Professional Diploma in Maritime Safety Regulations
This professional diploma gives you a complete and up-to-date understanding of the regulatory framework governing the maritime industry. You will work with SOLAS, the ISM Code, MARPOL and port state control, with examples of how the rules are applied on board and in audits.
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 Professional Diploma in Maritime Safety Regulations?
This professional diploma gives you a complete and up-to-date view of the regulatory framework governing the maritime industry. It trains you to protect human life at sea, preserve the marine environment and improve the efficiency of shipping operations. You will learn to interpret and apply national and international regulations such as SOLAS, MARPOL and the ISM Code, and to identify and manage risks, conduct safety audits and foster a preventive culture within your organisation.
What sets the programme apart: an exhaustive analysis of the latest amendments and regulatory updates, and a practical approach, applying what you learn to real cases and simulations of critical scenarios.
Programme highlights
- Comprehensive command: up-to-date knowledge of IMO, SOLAS and MARPOL regulations, essential for safe navigation.
- Risk management: identify, assess and mitigate maritime hazards to prevent incidents and protect lives.
- Regulatory compliance: implement effective safety management systems (SMS) that ensure legal and operational compliance.
- Practical cases: analysis of real cases and simulations of critical situations.
- Career development: specialist training to advance your career in the maritime industry.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Maritime Safety Regulations
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Fundamentals of maritime safety
- 1.1. Safety and security
- 1.2. The IMO and its regulatory role
- 1.3. Flag, port and coastal States
- 1.4. Classification societies
- 1.5. Accidents that drove regulation
- 1.6. Organisation of maritime safety in Spain
- 1.7. Harbour Master's Offices
- 1.8. Maritime search and rescue
SOLAS Convention
- 2.1. Structure and chapters
- 2.2. Construction and stability
- 2.3. Fire prevention
- 2.4. Life-saving appliances
- 2.5. Radiocommunications and navigation
- 2.6. SOLAS Chapter V
- 2.7. Carriage of cargoes
- 2.8. Passenger ships
Safety management: ISM Code
- 3.1. Safety management system
- 3.2. Designated person
- 3.3. Documentation and records
- 3.4. Audits and certificates
- 3.5. Non-conformities
- 3.6. Management review
- 3.7. Training in the management system
- 3.8. Management of change
Training and certification: STCW
- 4.1. Structure of the convention
- 4.2. Certificates of competency
- 4.3. Basic safety training
- 4.4. Hours of rest
- 4.5. Familiarisation
- 4.6. Officer training
- 4.7. Simulation in training
- 4.8. Endorsement of certificates
Pollution prevention: MARPOL
- 5.1. Annexes of the convention
- 5.2. Certificates and record books
- 5.3. Special areas and ECAs
- 5.4. Inspections
- 5.5. Penalties
- 5.6. Annex VI and emissions
- 5.7. Electronic record books
- 5.8. Emergency plans
Maritime security: ISPS Code
- 6.1. Security levels
- 6.2. Ship security plan
- 6.3. Security officers
- 6.4. Port facilities
- 6.5. Drills
- 6.6. Security assessments
- 6.7. Access control
- 6.8. Declarations of security
Inspections and control
- 7.1. Port State Control
- 7.2. Paris and Tokyo Memoranda
- 7.3. Detentions
- 7.4. Flag State inspections
- 7.5. Preparing for inspections
- 7.6. Expanded inspections
- 7.7. Inspection database
- 7.8. List of detained ships
Regulations for pleasure craft and practical work
- 8.1. National pleasure craft regulations
- 8.2. Mandatory safety equipment
- 8.3. Nautical qualifications
- 8.4. Practical cases
- 8.5. Safety of charter vessels
- 8.6. Inspections of pleasure craft
- 8.7. Skipper's liability
- 8.8. Final project: regulatory compliance audit of a ship
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Maritime Safety Regulations
It is 800 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.
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 CoordinatorObjectives of the Professional Diploma in Maritime Safety Regulations
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Maritime Safety Regulations
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Maritime Safety Regulations
The main focus is to understand and apply international and national regulations related to maritime safety, including the prevention of marine pollution.
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 placements/internships through agreements.
National and international regulations relating to the safety of life at sea (SOLAS), the prevention of marine pollution (MARPOL) and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, among others.
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 your fit.
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.
More programmes in Law and regulation
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Academic or professional profile: a degree in a related area (maritime safety, maritime law, naval engineering or similar), or demonstrable professional experience in the maritime and port sector or in maritime safety.
- Prior knowledge: basic notions of national and international maritime legislation, of conventions such as SOLAS and MARPOL, and of risk management.
- Documents: up-to-date CV, copy of degree certificate or proof of experience, identity document and a motivation letter.
- Specific requirements: in some cases a personal interview or a level test may be required to assess the candidate's suitability.
- 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.