Postgraduate Diploma in Riser Dynamics and Wave-Current Interaction
Online 800-hour postgraduate diploma in Riser Dynamics and Wave-Current Interaction. 8 modules covering API RP 2RD (riser design for floating structures), DNV-ST-F201 (dynamic risers) and OrcaFlex. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
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
Describe rigid, flexible and hybrid riser configurations.
Characterise the waves and currents acting on the riser.
Apply the Morison equation to slender bodies.
Carry out global dynamic analysis of risers.
Assess vortex-induced vibrations and their consequences.
Calculate fatigue damage and strength in accordance with DNV-ST-F201.
Plan integrity management and riser installation.
Who it's for
- Riser engineer seeking to specialise in Riser Dynamics and Wave-Current Interaction.
- Offshore hydrodynamics engineer seeking to specialise in Riser Dynamics and Wave-Current Interaction.
- Structural fatigue analyst seeking to specialise in Riser Dynamics and Wave-Current Interaction.
- Riser integrity engineer seeking to specialise in Riser Dynamics and Wave-Current Interaction.
- Offshore installation engineer seeking to specialise in Riser Dynamics and Wave-Current Interaction.
- Floating systems engineer seeking to specialise in Riser Dynamics and Wave-Current Interaction.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the offshore oil and gas industry.
What you'll work with
- API RP 2RD (riser design for floating structures)
- DNV-ST-F201 (dynamic risers)
- API 17J (unbonded flexible pipe)
- DNV-RP-F204 (riser fatigue)
- DNV-RP-F203 (riser interference)
- DNV-RP-C205 (environmental conditions and loads)
- API RP 17B (flexible pipe)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Riser functions and typologies1.2Rigid steel catenary risers (SCR)1.3Unbonded flexible risers1.4Hybrid risers and riser towers1.5Lazy wave and steep wave configurations1.6Drilling and production risers1.7Floating wind dynamic cables1.8Standards API RP 2RD, API 17J and DNV-ST-F2011.9Selection by depth and floating unit1.10Case study: riser configuration selection for an FPSO
2.1Current profiles and their vertical variation2.2Loop currents and eddies2.3Wave spectra and directionality2.4Wave kinematics at depth2.5Wave-current interaction2.6Doppler effect and spectrum modification2.7Design metocean data2.8Extreme and operational conditions2.9Floating unit motions2.10Practice: design current profile for a site
3.1Morison equation for risers3.2Drag and inertia coefficients3.3Influence of Reynolds number and KC3.4Roughness and marine growth3.5Relative flow and damping3.6Riser interference effects3.7Testing of hydrodynamic coefficients3.8CFD for cylinders3.9Selection of design coefficients3.10Laboratory: calculation of Morison forces on a riser
4.1Finite element models of risers4.2Static analysis and configuration4.3Time-domain dynamic analysis4.4Frequency-domain analysis4.5Seabed interaction (touchdown)4.6Dynamic compression and buckling4.7OrcaFlex and Flexcom tools4.8Load cases and combinations4.9Acceptance criteria4.10Workshop: dynamic analysis of an SCR in OrcaFlex
5.1Vortex shedding and Strouhal number5.2Lock-in and natural frequencies5.3VIV in sheared flow5.4Semi-empirical models: SHEAR7 and VIVANA5.5VIV fatigue5.6Vortex-induced motions (VIM)5.7Suppressors: helical strakes and fairings5.8Scaled VIV testing5.9Interference and wake effects5.10Practice: VIV fatigue estimation with SHEAR7
6.1First-order wave fatigue6.2Second-order motion fatigue6.3Fatigue in the seabed contact zone6.4S-N curves for risers6.5Welded joints and connectors6.6Armour layer fatigue in flexibles6.7Bending stiffeners and bell-mouths6.8Combined strength and collapse6.9Interference and clash analysis6.10Case study: fatigue at the touchdown of an SCR
7.1Installation methods: S-lay, J-lay and reel-lay7.2Installation analysis7.3In-service riser monitoring7.4Flexible pipe inspection7.5Flexible pipe failure modes7.6Internal and external corrosion7.7Integrity management (API 17N)7.8Life extension7.9Lessons learned from failures7.10Practice: riser monitoring plan
8.1Design basis8.2Environmental data8.3Configuration selection8.4Hydrodynamic model8.5Global dynamic analysis8.6VIV and fatigue analysis8.7Installation analysis8.8Integrity plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Training is 100 % online 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 allows the programme to be combined with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is OrcaFlex, Flexcom, SHEAR7, ANSYS Mechanical, MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real VIV towing tank test procedures, in-service riser monitoring and scale fatigue testing. Assessment is continuous 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.
Describe rigid, flexible and hybrid riser configurations.
Characterise the waves and currents acting on the riser.
Apply the Morison equation to slender bodies.
Carry out global dynamic analysis of risers.
Assess vortex-induced vibrations and their consequences.
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 level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
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.
Work is carried out with OrcaFlex, Flexcom, SHEAR7, ANSYS Mechanical, MATLAB. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM on 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 recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Postgraduate Diploma in Premium Materials, Acoustics and Lighting
Online 800 h Postgraduate Diploma in Premium Materials, Acoustics and Lighting. 8 modules with the Code on Noise Levels on Board Ships (Res. MSC.337(91)), ISO 2923…
Postgraduate Diploma in Preliminary Propeller Design and Open-Water
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Preliminary Propeller Design and Open-Water. 8 modules covering ISO 484-1 (manufacturing tolerances for propellers with a diameter above 2.50 m), ISO…
Postgraduate Diploma in Structural Repairs and Critical Welding
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Structural Repairs and Critical Welding. 8 modules covering ISO 15614-1 (welding procedure qualification), ISO 9606-1 (welder qualification) and ANSYS Mechanical. Assigned…
More in Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical
All Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships