Deck Accident Prevention Course
Learn to identify, assess and mitigate the most common hazards on deck, from PPE to mooring operations and emergency response. A private online professional program with a Navalis Institute certificate.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program 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 program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Deck Accident Prevention Course?
This course provides the tools and knowledge needed to identify, assess and mitigate the most common occupational risks in maritime environments. It will help you create a safer and more efficient working environment, significantly reducing the likelihood of incidents and injuries. You will learn to implement robust safety protocols, use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and respond effectively to emergency situations.
What sets it apart is its practical focus on everyday deck work: safe procedures for every task, correct use and maintenance of protective equipment, compliance with national and international maritime safety regulations, and the ability to act quickly and effectively in an emergency.
Program highlights
- Hazard identification: Recognition and assessment of the specific risks on a ship's deck.
- Risk control: Implementation of preventive and corrective measures to minimize exposure to hazards.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Proper selection, use and maintenance of PPE.
- Emergency procedures: Effective response to critical situations, including fires, spills and injuries.
- Legislation and regulations: Compliance with national and international maritime safety regulations.
- Safe procedures: Master the safety protocols for each task, minimizing the risk of accidents.
Syllabus of the Deck Accident Prevention Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Hazard identification and awareness in the deck environment
- 1.1. Analysis of deck layout: identifying danger zones, pinch points and sweep areas.
- 1.2. Critical environmental factors: impact of sea state (rolling/pitching), wind, rain and salinity on safety.
- 1.3. The Safety First culture: psychology of prevention and the role of the human factor in incidents.
- 1.4. Maritime signage and color codes: interpreting warnings, prohibitions and the location of emergency equipment.
- 1.5. The concept of situational awareness: maintaining attention in dynamic and noisy environments.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety footwear
- 2.1. Selection and correct use of marine footwear: non-slip soles, toe protection and water resistance.
- 2.2. Head and eye protection: use of safety helmets and glasses with UV and impact protection.
- 2.3. Task-specific work gloves: protection for handling ropes, wire ropes and chemical substances.
- 2.4. Personal flotation devices (lifejackets): inflation types, maintenance and mandatory use on deck.
- 2.5. Hearing protection in high-noise areas: engines, deck machinery and anchoring operations.
Prevention of falls, slips and trips
- 3.1. Surface maintenance: applying non-slip paint and immediately cleaning up oil or grease spills.
- 3.2. Housekeeping: storing tools and keeping walkways and transit areas clear.
- 3.3. Safe movement techniques: the three-points-of-contact principle when climbing ladders or moving in heavy seas.
- 3.4. Deck lighting: the importance of working lights during night watches and in reduced visibility.
- 3.5. Installation and inspection of lifelines, handrails and safety nets on bulwarks and hatches.
Safety in mooring, anchoring and towing operations
- 4.1. Risks in handling ropes and mooring lines: identifying the snap-back zone and preventing whiplash.
- 4.2. Safe operation of the windlass and capstans: tension control and communication with the bridge during anchoring.
- 4.3. Hazards in cargo lashing: safe use of straps, chains and turnbuckles to prevent accidental shifting.
- 4.4. Gestural and radio communication: standardizing signals for noisy or low-visibility maneuvers.
- 4.5. Wire rope handling: inspecting for kinks, broken strands and proper lubrication to prevent catastrophic failure.
Incident response and first aid on deck
- 5.1. Man overboard protocol: immediate signaling, alarm and rescue maneuver procedures.
- 5.2. Initial management of common deck injuries: bruises, deep cuts, fractures and entrapments.
- 5.3. Use of emergency stations on deck: eyewash stations, safety showers and portable fire extinguishers.
- 5.4. Emergency drills: the importance of regular practice to make the response automatic.
- 5.5. Communication with the medical officer: accurate reporting of the accident mechanism and the casualty's condition.
Duration and format of the Deck Accident Prevention 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 installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
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 Deck Accident Prevention Course
Career opportunities after the Deck Accident Prevention Course
Questions about the Deck Accident Prevention Course
Helmet, safety glasses, safety footwear, gloves and a lifejacket.
Hazard identification on deck, personal protective equipment and safety footwear, prevention of falls, slips and trips, safety in mooring, anchoring and towing operations, and incident response and first aid.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, recorded live sessions and tutorials with the teaching staff.
People with training in occupational risk prevention, a deck rating (able seafarer) certificate or demonstrable experience in deck activities.
Effective response to critical situations on deck, including fires, spills and injuries, along with first aid.
Deck rating, boatswain, Ship Security Officer (SSO), maritime safety inspector or maritime safety consultant, among others.
The program has a workload of 300 hours. You can progress at your own pace within the calendar we give you when you enroll.
Each program has its own start date, which appears on this page and is confirmed by the admissions team when you request information.
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Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: training in occupational risk prevention, a deck rating (able seafarer) certificate or demonstrable experience in deck activities.
- Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow the course; basic technical English is recommended.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection to follow the online sessions and materials.
- 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.
- 03EnrollmentChoose 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 enroll
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.