Marina Environmental Management Course
This course gives you the tools and knowledge to run a marina sustainably and responsibly. You will learn how to minimise environmental impact, comply with the applicable legislation and prepare the marina for recognised environmental schemes, covering everything from waste and wastewater management to biodiversity conservation and energy efficiency, while building an eco-friendly image that attracts environmentally committed customers.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Marina Environmental Management Course?
This short course prepares you to manage the environmental side of a marina or leisure port day to day. You will learn how the regulatory framework, permits and inspections apply to marinas, how to identify and prioritise environmental aspects and impacts, how to prevent and control pollution from wastewater, bilge water, fuelling and spills, how to organise integrated waste management with segregation, storage and recovery, how to monitor water and sediment quality and protect sensitive habitats, and how to prepare for environmental emergencies, train staff, audit and improve performance year after year.
What sets this course apart: a fully operational focus built around the real procedures, checklists and records a marina needs; an up-to-date view of the environmental rules that apply to leisure ports; practical cases drawn from real situations; a clear link between sustainable practices, resource efficiency and lower operating costs; and tools that help strengthen the marina's reputation in an increasingly demanding market.
Programme highlights
- Operational focus: procedures, checklists and records ready to apply in a marina.
- Up-to-date regulatory framework: the environmental rules that apply to leisure ports.
- Pollution control: wastewater, bilge water, safe fuelling and spill response.
- Integrated waste management: segregation, storage, contractors and circularity.
- Efficiency and savings: sustainable practices that cut operating costs.
- Reputation: a stronger, greener brand image for the marina.
Syllabus of the Marina Environmental Management Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Marina environmental governance, regulatory framework and compliance system
- 1.1. Environmental regulatory framework for marinas: competences, authorisations, inspections and required evidence
- 1.2. Environmental policy and governance: objectives, responsibilities, environmental committee and operational roles by area
- 1.3. Identification of aspects and impacts: inventory, significance assessment and risk-based prioritisation matrix
- 1.4. Compliance plan and obligations calendar: permits, records, controls and document renewals
- 1.5. Standard procedures and traceability: SOPs, checklists, records, change control and internal audits
Marine pollution prevention and control: discharges, wastewater, bilge water and spills
- 2.1. Types of pollutants in marinas: hydrocarbons, detergents, microplastics, paints and grey and black water
- 2.2. Boat wastewater management: pump-out points, protocols, signage and control of use
- 2.3. Bilge and oily waste control: reception, temporary storage, traceability and handover to an authorised contractor
- 2.4. Spill prevention and response plan: thresholds, containment, communication, area isolation and reporting
- 2.5. Safe fuelling operations: preventive measures, spill kits, training and supervision on the quay
Integrated waste management in marinas and leisure ports: segregation, storage and recovery
- 3.1. Operational classification of waste: municipal, hazardous, special, bulky and nautical activity waste
- 3.2. Design of recycling points and storage areas: flows, containment, safety, ventilation and access control
- 3.3. Segregation and labelling: containers, compatibilities, signage and reduction of cross-contamination
- 3.4. Hiring and control of waste contractors: documentation, traceability, delivery notes, supplier audits and SLAs
- 3.5. Reduction and circularity programmes: prevention, reuse, recycling, green purchasing and packaging management
Water and sediment quality control, local biodiversity and management of sensitive areas
- 4.1. Environmental monitoring plan: parameters, frequencies, sampling points and alert criteria
- 4.2. Water quality in basins: turbidity, nutrients, hydrocarbons, dissolved oxygen and corrective measures
- 4.3. Biofouling and invasive species: risks, prevention, good practice and operational management with users
- 4.4. Dredging and sediment handling: environmental risks, controls, permits and management of extracted material
- 4.5. Protection of habitats and species: zoning, operational restrictions, signage and coordination with the authorities
Environmental preparedness and response, staff training, audits and continual improvement
- 5.1. Environmental emergency plan: scenarios, roles, communications, external coordination and drills
- 5.2. Response equipment and materials: inventory, location, maintenance, expiry dates and operational availability
- 5.3. Training and competences: annual plan, role-based training, assessment and a prevention culture
- 5.4. Internal audits and verification: checklists, non-conformities, corrective actions and follow-up
- 5.5. Continual improvement plan: annual objectives, prioritised projects, results monitoring and standardisation
Duration and format of the Marina Environmental Management Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Marina Environmental Management Course
Career opportunities after the Marina Environmental Management Course
Questions about the Marina Environmental Management Course
To minimise the environmental impact of marina and boat operations, promoting sustainability and the protection of the marine ecosystem.
Yes. It explains the authorisations, inspections, records and evidence a marina is expected to keep, and how to organise a compliance calendar.
Yes. You study spill prevention and response plans, containment, communication, reporting and safe fuelling operations on the quay.
It teaches the management system, procedures and records such schemes usually require. The certification itself is granted by the relevant scheme or certifying body.
It helps, but it is not essential. Studies in a related field or experience in port or marina operations are enough to follow the content.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enrol.
More programmes in Ports and marinas
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at marina and leisure port managers, environmental consultants and technicians, HSEQ officers in maritime companies, graduates in environmental sciences, marine biology or port management, and boat owners committed to protecting the marine environment; studies in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, marine biology or a related field, or professional experience in port management, maritime administration or environmental consultancy, are recommended.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enrol
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.