Specialist Certificate in Marine Automation and Autonomous Systems (Classroom & Asynchronous e-Learning)
About This Course
The maritime industry is undergoing transformation driven by automation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies. Modern ships are equipped with intelligent sensors, control systems, communication networks and data-driven decision-support capabilities that improve safety, efficiency and sustainability. The emergence of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), remote operations, smart ports, and regulatory and cybersecurity requirements is creating strong demand for engineers and maritime professionals with competencies spanning automation, systems integration and autonomous technologies.
This Specialist Certificate is designed to equip engineers and professionals with competencies in marine automation and autonomous systems. It is suitable for marine, electrical, electronic, mechatronics, instrumentation, automation and control engineers, as well as professionals seeking to upskill in maritime digitalisation and intelligent ship systems. Through four integrated modules covering marine sensors and instrumentation, automation systems, systems engineering and autonomous marine systems, participants will develop capabilities to design, implement, integrate, test and validate shipboard automation solutions using engineering tools and industry practices.
This course provides participants with transferable skills sought after across the maritime, offshore and marine technology sectors. Graduates will be equipped to contribute to next-generation intelligent vessels, integrated bridge systems, remote operation centres, dynamic positioning systems, digital twins and autonomous maritime platforms. The competencies acquired are aligned with Singapore's maritime digitalisation initiatives and SkillsFuture competency frameworks, enabling participants to enhance professional value, broaden career opportunities in marine automation, systems engineering and autonomous technologies, and prepare for future roles in the evolving maritime industry.
What You'll Learn
• Integrate marine sensors and control systems to achieve accurate measurement and reliable automation, using signal transmission principles and instrumentation tools, demonstrating effective performance in authentic shipboard operating contexts.
• Evaluate marine network designs and communication protocols against operational, regulatory, and safety requirements, demonstrating the ability to ensure compliant and reliable performance in marine engineering environments.
Topic 2: Marine Automation Systems
• Design shipboard automation systems that meet operational, safety, and ergonomic requirements, using ship control, monitoring, and integrated bridge system principles, demonstrating compliant automation performance in maritime contexts.
• Select and configure marine-grade Programmable Logic Controller / Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (PLC/SCADA) systems, design network architecture with integration of sensors and actuators, to meet shipboard automation requirements and support dynamic positioning operations.
Topic 3: Marine Systems Integration
Integrate marine automation systems across the system lifecycle using V-model systems engineering principles, applying requirements, architecture, and verification methods, demonstrating reliable, maintainable, and regulation-compliant system integration.
Topic 4: Autonomous Marine Systems
Design system architectures for autonomous system operations by applying regulatory, safety, cybersecurity, monitoring and control requirements, demonstrating compliant and reliable performance across different levels of autonomy.
Entry Requirements
Participants should have:
• A fundamental understanding of shipboard systems such as propulsion, power generation, auxiliaries, and marine operational principles.
• Foundational knowledge of electrical circuits, signals, instrumentation, and basic control or automation concepts such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) or feedback systems.
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings, system schematics and technical documentation in marine or industrial contexts.
• Pre-university mathematics knowledge, including algebra, trigonometry, vectors and introductory calculus, as well as physics knowledge covering Newton’s Law of Motion, Knowledge of Energy, Force and Power, and Knowledge of Waves and Signals.