Postgraduate Diploma in Navigation, Roadbook and Risk Management
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Navigation, Roadbook and Risk Management. 8 modules covering FIA Cross-Country Rally Sporting Regulations, FIA International Sporting Code and Rally Navigator. Personal tutor assigned and enrolment open.
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
Interpret topographic maps and coordinates to professional standard.
Read and produce roadbooks in accordance with FIA symbology.
Configure and calibrate on-board navigation equipment.
Apply risk assessment methodologies to competition stages.
Design safety plans and emergency response procedures.
Define pace and navigation strategies for long stages.
Analyse tracks and times to improve team performance.
Who it's for
- Rally raid co-driver who wishes to specialise in Navigation, Roadbook and Risk Management.
- Roadbook designer who wishes to specialise in Navigation, Roadbook and Risk Management.
- Safety manager at motorsport events who wishes to specialise in Navigation, Roadbook and Risk Management.
- Rally logistics coordinator who wishes to specialise in Navigation, Roadbook and Risk Management.
- GNSS navigation analyst who wishes to specialise in Navigation, Roadbook and Risk Management.
- Sports risk prevention technician who wishes to specialise in Navigation, Roadbook and Risk Management.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter off-road competition.
What you'll work with
- FIA Cross-Country Rally Sporting Regulations
- FIA International Sporting Code
- ISO 31000:2018
- IEC 31010:2019
- FIA Appendix H to the International Sporting Code
- ISO 45001:2018
- ISO 39001:2012
- NMEA 0183
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Map projections and the WGS84 system1.2UTM coordinates and conversion between formats1.3Reading contour lines and relief1.4Magnetic and true bearings, and local declination1.5Azimuth navigation with compass and CAP1.6GNSS receivers: accuracy, DOP and multipath1.7Visible, hidden and safety waypoints1.8Partial odometry and distance correction1.9Night and dune navigation1.10Practice: plotting bearings on a topographic map
2.1Road section structure: distance, tulip and notes2.2FIA and FIM hazard symbology2.3Reading tulips at complex junctions2.4Calculating split and cumulative totals2.5Heading notes and direction changes2.6Controlled-speed zones and speed cameras2.7Errata, corrections and daily briefing2.8Co-driver and driver coordination when reading2.9Adapting the electronic digital roadbook2.10Practice: timed reading of a section
3.1Prior reconnaissance and track opening3.2Data collection with trip master3.3Drawing tulips with specialist software3.4Assigning hazard levels3.5Cross-checking with GPX tracks3.6Version control and errata management3.7Roadbooks for support teams3.8Accessibility for motorcycles, cars and trucks3.9Quality control before publication3.10Workshop: creating a stage roadbook
4.1Trip masters and odometer calibration4.2ERTF systems and approved tablets4.3Iritrack and tracking beacons4.4Sentinel: overtaking alerts4.5Power supply, vibration and cabin mounting4.6Display configuration for the co-driver4.7Common faults and back-up procedures4.8Data logging for later analysis4.9Mandatory equipment regulations4.10Laboratory: trip master calibration on a reference course
5.1Analysis methodology according to ISO 310005.2Probability and severity matrices5.3Terrain risks: dunes, drop-offs, fords5.4Climatic risks: heat, storms, dust5.5Fatigue and team sleep management5.6Rollover risk and spinal injuries5.7Inhabited areas and crossings with traffic5.8Hazard recording and prioritisation5.9Residual risk indicators5.10Case study: risk matrix for a marathon stage
6.1Organiser safety plans6.2Rescue chain and intervention times6.3Using Iritrack in the event of an accident6.4First aid in remote environments6.5Survival: water, signalling and shelter6.6Aerial evacuation and medical coordination6.7Communication with race direction6.8Managing incidents involving third parties6.9Lessons learned from documented accidents6.10Practice: alert activation drill
7.1Stage planning and pace management7.2Penalties for missed waypoints7.3Tyre management and on-board spares7.4Marathon-mode navigation without assistance7.5Post-stage analysis of tracks and times7.6Decision-making under uncertainty7.7Communication and ergonomics in the cabin7.8Physical and mental preparation of the co-driver7.9Sporting regulations and protests7.10Case study: analysis of a Dakar stage
8.1Selection of stage and geographical area8.2Preliminary cartographic study8.3Design of the complete roadbook8.4Navigation plan with waypoints8.5Risk matrix and control measures8.6Associated emergency plan8.7Team reading simulation8.8Evaluation of results and improvements8.9Report 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 study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Rally Navigator, QGIS, Garmin BaseCamp, Google Earth Pro, OziExplorer, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Rehearsals are based on real stage reconnaissance procedures over actual terrain, navigation drills with a trip master, and post-race GPS track analysis. 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.
Interpret topographic maps and coordinates to professional standard.
Read and produce roadbooks in accordance with FIA symbology.
Configure and calibrate on-board navigation equipment.
Apply risk assessment methodologies to competition stages.
Design safety plans and emergency response procedures.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient command 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 comprises 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.
You will work with Rally Navigator, QGIS, Garmin BaseCamp, Google Earth Pro and OziExplorer. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the higher programme. Please check the credit-transfer policy when you enrol.
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