Professional diploma800 h · Online · 8 modules

Professional Diploma in Anti-Piracy Security

This professional diploma offers complete training for professionals who protect maritime and land-based assets from piracy threats. You will work on threat assessment, prevention, ship security plans and conduct during an incident, with the legal framework as part of the programme.

Duration800 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules8
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About the programme

What is the Professional Diploma in Anti-Piracy Security?

This professional diploma offers complete training for professionals who want to protect maritime and land-based assets from piracy and organised crime. It goes in depth into risk analysis, strategic planning and preventive and reactive measures. It also covers current trends in piracy, state-of-the-art security technology and the applicable international legislation.

What sets this diploma apart: simulations and case studies, analysing real incidents and practising decision-making; an up-to-date legal framework, with knowledge of international and national laws and regulations; comprehensive protection strategies, from vulnerability assessment to incident response; and a professional network, with opportunities to connect with other security professionals.

Programme typeProfessional diploma
ModeOnline
Duration800 hours
Modules8
Start1 December

Programme highlights

  • Protection strategies: current techniques and technologies to prevent and respond to pirate attacks at sea.
  • International legal framework: maritime legislation and international agreements against piracy.
  • Crisis management: leading and coordinating the response to incidents to minimise risks and damage.
  • Intelligence and analysis: collecting, analysing and using key information to anticipate and prevent threats.
  • Drills and practical exercises: realistic scenarios that strengthen your capacity to react.
  • The programme prepares you to protect vessels and crews and become an expert in anti-piracy security.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Anti-Piracy Security

8 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Fundamentals of Maritime Piracy and the International Legal Framework

  • 1.1. Historical evolution and geography of piracy: analysis of high-risk areas (HRA), the Gulf of Guinea, the Strait of Malacca, the Horn of Africa and the Caribbean
  • 1.2. International legal framework: piracy under UNCLOS (Art. 100-107), universal jurisdiction and the right of hot pursuit
  • 1.3. SUA Convention 1988/2005: suppression of unlawful acts against the safety of maritime navigation and the Fixed Platforms Protocol
  • 1.4. The ISPS Code and its relationship with piracy: on-board security requirements, security levels (1, 2 and 3) and security plans
  • 1.5. IMO guidelines and UN resolutions: global regulatory framework, recommendations for shipowners and naval force cooperation
  • 1.6. Use of force in international waters: self-defence, rules of engagement (ROE) and legal liability of crew and shipowners
  • 1.7. International humanitarian law at sea and human rights: treatment of persons detained at sea, rescues and compliance with international standards
  • 1.8. History of modern piracy
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Risk Assessment, Intelligence Analysis and High-Risk Areas (HRA)

  • 2.1. Security risk assessment methodology: identification of ship vulnerabilities, route analysis and threat profiles
  • 2.2. Sources of maritime intelligence: bulletins from the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, MDAT-GoG, ReCAAP, UKMTO and information fusion centres
  • 2.3. Profiling of pirate groups: modus operandi, weapons, boarding tactics, use of mother ships and criminal logistics
  • 2.4. Transit planning through High-Risk Areas (HRA): advance notification, registration with monitoring centres and daily reporting protocols
  • 2.5. Vulnerability analysis by ship type: assessment of tankers, container ships, bulk carriers, tugs and yachts
  • 2.6. Assessment of weather and sea conditions: sea state, visibility and their influence on the likelihood of a pirate attack
  • 2.7. Preparation of operational intelligence reports: integration of data into the decision-making of the master and the shipowning company
  • 2.8. Information centres: UKMTO and MSCHOA
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Best Management Practices (BMP) and Physical Deterrence on Board

  • 3.1. Comprehensive analysis of the BMP guides (BMP5 and global): recommended protective measures before, during and after transit
  • 3.2. Ship hardening: installation of razor wire, physical barriers and freeboard protection
  • 3.3. Non-lethal defence systems: high-pressure water cannons, water curtains, acoustic devices (LRAD) and laser dazzlers
  • 3.4. Protection of access points: sealing of the accommodation, armouring of bridge windows, high-security doors and accommodation ladder control
  • 3.5. Design and construction of the Citadel: location, armour, independent ventilation, independent communications and emergency supplies
  • 3.6. Perimeter surveillance and early detection systems: use of thermal cameras, surface search radars and high-power searchlights
  • 3.7. Maintenance and testing of protective equipment: pre-transit inspections before entering the HRA and operational checklists
  • 3.8. Citadel and crew protection
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Private Security on Board (PCASP) and Rules for the Use of Force

  • 4.1. Use of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP): international regulatory framework, ISO 28007 guidelines and selection of providers
  • 4.2. Embarkation and disembarkation procedures for weapons: floating armouries, weapons transit licences, customs and flag requirements
  • 4.3. Integration of the security team with the crew: chain of command, the master's role as ultimate authority and coordination with the SSO
  • 4.4. Rules for the Use of Force (RUF): warning shots, escalation of force, exclusion zones and proportionate self-defence
  • 4.5. Management of weapons and ammunition on board: secure custody, inventory records, maintenance and firearms safety protocols
  • 4.6. Legal aspects of PCASP actions: criminal and civil liability and procedures following an incident involving the discharge of firearms
  • 4.7. Insurance and cover for security personnel: civil liability and personal accident policies and P&I Club requirements
  • 4.8. Contracting armed private security
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Operational Procedures, Attack Protocols and Evasive Manoeuvres

  • 5.1. Response procedures when suspicious craft approach: activation of the general piracy alarm and acceleration to full speed
  • 5.2. Evasive manoeuvring of the ship: helm tactics, generating stern wash to hinder coming alongside and wake control
  • 5.3. Emergency communication protocols: transmission of MAYDAY/PAN PAN messages, activation of the SSAS (Ship Security Alert System) and contact with UKMTO/MRCC
  • 5.4. Procedure for retreating to the Citadel: criteria for ordering the deck/bridge to be abandoned, personnel muster and security lockdown
  • 5.5. Crew conduct in the Citadel: maintaining control of the ship (engine stop/remote steering), communications and awaiting rescue
  • 5.6. Response tactics following a successful hijacking: behaviour in hostage situations, basic negotiation, minimising provocation and survival
  • 5.7. Support for military release operations: coordination with special boarding forces (VBSS), conduct during the assault and safe areas
  • 5.8. Anti-piracy exercises and drills
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 6

Cybersecurity and Asymmetric Technological Threats in the Maritime Environment

  • 6.1. Cyber piracy and vulnerabilities of navigation systems: spoofing and jamming of GNSS and AIS signals
  • 6.2. Protection of on-board operational technology (OT) systems: cybersecurity of machinery, steering gear, ECDIS and communication networks
  • 6.3. Risk of operational information leaks: confidentiality of cargo manifests, routes, transit dates and ship positions
  • 6.4. Threat from unmanned vehicles (drones/USV/UAV): use of drones by pirate groups for pre-attack reconnaissance or sabotage
  • 6.5. Preventive cyber-defence measures on board: network segregation, USB device control, strong passwords and cyber-attack response protocols
  • 6.6. Encrypted communication strategy: use of secure satellite channels (SATCOM) to transmit position reports and emergencies
  • 6.7. Cyber awareness among the crew: prevention of social engineering and phishing, and good practice in the use of social media in port and at sea
  • 6.8. Cyber risks in high-risk areas
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 7

Crisis Management, Kidnap Negotiation and Post-Incident Support

  • 7.1. Setting up the shore-based Crisis Management Team (CMT): role of the shipping company, appointment of spokespersons, logistical support and liaison with authorities
  • 7.2. Principles of negotiation in kidnap-for-ransom cases: negotiation dynamics, the role of professional negotiators and time management
  • 7.3. Managing communication with families: emotional support, information updates and privacy of crew data
  • 7.4. Handling the media and social networks: control of the public narrative, official statements and prevention of risky leaks
  • 7.5. Post-incident medical and psychological care: trauma assessment, psychological debriefing protocol and humanitarian assistance to the crew
  • 7.6. Investigation and preservation of evidence: data collection for casualty investigation, preservation of the scene and VDR records
  • 7.7. Processing insurance claims and General Average: claims handling with the P&I Club, Kidnap and Ransom (K&R) policies and negotiation costs
  • 7.8. Care for crews after a hijacking
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 8

Capstone Project: Anti-Piracy Security Plan and Transit Drill in High-Risk Areas

  • 8.1. Definition of the operational scenario: selection of the study ship, cargo type, trade route and the High-Risk Area (HRA) to be transited
  • 8.2. Ship-specific risk assessment: identification of physical vulnerabilities, maximum speed, freeboard and blind spots
  • 8.3. Design of the Ship Hardening and Protection Plan: layout of physical barriers, citadel design and defences
  • 8.4. Preparation of the Operational Security Instructions: drafting step-by-step response procedures upon detection of suspicious craft
  • 8.5. Coordination protocol with naval forces and private security (PCASP): integration of the RUF, communications plan and registration with SAR centres/UKMTO
  • 8.6. Script for conducting a pirate attack drill: design of an on-board exercise including approach, evasive manoeuvre, alert and retreat to the citadel
  • 8.7. Presentation of the security plan
  • 8.8. Final presentation: defence of the Comprehensive Anti-Piracy Security Plan before a panel of maritime security consultants, masters and ISPS auditors
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Anti-Piracy Security

It is 800 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
15
months to finish
67 weeks
weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesIng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsIng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaIng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraIng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Professional Diploma in Anti-Piracy Security

01Assess the risk of piracy and armed robbery for a vessel, route and port call using current intelligence sources.
02Plan and implement ship protection measures in line with BMP Maritime Security and the ISPS Code.
03Apply the international legal framework on piracy (UNCLOS, SUA Convention) and the rules on the use of force at sea.
04Coordinate the response to an attack or hijacking with the company, flag state, naval forces and reporting centres.
05Manage a crisis on board, including citadel procedures, communications and crew welfare after an incident.
06Prepare security assessments, ship security plans and incident reports to industry standards.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Anti-Piracy Security

01Ship Security Officer (SSO)
02Company Security Officer (CSO)
03Maritime security consultant and risk analyst
04Security team leader for vessels transiting high-risk areas
05Security and crisis management coordinator at shipping companies and ports
06Maritime security trainer and instructor
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Professional Diploma in Anti-Piracy Security

Piracy, both digital and physical, and its consequences such as financial losses, security risks and damage to intellectual property.

Yes. The pathway includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with port, ocean, fog, heavy-weather and SAR scenarios.

Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/internship placements through agreements.

Piracy.

Functional SMCP is recommended. We provide support materials for standard phraseology.

Yes, with a related qualification or experience in maritime/port operations. The admission interview will confirm suitability.

Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Partnerships and the Alumni Network.

Simulator exercises (rubrics), passage plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and an applied master's thesis.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: experience at sea, in shipping companies, ports, the armed forces or security services, or a degree in law, international relations, nautical studies or a related field.
  • Prior knowledge: basic familiarity with ship operations; knowledge of the ISPS Code is an advantage but not required.
  • Documents: an up-to-date CV, a copy of your qualifications or seafarer certificates (if any), an ID document and a short statement of motivation.
  • Technical requirements: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions.
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  3. 03
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