Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology - Yacht & Boat Design Training Programs

Yacht Design and Naval Architecture Program Online for Marine Professionals

The Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology has been providing the education necessary for anyone with the drive and desire to become a practicing small-craft designer since 1930. Over the years, Westlawn has produced more practicing small-craft designers than many of the other institutions in the world combined. Westlawn's primary function is to assure a continual source of highly skilled boat and yacht designers to the industry.

Westlawn is accredited by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and  is also listed as a recognized institution by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.

Westlawn graduates have established careers throughout the marine industry, with leading builders and design firms. A significant portion of the world's small-craft designers are Westlawn trained. A Westlawn diploma demonstrates the graduate’s mastery of concept and design skills. Equally important to prospective employers, it offers proof of superior self-discipline and dedication, for a powerful competitive advantage in today’s job market.

All the programs at Westlawn are conducted on a Distance Education basis keeping the busy professionals in the marine industry in mind. The programs are internationally recognized and appropriately accredited.

Westlawn Institute’s Yacht & Boat Design Program is accredited by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), in London England. Universities and training providers whose academic and professional courses provide the knowledge and understanding which underpin the professional skills required by those involved in the design and construction of maritime vessels and structures may apply to have their course accredited by RINA, the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

Yacht & Boat Design Program

• Yacht Design and Naval Architecture Course (3200 hours): The entire Yacht Design & Naval Architecture course requires about 3,200 hours of study and assignment preparation, or about 1 to 3 hours a day to complete the course in 4 years. This course enables you to master the principles of yacht design using industry standard tools, including Maxsurf, Rhino3d and AutoCAD. During this course, you will prepare plans, computations, specifications and all the details for nine different boat designs. You will design both powerboats and sailboats. You will follow the practices of successful yacht design firms.
• The courses are online, and have always been based on Project Based Learning which is widely recognized as the most effective way to learn: As a Westlawn student you will learn knowledge and skills, and immediately apply your skills on practical yacht designs.
• Project Based Learning enables you to internalize and retain the knowledge and skills, as you use the tools and processes used in professional yacht design firms.
• Select Westlawn students also have the opportunity to collaborate on Superyacht designs at Art Center College of Design, in Pasadena California.
• By the time you graduate, your portfolio of professional quality design work will include nine designs of yachts engineered in aluminum, fiberglass, and wood, both sail and power.
• Modules: Principles of Yacht Design, Aesthetics and Layouts, Construction Methods, and Systems and Equipment.
• Admission Requirements: The Yacht Design & Naval Architecture course is a comprehensive and rigorous course. You should be prepared and mature enough for a college education. There are no specific prerequisites, other than self motivation and discipline

Last updated Jul 29, 2023