About Course
Digitalisation is advancing vessel operations across the maritime sector. Intelligent sensors, integrated control systems, and industrial communication networks now enable ships to operate with greater safety, efficiency, and reliability, while Singapore's maritime strategy — spanning the MPA's Next Generation Port 2030 and Maritime Decarbonisation Blueprint — is accelerating the industry's transition toward smart and autonomous operations.
This micro-credential gives engineers and technical professionals the ability to design, implement, integrate, test, and validate shipboard automation solutions across four competency units: Marine Sensors and Instrumentation, Marine Automation Systems, Marine Systems Integration, and Autonomous Marine Systems. Learners will build hands-on competency in industrial communication networks, PLC/SCADA configuration, V-model systems engineering, and the regulatory and cybersecurity requirements that govern autonomous vessel operations. It is designed for marine, electrical, electronic, mechatronics, instrumentation, automation and control engineers, and for professionals moving into maritime digitalisation and intelligent ship systems.
Learning is delivered primarily online at your own pace, giving working professionals the flexibility to progress around their schedule. This is complemented by in-person laboratory sessions at SIT@Punggol Campus, where learners apply their knowledge in a hands-on engineering environment.
This micro-credential is part of the Competency-based Stackable Micro-credential (CSM) Pathway in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Skills you’ll gain
Competency-based Education
Marine and Offshore Engineering
Systems Engineering
Robotics and Automation
Who Should Attend
Engineers and technical professionals in the maritime and marine technology sectors, including:
Marine Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Electronic Engineers
Mechatronics Engineers
Instrumentation and Automation Engineers
Systems Integration Engineers
Professionals moving into maritime digitalisation and intelligent ship systems
Assumed Prior Knowledge
- 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
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, system schematics and technical documentation in marine or industrial contexts
- Pre-university mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry, vectors and introductory calculus
- Physics knowledge covering Newton's Laws of Motion, energy, force and power, and waves and signals
Stack Towards an SIT Degree
Upon attaining the Specialist Certificate in this micro-credential, learners may stack their qualification towards selected SIT degree programmes:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (via the CSM Pathway)
- Bachelor of Integrated Studies (Hons) in Technology and Management with Specialisation in Supply Chain
These routes to a degree enable learners to progressively build recognised academic qualifications while advancing their expertise in computing, engineering and technology-related disciplines.
Learning Outcomes
This micro-credential is predominantly delivered through a competency-based education (CBE) approach where learners acquire and demonstrate mastery of knowledge and skills that are directly relevant to job functions. This prepares them to be industry-ready where they can apply their newly acquired competencies to their work.
List of Modules
| Code | Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG3241C | Marine Systems Integration | 3 |
| ENG3242C | Autonomous Marine Systems | 3 |
| ENG2244C | Marine Sensors and Instrumentations | 6 |
| ENG2245C | Marine Automation System | 6 |
The above are modules that constitute this micro-credential. Upon completion of the micro-credential, you will be able to:
- Integrate marine sensors and control systems to achieve accurate measurement and reliable automation, using signal transmission principles and instrumentation tools in authentic shipboard operating contexts.
- Evaluate marine network designs and protocols against operational, regulatory and safety requirements, ensuring compliant and reliable performance in marine engineering environments.
- Design shipboard automation systems that meet operational, safety and ergonomic requirements, using ship control, monitoring and integrated bridge system principles.
- Configure marine-grade PLC and SCADA systems and design network architecture integrating sensors and actuators to meet shipboard automation requirements and support dynamic positioning operations.
- Integrate systems across the full lifecycle using V-model systems engineering principles, applying requirements, architecture and verification methods for reliable, maintainable and regulation-compliant integration.
- Design architectures for autonomous operations by applying regulatory, safety, cybersecurity, monitoring and control requirements across different levels of autonomy.
Coaching for Success
During the course, you will have access to a team of qualified success coaches who can work with you on learning strategies or to develop a personalised learning plan. Through the success coaches, you can gain access to a wide range of resources and support services, and be empowered with the necessary tools to navigate your learning journey successfully.
Teaching Team
Ang Joo Hock
Associate Professor, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
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Mark TEO
Associate Professor, Engineering, Singapore Institute of Technology
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Quek Wee Ping
Associate Faculty, Singapore Institute of Technology
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Lim Kian Guan
Adjunct Associate Professor, Engineering, Singapore Institute of Technology
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Adi Wu Yunhai
Associate Faculty, Singapore Institute of Technology
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Course Details
Schedule
| Week | Learning Activity | Delivery and Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 14 | Self-directed learning (pre-recorded videos) and discussion forum | Asynchronous online |
| 1 – 14 | In-person tutorials, consultations and laboratory sessions | In-person at SIT@Punggol Campus Time TBC |
| 7-14 | Assessments and integrated project presentation | In-person at SIT@Punggol Campus Time TBC |
Certificate and Assessment
A Specialist Certificate in Marine Automation and Autonomous Systems will be issued to learners who:
- Attend at least 75% of the course and
- Undertake and pass all credit bearing assessments
Learners who meet the attendance requirement but do not pass the assessments will receive a Certificate of Participation.
Assessment Plan
Assessment is by a combination of practical demonstrations, assignments and an integrated team project:
| # | Assessment | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marine Sensors and Instrumentation | Demonstration |
| 2 | Marine Automation Systems | Demonstration |
| 3 | Marine Systems Integration | Assignment |
| 4 | Autonomous Marine Systems | Assignment |
| 5 | Integrated Automation System Project | Project |
Fee Structure
The full fee for this course is S$10,006.20.
| Funding Category | Eligible Funding | Course Fees Payable After Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen (Below 40) | 70% | S$3,001.86 |
| Singapore Citizen (Above 40) Funded under SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES) | 90% | S$1,165.86 |
| Singapore PR / LTVP+ Holder | 70% | S$3,001.86 |
| Non-Singapore Citizen | Not Eligible | S$10,006.20 |
Note:
- A one-time, non-refundable matriculation fee of $54.50 will be collected before course commencement.
- All fees above include GST. GST applies to individuals and Singapore-registered companies.
- Should you decide to convert to the degree pathway, you will be subject to SIT’s tuition fees and may qualify for the Ministry of Education (MOE) tuition grant, based on eligibility criteria set by MOE. Please note that the SkillsFuture subsidy will no longer be applicable once you convert to the degree pathway.
SkillsFuture Credit
Learners may use their Additional SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career Support) to further offset out-of-pocket course fees.
SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance (Part-time)
Singapore Citizens, aged 40 and above, and in-employment in the past 12 months are eligible for Training Allowance of $300 per month. Login to SkillsFuture Portal with your SingPass to check your eligibility.
For Organisations
Interested in this course for your business or team?
Tailored to your organisation's specific training needs, we can help you design and develop custom courses to grow key talent and build specialist expertise to meet the future demands of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility & Content
-
Do I need prior PLC or programming experience?
No prior PLC programming experience is required, although a basic understanding of electrical or control engineering concepts will help learners get the most from the programme.
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What will I learn from this course?
You will develop practical competencies in marine sensors and instrumentation, PLC and SCADA-based automation, systems engineering, marine systems integration, and autonomous vessel technologies. Through hands-on laboratories and an integrated industry project, you will learn how to design, integrate, test and validate safe, reliable marine automation systems.
Fee Subsidy & Funding
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Who qualifies for SkillsFuture course fee subsidy?
Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and LTVP+ holders are eligible for SkillsFuture Course Fees Funding. Refer to Fee Structure for details.
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If I fail or drop out of the programme, what will happen to the funding I’ve received?
If you fail the programme or drop out without a valid reason, you may be required to refund the course fee subsidy you received. Learners are encouraged to complete all modules and pass the assessments to fully benefit from the programme and retain the funding support.
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What if I turn 40 years old in the middle of the programme?
If you turn 40 years old during the programme, you will become eligible for the Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy from the month you turn 40. This subsidy can cover up to 90% of programme fees.
SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance (Part-time)
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Who is eligible for SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance?
Singapore Citizens aged 40 years old and above and is in-employment with income in the last 12 months are eligible for SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance (Part-time) when they enrol into a Competency-based Stackable Micro-credential. Subject to application approval by SkillsFuture Singapore.
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When and how do I apply for the training allowance?
You can login to SkillsFuture Portal with your SingPass to submit your application for the SkillsFuture Training Allowance (Part-time) up to two (2) months before the course start date.
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How much training allowance will I receive upon successful application?
You will receive an allowance of $300 per month for the period of your 3-month micro-credential course.
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What are the requirements I need to fulfil in order to receive the monthly training allowances?
You will need to fulfill a minimum of 75% attendance of the course.
Course Runs
Learning Pathway
Earn Specialist Certificates through micro-credentials in the following pathways. Stack these micro-credentials towards a bachelor's degree at SIT.
New Engineering Micro-credentials Launching Soon!
Exciting news! We are introducing new micro-credentials in Electrical and Electronic Engineering & Infrastructure and Systems Engineering. Be among the first to know by registering your interest today! Register now →