive atmospheres)
- ISO 16903 (characteristics of LNG)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Properties of liquefied natural gas1.2Composition and methane number1.3Environmental benefits and methane emissions1.4LNG supply chain1.5Types of LNG-fuelled vessels1.6Gas engines: low- and high-pressure dual fuel1.7IGF Code1.8IGC Code for gas carriers1.9Evolution of the fleet and market1.10Case study: life-cycle analysis of LNG emissions
2.1Independent tanks Types A, B and C2.2GTT membrane systems2.3Materials for cryogenic temperatures2.4Thermal insulation2.5Design of pressurised Type C tanks2.6Sloshing and membrane loads2.7Tank location and protection2.8Tank connection spaces2.9Tank inspection and testing2.10Laboratory: wall thickness calculation for a Type C tank
3.1Heat ingress and boil-off generation3.2Boil-off rate and its factors3.3Tank pressure management3.4Reliquefaction3.5Gas combustion units (GCU)3.6Vaporisers and heaters3.7Gas supply systems for engines3.8Stratification and rollover3.9LNG ageing3.10Practice: boil-off balance on a 15-day voyage
4.1Hazards: cryogenics, flammability and asphyxiation4.2Classification of hazardous areas4.3Double barrier and double-walled piping4.4Ventilation and gas detection4.5Shut-off valves and emergency shutdown4.6Pressure relief systems4.7Specific fire protection4.8HAZID and HAZOP analysis4.9Risk assessment under the IGF Code4.10Workshop: HAZOP of a gas supply system
5.1Methods: truck, ship and terminal5.2LNG bunkering vessels5.3ISO 20519 bunkering standard5.4Safety zones and control zone5.5Ship/shore safety checklist (SGMF)5.6Emergency release couplings (ERC)5.7Simultaneous operations (SIMOPS)5.8Metering and custody transfer5.9Purging, cool-down and disconnection5.10Case study: ship-to-ship bunkering plan in port
6.1LNG leak scenarios6.2Pool fires and vapour clouds6.3Cold damage to steel6.4Gas emergency response6.5STCW training for low-flashpoint fuels6.6Crew competencies6.7Emergency drills6.8Incident investigation6.9Safety culture6.10Practice: leak response plan during bunkering
7.1Requirements of port authorities7.2IAPH guidelines7.3Bunkering authorisations in Spain7.4Quantitative risk assessments (QRA)7.5Certification by the classification society7.6PSC inspections of LNG vessels7.7Other fuels: bio-LNG and synthetic methane7.8Lessons for ammonia and hydrogen7.9Insurance and liability7.10Case study: QRA of a port bunkering point
8.1Vessel selection and its operation8.2Containment system design8.3Boil-off management8.4Risk analysis8.5Bunkering procedure8.6Emergency plan8.7Training plan8.8Regulatory compliance plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 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 easier to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is DNV Phast, Aspen HYSYS, FLACS, PHA-Pro, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real HAZID and HAZOP study procedures, bunkering safety zone calculations and LNG leak simulations. Assessment is continuous per module 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.
Explain the properties of LNG as a marine fuel.
Compare types of containment tanks under the IGF Code.
Calculate boil-off generation and its management strategies.
Identify hazards of onboard gas systems.
Plan a safe bunkering operation with safety zones.
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 consists of 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course works with DNV Phast, Aspen HYSYS, FLACS, PHA-Pro. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM 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 can be credited towards the higher-level programme. Please check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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