Postgraduate Diploma in Operability and IMO Motion Criteria
800-hour online Postgraduate Diploma in Operability and IMO Motion Criteria. 8 modules covering the IS Code 2008 (intact stability), second-generation stability criteria (MSC.1/Circ.1627) and Maxsurf Motions. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
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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
Describe the motions of a vessel in waves.
Apply wave statistics to response prediction.
Calculate the short-term spectral response.
Select operability and comfort criteria.
Apply IMO dynamic stability regulations.
Build operability indices and polar diagrams.
Propose operability improvements and their validation.
Who it's for
- Seakeeping engineer who wants to specialise in Operability and IMO Motion Criteria.
- Naval architect who wants to specialise in Operability and IMO Motion Criteria.
- Stability engineer who wants to specialise in Operability and IMO Motion Criteria.
- Operability analyst who wants to specialise in Operability and IMO Motion Criteria.
- Hydrodynamics researcher who wants to specialise in Operability and IMO Motion Criteria.
- Naval design consultant who wants to specialise in Operability and IMO Motion Criteria.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter naval engineering.
What you'll work with
- IS Code 2008 (intact stability)
- Second-generation stability criteria (MSC.1/Circ.1627)
- ISO 2631-1 (whole-body vibration exposure)
- NORDFORSK 1987 (seakeeping criteria)
- STANAG 4154 (seakeeping criteria)
- ISO 6954 (vibration and comfort on board)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Six degrees of freedom and reference systems1.2Frequency-domain coupled equations of motion1.3Added mass, damping and hydrostatic stiffness1.4Froude-Krylov and diffraction forces1.5Response amplitude operators (RAOs)1.6Salvesen-Tuck-Faltinsen strip theory1.73D panel methods and Green functions1.8Viscous damping in roll: Ikeda method1.9Forward speed and encounter frequency1.10Practice: calculating RAOs for a frigate using strip theory
2.1Irregular waves as a stationary random process2.2Pierson-Moskowitz, JONSWAP and Bretschneider spectra2.3Spectral moments and the Hs, Tp and Tz parameters2.4Directional spreading and short-crested waves2.5Rayleigh distribution of amplitudes and maxima2.6Hs-Tp scatter diagrams and wave atlases2.7Global Wave Statistics databases and ERA5 reanalysis2.8Sea states by area and operational season2.9Wind sea, swell and bimodal spectra2.10Workshop: building a scatter diagram from ERA5 data
3.1Response spectrum from RAOs and sea spectrum3.2Significant and mean values of responses3.3Exceedance probability and expected extremes3.4Absolute and relative motions at points on the vessel3.5Local vertical and lateral accelerations3.6Relative velocity and probability of slamming3.7Probability of green water on the forecastle3.8Propeller emergence and racing3.9Nonlinear response through time-domain simulation3.10Practice: response statistics on the bridge and flight deck
4.1NORDFORSK 1987 criteria for merchant vessels4.2STANAG 4154 criteria for warships4.3Motion Sickness Incidence (MSI) index and ISO 26314.4Motion-induced interruptions (MII)4.5Limits for helicopter operations on deck4.6Limits for cranes and offshore transfers4.7Crew and passenger habitability4.8Contractual operability requirements4.9Selecting criteria according to the vessel's mission4.10Case study: criteria for an offshore patrol vessel
5.1Intact Stability Code 2008 (IS Code)5.2Wind and rolling weather criterion5.3Second-generation stability criteria5.4Parametric roll and pure loss of stability5.5Synchronous rolling, broaching and dead ship5.6Vulnerability assessment levels 1 and 25.7Direct assessment and operational guidance5.8Circular MSC.1/Circ.1228 on dangerous situations5.9Interim guidelines MSC.1/Circ.16275.10Workshop: parametric roll vulnerability of a container ship
6.1Operability index by heading and speed6.2Operability polar diagrams6.3Operability weighted by scenario and mission6.4Downtime and weather windows6.5Influence of displacement and loading condition6.6Comparison of design alternatives6.7Sensitivity to combined criteria6.8Integration into conceptual design6.9Economic valuation of operability6.10Practice: operability polar diagram of a supply vessel
7.1Bow forms and their effect on pitching7.2Bilge keels and stabilising fins7.3Passive and active anti-roll tanks7.4Interceptors, flaps and trim control7.5Tests in wave channel and manoeuvring tank7.6Roll decay tests7.7Sea trials and onboard monitoring7.8Real-time captain guidance systems7.9Model-to-full-scale correlation and uncertainty7.10Case study: selecting stabilisers for a ferry
8.1Definition of the vessel, mission and operating area8.2Hydrodynamic model and RAO calculation8.3Sea states and scatter diagram8.4Justified selection of criteria8.5Calculation of operability indices and polar diagrams8.6Verification of second-generation criteria8.7Proposal for design improvements8.8Sensitivity analysis and conclusions8.9Report 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. No fixed timetable: 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 Maxsurf Motions, ANSYS AQWA, NEMOH, Python, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Assessments are based on real procedures for RAO and spectral response calculation, preparation of operability polar diagrams and verification of second-generation criteria. 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.
Describe the motions of a vessel in waves.
Apply wave statistics to response prediction.
Calculate the short-term spectral response.
Select operability and comfort criteria.
Apply IMO dynamic stability 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.
- 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 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.
The programme uses Maxsurf Motions, ANSYS AQWA, NEMOH and Python. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma on 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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