Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules

Master's in Maritime Leadership and Crew Management

In this master's programme you will develop your leadership and team management skills in today's maritime environment. It covers communication, intercultural cooperation, conflict resolution and motivation, along with crew planning, working hours and duty of care.

Duration1,500 h

ModeOnline

Start1 December

Modules11

Programme diagnosis

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.

Your diagnosis

6of 6 to cover

You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.

About the programme

What is the Master's in Maritime Leadership and Crew Management?

This master's programme prepares professionals to exercise leadership in today's maritime sector. It works on command strategies, human resource management and decision-making in critical situations. You will learn to optimise crew performance, create a safe and collaborative working environment and apply international maritime regulations, with the aim of standing out in positions of responsibility in the maritime industry.

Its strengths are adaptive leadership, with techniques for leading diverse and changing teams; crisis management, with scenario simulations for deciding under pressure; effective communication, improving interpersonal and group communication; and the maritime legal framework, with in-depth knowledge of national and international regulations.

Programme typeMaster’s degree

ModeOnline

Duration1,500 hours

Modules11

Start1 December

Programme highlights

Leadership development: essential strategies for leading high-performance maritime teams.
Integrated crew management: optimising efficiency and wellbeing in any scenario.
Strategic decisions: facing complex challenges with determination.
Legal and regulatory framework: in-depth study of maritime regulation and its practical application.
Simulations and practical cases: applying what you learn to real situations.
Career boost: the tools and knowledge to stand out as a leader.

Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Maritime Leadership and Crew Management

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Advanced Strategies in Crew Leadership and Decision-Making under Pressure in Maritime Environments

1.1. Contemporary models of naval leadership: situational, transformational and transactional theories applied to the management of maritime crews
1.2. Group dynamics and crew cohesion: psychological analysis, trust building and development of high-performance teams in naval scenarios
1.3. Decision-making under pressure: advanced methodologies, heuristics and cognitive biases in environments of high uncertainty and maritime risk
1.4. Operational stress assessment and management: protocols for early detection, mitigation and psychological support during critical operations
1.5. Effective communication in the chain of command: advanced techniques for briefing, debriefing and conflict management to optimise coordination and response on cruises and missions
1.6. Crisis management and conflict resolution: design of contingency plans, adaptive leadership and interdepartmental coordination in exceptional circumstances
1.7. Simulation and immersive training techniques for developing decision-making and leadership skills in emergency situations and tactical maritime scenarios
1.8. Implementation of continuous feedback systems: performance appraisal, personalised coaching and professional development plans for officers and crew
1.9. Integration of cultural factors and diversity in the management of multinational crews and their impact on operational effectiveness and working climate
1.10. Practical application of international regulations and safety protocols (SOLAS, STCW) focused on the leader's responsibility for people management during any naval operation

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 2

Effective Command Dynamics and Interdisciplinary Coordination in Modern Naval Operations

2.1. Fundamentals of effective command: definition, key competencies and naval leadership styles in dynamic contexts
2.2. Modern naval organisational structures: hierarchies, roles and responsibilities in the management of multidisciplinary crews
2.3. Internal communication dynamics: protocols, formal and informal channels, and mitigation of interference in high-pressure environments
2.4. Decision-making under operational stress: analytical and heuristic models and support tools for real-time command
2.5. Interdisciplinary coordination: integration of technical, operational and logistical competencies for the efficient execution of complex naval operations
2.6. Planning and execution of joint operations: synchronisation of human and material resources in combat scenarios and special missions
2.7. Naval command and control (C2) systems: architecture, protocols, interoperability and tactical information management
2.8. Conflict management and negotiation in the chain of command: advanced techniques for effectively resolving disagreements and maintaining group cohesion
2.9. Performance appraisal and continuous feedback: qualitative and quantitative metrics, professional development and crew motivation
2.10. Technological innovations in naval leadership: digital tools for supervision, operational data analysis and decision support

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 3

Innovative Leadership Strategies and Critical Decision-Making in Highly Complex Maritime Environments

3.1. Fundamentals of naval leadership: historical evolution and conceptual framework applied to maritime environments
3.2. Advanced decision-making models: rational analysis, heuristics and heuristic techniques applied to high-pressure scenarios
3.3. Situational leadership in complex maritime operations: dynamic adaptation to changing conditions and multiple actors
3.4. Implementation of decision-support technologies: intelligent systems, mission simulators and predictive analytics for operational optimisation
3.5. Strategic risk management: identification, assessment and mitigation in environments of critical maritime uncertainty
3.6. Group dynamics and conflict management: advanced techniques for maintaining cohesion and motivation in multicultural, multi-level crews
3.7. Effective communication in chains of command: protocols, channels and tools to ensure clarity and speed in the transmission of orders
3.8. International legal and regulatory framework: implications for decision-making and responsible leadership in naval missions
3.9. Development of resilience and emotional intelligence to lead under extreme stress and in maritime crisis situations
3.10. Case studies and simulations: resolution of critical incidents through innovative leadership and decision-making based on data and operational experience

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 4

Comprehensive Naval Command: Operational Leadership, People Management and Crew Resilience for Safety and Efficiency in Maritime Operations

4.1. Fundamentals of naval leadership: contemporary theories and their application in complex maritime contexts
4.2. Design and execution of operational command: integration of command, control and communications (C3) in dynamic maritime spaces
4.3. Psychology applied to crew leadership: stress management, motivation and group cohesion in adverse environments
4.4. Strategic human resource management: selection, continuous training and performance appraisal on ships and in naval units
4.5. Organisational resilience: adaptation and recovery protocols in the face of operational crises and maritime emergencies
4.6. Maritime safety and security: development and implementation of procedures that minimise risks in tactical and logistical operations
4.7. Advanced analysis of effective communication: techniques for the clear transmission of orders and the management of conflicts on board
4.8. Decision-making under pressure: cognitive models, risk assessment and use of technological support systems
4.9. International regulations and naval doctrines: impact on crew management and multilateral joint operations
4.10. Assessment and continuous improvement of leadership and people management through performance metrics and systematic feedback in naval contexts

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 5

Advanced Naval Leadership Tactics and Strategic Team Management in Highly Complex Maritime Operations

5.1. Fundamentals of naval leadership: contemporary theories applied to crew management in maritime environments
5.2. Group dynamics and cohesion in naval teams: tools for motivation and conflict resolution on the high seas
5.3. Strategic planning of naval operations: integration of tactical, logistical and human objectives for highly complex missions
5.4. Effective communication in maritime contexts: protocols, systems and barriers in the interaction between officers and crew
5.5. Stress management and decision-making under pressure: cognitive models applied to critical situations in naval operations
5.6. Development of adaptive capabilities and resilience in naval leaders for changing and adverse environments
5.7. Implementation of command and control (C2) in complex operations: hierarchical and decentralised structures, delegation and supervision
5.8. Advanced use of technology for team management: collaborative platforms, real-time monitoring and assessment systems
5.9. Human resource planning and management: selection, training, performance and retention in specialised naval crews
5.10. Analysis of international case studies: successful leadership in combat, rescue and critical maritime logistics operations

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 6

Innovative Strategies in Naval Leadership, High-Pressure Decision-Making and Interdisciplinary Coordination for Safe and Efficient Maritime Operations

6.1. Fundamentals and advanced theories of naval leadership: styles, situational models and their application in complex maritime environments
6.2. Decision-making under pressure: cognitive techniques, heuristics, risk analysis and stress management in critical maritime situations
6.3. Implementation of command and control (C2) systems for the effective coordination of crews and multidisciplinary units
6.4. Interdisciplinary coordination: operational integration between different departments on board and collaboration with external maritime security entities
6.5. Design and application of high-reliability communication protocols and management of the chain of command in naval operations
6.6. Innovative strategies for motivation, talent management and professional development of naval personnel in dynamic and challenging contexts
6.7. Incident and emergency analysis and management: advanced simulations, crisis exercises and organisational learning for continuous improvement
6.8. Optimisation of operational efficiency through emerging technologies: artificial intelligence, big data and decision-support systems in maritime operations
6.9. Human and cultural factors in naval leadership: managing diversity, intercultural communication and strengthening teamwork
6.10. Performance appraisal and metrics for naval leaders: key indicators, structured feedback and tools for developing effective competencies

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 7

Advanced Strategies in Naval Leadership, High-Pressure Decision-Making and Interdisciplinary Coordination for Safety and Efficiency in Maritime Operations

7.1. Theoretical foundations of advanced naval leadership: contemporary theories and models applied in highly complex maritime environments
7.2. Decision-making under pressure: cognitive techniques, risk assessment, heuristics and biases in dynamic and critical environments
7.3. Strategic analysis tools for crew management: use of specialised software, dashboards and performance metrics
7.4. Interdisciplinary coordination: integration of roles and functions among navigation, engineering, logistics and security officers for synchronised operations
7.5. Advanced maritime safety protocols: application of SOLAS, ISM and ISPS requirements and crisis management at operational and strategic level
7.6. Effective communication and situational leadership: techniques to motivate, resolve conflicts and foster cohesion in multicultural and multi-specialist teams
7.7. Use of critical-scenario simulators: practical exercises in emergency response, system failure and adverse weather conditions
7.8. Application of operational and human risk management methods: identification, mitigation and continuous assessment in naval operations
7.9. Optimisation of crew performance: physiological monitoring systems, stress management and watch planning to minimise fatigue
7.10. Study of real cases and analysis of maritime incidents to replicate best practices and draw up continuous improvement plans in leadership and management

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 8

Integrated Human Resource Management and Competency Development in High-Performance Naval Environments

8.1. Fundamentals of integrated human resource management in naval environments: organisational structure, roles and responsibilities
8.2. Advanced models for competency assessment and development: gap analysis, training plans and specific certifications
8.3. Specialised recruitment and selection for naval crews: technical and occupational-psychology criteria and assessment of maritime aptitudes
8.4. Staff retention and motivation in high-pressure environments: psychosocial strategies, incentives and well-being on board
8.5. Design and implementation of continuous training programmes: blended learning methodologies, maritime simulators and soft-skills training
8.6. Situational leadership and conflict management in multicultural crews with multiple hierarchical levels: practices, mediation and effective resolution
8.7. Fatigue control and operational stress management: protocols, biometric monitoring and mitigation strategies in maritime environments
8.8. Performance appraisal and feedback systems: key indicators, benchmarking and individualised improvement plans
8.9. Implementation of a safety and compliance culture in people management: STCW, SOLAS and applicable international standards
8.10. Technological tools for crew management: human resource information systems (HRIS), predictive analytics and real-time reporting

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 9

Innovative Leadership Strategies and Decision-Making in Highly Complex, High-Pressure Maritime Environments

9.1. Advanced leadership models in maritime contexts: transformational, situational and adaptive theories applied to naval management
9.2. Dynamics of decision-making under pressure: cognitive frameworks, heuristics and biases in critical environments
9.3. Analysis of highly complex scenarios: identification, risk assessment and strategic prioritisation
9.4. Effective communication and conflict management in multinational and multicultural crews
9.5. Implementation of agile and continuous improvement methodologies for operational optimisation on board
9.6. Stress management and resilience in maritime leaders: psychological and physiological tools to sustain performance
9.7. Use of advanced decision-support systems: integration of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics in naval operations
9.8. Ethics and responsibility in decision-making: regulatory compliance and sustainability in maritime management
9.9. Development of contingency and rapid crisis-response plans: protocols, drills and lessons learned
9.10. Leadership assessment and feedback: performance metrics, coaching and individual development plans for officers and crew members

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 10

Employment Regulations, Welfare and Administrative Crew Management

10.1. MLC 2006 and seafarers' rights
10.2. STCW certification and minimum safe manning requirements
10.3. Recruitment and crewing agencies
10.4. Crew reliefs and crew change logistics
10.5. Hours of work and rest
10.6. Payroll, social security and taxation
10.7. Welfare, food and accommodation on board
10.8. Mental health and psychological support
10.9. Complaints handling and disciplinary procedures
10.10. Crew management indicators

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 11

Master's Thesis: Integrating Naval Leadership and Crew Management Strategies for Resilience and Safety in Complex Maritime Operations

11.1. Advanced conceptualisation of naval leadership: contemporary theories applied to maritime environments and their impact on the effective management of diverse crews
11.2. Integrated crew management models: planning, role allocation, talent management and optimisation of operational performance in complex scenarios
11.3. Strategies to foster psychosocial resilience in crews: intervention in operational stress, crisis management and development of collective emotional intelligence on board
11.4. Safety protocols in complex maritime operations: detailed risk analysis, standardised procedures and leadership in emergency response
11.5. Strategic communication and situational leadership: advanced techniques for immediate decision-making, conflict management and motivation in high-pressure environments
11.6. Technological integration in crew management: use of real-time monitoring systems, performance data analysis and automation of supervision processes
11.7. International regulatory framework and governance standards for naval leaders: compliance, audits and adaptation to MARPOL, SOLAS, ISM and ISPS regulations
11.8. Planning and execution of the final project: methodological design for the practical integration of leadership and management strategies aimed at continuous improvement and operational safety
11.9. Analysis of real cases and advanced simulations: application of critical evaluation methodologies and experiential learning to strengthen leadership and management capability in maritime operations
11.10. Multidimensional assessment of organisational resilience in naval environments: key indicators, performance metrics and feedback techniques to optimise team management

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Maritime Leadership and Crew Management

It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

Hours per week

4 h30 h

With 12 h per week

months to finish

125 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 AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance

Ing. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints

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 FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory

Dra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator

Ing. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator

Ing. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line

Ing. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator

Objectives

Objectives of the Master's in Maritime Leadership and Crew Management

01Improve the operational efficiency of the maritime unit.

02Create a positive, high-performance organisational climate.

03Develop leadership strategies for effective decision-making in critical situations.

04Manage the human and material resources assigned to you effectively.

05Implement and supervise training programmes for the professional development of the crew.

06Coordinate complex maritime operations and ensure strategic objectives are met.

Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Maritime Leadership and Crew Management

01Naval officer or ship's masterleading personnel and planning maritime operations.

02Head of operations or staff officerstrategic decisions, resource coordination and crisis management.

03Naval project directorconstruction, modernisation and acquisition of vessels.

04Maritime strategy and defence consultantadvice on maritime security and risk management.

05Fleet or maritime logistics manageroptimising resources, deployments and maintenance.

06Instructor or trainer in maritime academiespassing on knowledge and developing leadership.

07Maritime security researcher or analystthreat analysis and improvement proposals.

08Public administration manager in the maritime sectorregulation, control and supervision of activities.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Maritime Leadership and Crew Management

The naval and maritime sector.

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 stays/placements through partnership agreements.

It focuses on leadership in the naval context, although some general leadership principles may be applicable to other fields.

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

Yes, with a related qualification or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions 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.

Related programmes

More programmes in People and leadership

View the whole area →

Master’s degree · 1,500 hMaster's in Psychology for Long-Haul Crews₹234,500 · View programme →

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

Academic or professional profile: degree in a maritime, military or management field, or demonstrable experience in command or personnel management in a navy or similar organisation.
Language skills: technical English is recommended for access to specialised documentation and bibliography.
Documentation: detailed CV, copy of military or maritime credentials, certificate of service, letter of motivation, identity document or passport, and an optional letter of recommendation.
Specific requirement: pass a personal interview assessing leadership and management aptitude.

01
Application
Your details, background and documents.
02
Instant review
We check that everything is complete and in order.
03
Enrolment
Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.

Start my applicationFrom ₹66,600 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

Any questions?

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.

Enrol now