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

Master's in Command Psychology and Decision-Making at Sea

This master's prepares you to lead effectively in complex maritime environments. You will learn how the brain makes decisions under pressure, how stress, fatigue and isolation affect judgment on the bridge and in the engine room, and how to improve your team's performance, manage stress and make critical decisions safely. The program combines advanced psychological and neuroscientific theory with practical simulations of real scenarios, giving you the tools for safe, efficient command.

Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
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About the program

What is the Master's in Command Psychology and Decision-Making at Sea?

This master's looks at command through the lens of psychology and neuroscience. You will study the neurobiology of leadership, the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala, the HPA axis, cortisol and dopamine in decision-making; dual-process theory, prospect theory, heuristics and cognitive biases; attention, working memory and situational awareness on watch; the effects of acute and chronic stress, sleep deprivation, circadian rhythms and fatigue on executive function; psychometric and neuropsychological assessment of the human factor; biometric monitoring with heart rate variability and galvanic skin response; mindfulness, biofeedback and neurofeedback; communication, authority and assertiveness on the bridge, shared mental models and BRM; crisis intervention, debriefing and post-incident care; Reason and SHELL models of human error; just culture and incident reporting; and the ethics of psychological work with crews.

What sets this master's apart: it focuses on the person in command, explaining why capable officers make poor decisions under pressure and what can be done before, during and after a critical event; it connects laboratory evidence with real maritime accidents analyzed from a human factors perspective; it covers both self-regulation for the commander and practical protocols for the whole team; and it closes with a Final Project in which you design an evidence-based program to improve leadership, decision-making and resilience in a demanding maritime operation.

Program typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Neuroscience of command: brain structures, neurochemistry and neuroplasticity in decisions under pressure.
  • Cognition and bias: dual-process theory, prospect theory, heuristics, situational awareness and error prevention.
  • Stress and fatigue: circadian rhythms, sleep deprivation, burnout and their effect on executive function on watch.
  • Human factor assessment: psychometrics, neuropsychological tests, biometrics and real-time monitoring.
  • Bridge team psychology: authority, assertiveness, shared mental models, BRM, just culture and incident reporting.
  • Resilience and recovery: mindfulness, biofeedback, neurofeedback, crisis intervention and post-incident debriefing.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Command Psychology and Decision-Making at Sea

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Neuroscience applied to maritime leadership: advanced strategies for decision-making in critical environments

  • 1.1. Neurobiological foundations of leadership: key brain structures, neuroplasticity and their influence on decision behavior
  • 1.2. Neural mechanisms of stress management in critical maritime situations: the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala and their interaction
  • 1.3. Advanced cognitive processes: selective attention, working memory and decision-making under pressure at sea
  • 1.4. Neuropsychological models applied to command: from dual-process theory to emotional intelligence on the bridge
  • 1.5. The impact of fatigue and sleep deprivation on the executive function and responsiveness of the maritime leader
  • 1.6. Neurochemistry and leadership: the role of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and cortisol in emotional regulation and decision behavior
  • 1.7. Neuroscientific strategies to improve decision-making: mindfulness, biofeedback and emotional regulation techniques applied to naval command
  • 1.8. Social neuroscience and collaborative leadership: empathy, effective communication and building trust in crews
  • 1.9. Practical implementation of protocols based on neuroscientific evidence to prevent human error in critical maritime operations
  • 1.10. Case studies and multidimensional analysis of maritime incidents from a neuroscientific perspective on leadership and decision-making
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Behavioral dynamics in maritime teams: effective leadership for crisis management and better decision-making

  • 2.1. Psychological foundations of human behavior in maritime environments: cognitive, emotional and behavioral variables
  • 2.2. Leadership models in naval command: situational, transformational and transactional theories applied to maritime management
  • 2.3. Team dynamics and structure at sea: roles, hierarchies, communication and coordination under pressure
  • 2.4. Stress management and individual and collective resilience: psychological strategies to maintain peak performance in a crisis
  • 2.5. Cognitive processes in decision-making under uncertainty: heuristics, biases and the mitigation of human error
  • 2.6. Conflict management and negotiation in crews: advanced techniques for effective resolution and maintaining cohesion
  • 2.7. Effective communication in critical situations: protocols, non-verbal language and the use of technology to avoid misunderstandings
  • 2.8. Simulation and analysis of maritime crisis scenarios: practical application of command techniques and psychological control
  • 2.9. Intervention and leadership during emergencies: rapid decision-making and mobilization of human and technical resources
  • 2.10. Improving group performance: continuous assessment, feedback and development of psychological competencies for maritime leadership
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Neurobehavioral analysis of decision-making in critical maritime environments

  • 3.1. Neurobiological foundations of decision-making: brain structures involved, neuroplasticity and the stress response
  • 3.2. Cognitive and neurobehavioral models applied to critical maritime environments: dual-process theory, heuristics and biases
  • 3.3. The impact of acute and chronic stress on executive functions: attention, working memory and inhibitory control on the bridge
  • 3.4. Neuropsychological assessment of decision-making capacity under pressure and fatigue in maritime command officers
  • 3.5. The interaction between emotional and cognitive factors in rapid decisions during emergencies at sea
  • 3.6. Using biometric signals (heart rate, heart rate variability, galvanic skin response) to monitor neurobehavioral state during critical operations
  • 3.7. Neurotechnology in maritime training and simulation: immersive virtual reality for decision-making training
  • 3.8. Advanced protocols for managing time and cognitive load to improve decision-making under high uncertainty
  • 3.9. Artificial intelligence and predictive algorithms to support complex decisions and risk management in adverse maritime scenarios
  • 3.10. Critical analysis of real maritime incidents from a neurobehavioral perspective and lessons for improving operating protocols
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Operational psychology of maritime command: advanced strategies for human factor assessment, decision communication and cognitive resilience in bridge management and critical operations

  • 4.1. Foundations of operational psychology applied to maritime command: neurocognitive and behavioral bases of leadership under high pressure
  • 4.2. Advanced human factor assessment: psychometric methods, analysis of operational stress and early detection of cognitive fatigue in crews
  • 4.3. Decision communication models on the bridge: protocols, leadership styles, influence and persuasion in collaborative decision-making
  • 4.4. Strategies for managing the team effectively in critical operations: group facilitation, conflict resolution and performance under uncertainty
  • 4.5. Cognitive resilience and management of human error: emotional self-regulation, operational mindfulness and reshaping cognitive biases in the maritime context
  • 4.6. The impact of environmental stress and adverse sea conditions on the psychological processes of the commander and crew
  • 4.7. Advanced tools for real-time mental state assessment: biomarkers, neurophysiological feedback and artificial intelligence in human factor monitoring
  • 4.8. Decision planning under pressure: risk analysis frameworks, probabilistic scenarios and cognitive simulation to anticipate and mitigate contingencies
  • 4.9. Assessing and strengthening situational confidence: building shared mental models and assertive communication in bridge management and critical maneuvers
  • 4.10. Protocols for operational recovery and post-incident syndrome: psychological intervention, debriefing and continuous learning in the maritime safety culture
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Cognitive psychology and decision-making in advanced navigation: stress assessment and control techniques for maritime leaders

  • 5.1. Foundations of cognitive psychology: perception, divided attention and working memory applied to maritime navigation
  • 5.2. Models of decision-making under uncertainty: prospect theory, heuristics and cognitive biases in the maritime context
  • 5.3. Risk assessment and situational perception: advanced techniques to anticipate hazards in dynamic, restricted environments
  • 5.4. Neurobiological mechanisms of stress and their impact on the cognitive and behavioral performance of command staff
  • 5.5. Tools and protocols for objective and subjective measurement of stress in maritime leaders: biomarkers, validated questionnaires and simulation
  • 5.6. Stress control interventions and techniques: mindfulness, biofeedback and resilience strategies adapted to complex naval operations
  • 5.7. Decision support systems (DSS) integrated with psychological analysis to improve tactical and strategic judgment
  • 5.8. Group dynamics, situational leadership and effective crew communication during crises and critical maneuvers
  • 5.9. Real case studies and immersive simulations for intensive practice of decision-making under pressure and assessment of psychological responses
  • 5.10. Personalized continuous improvement plans for maritime leaders based on cognitive profiles and advanced emotional management
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 6

Neurobehavioral strategies to strengthen leadership and resilience in navigation and maritime operations

  • 6.1. Neurobehavioral foundations of leadership in maritime environments: neuroanatomical and neurophysiological bases of command behavior
  • 6.2. Decision mechanisms under operational stress: activation of the HPA axis, the influence of cortisol and dopaminergic modulation in critical situations at sea
  • 6.3. Advanced neuroplasticity models for developing cognitive and emotional skills in naval commanders
  • 6.4. Psychological resilience in navigation and maritime operations: emotional self-regulation strategies and neurofeedback applied to stress and fatigue
  • 6.5. Combining mindfulness and behavioral neuroscience to improve concentration, working memory and sustained attention in complex operating conditions
  • 6.6. Neuroleadership in crew management: the influence of empathy and emotional intelligence on group cohesion and the prevention of human error
  • 6.7. Assessing and mitigating specific cognitive biases in maritime command decisions: dangerous heuristics and their impact on operational safety
  • 6.8. Design of personalized neurobehavioral interventions to strengthen adaptability and decision-making under pressure in highly uncertain scenarios
  • 6.9. Advanced use of biometric technologies and neurophysiological monitoring to track the mental and emotional state of commanders and crew in real time
  • 6.10. Case studies and neurobehavioral simulations for the continuous improvement of leadership and resilience, including post-mission analysis and feedback based on neurobehavioral metrics
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 7

Neurobehavioral models and human factor assessment strategies in complex maritime operations

  • 7.1. Neuroscientific foundations of decision-making in maritime environments: brain structures involved and neuroplasticity under operational stress
  • 7.2. Neurobehavioral models applied to maritime command: dual-process theory, cognitive biases and heuristics in critical decisions
  • 7.3. Neuropsychological assessment of the human factor: advanced techniques to detect fatigue, stress and cognitive lock-up in crews
  • 7.4. Behavioral dynamics in bridge and engine teams: coordination, non-verbal communication and situational leadership in high-demand scenarios
  • 7.5. Biometric and neurotechnological tools for continuous monitoring of the cognitive and emotional state of command staff
  • 7.6. Quantitative and qualitative methods for assessing human performance in complex maritime operations: simulations, neurocognitive tests and behavioral analysis
  • 7.7. Design and application of neurobehavioral intervention protocols to improve decision-making in critical incidents and emergencies
  • 7.8. Integrating the human factor into shipboard systems: brain-computer interfaces and their impact on reducing operating errors
  • 7.9. Case studies and review of incidents at sea from a neurobehavioral perspective: identifying patterns and contributing factors
  • 7.10. Developing advanced cognitive competencies: resilience, emotional control and situational anticipation in dynamic maritime environments
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 8

Psychology applied to maritime command: advanced behavioral assessment and emotional management techniques in high-pressure operations

  • 8.1. Neuropsychological foundations of leadership in maritime environments: brain circuits involved in decision-making under stress
  • 8.2. Advanced behavioral assessment models for command officers: psychometric tools, profile analysis and group dynamics in crews
  • 8.3. The psychology of acute and chronic stress: physiological and cognitive responses in critical maritime operations
  • 8.4. Advanced emotional regulation techniques for commanders: applied mindfulness, biofeedback and anchoring techniques in high-pressure situations
  • 8.5. Authority and communication dynamics on the bridge: strategies to improve assertiveness and minimize interpersonal conflict
  • 8.6. Psychological aspects of teamwork at sea: cohesion, collective resilience and situational leadership for safe, efficient operations
  • 8.7. Assessing psychological performance during a mission: quantitative and qualitative methods for continuous monitoring during operations
  • 8.8. Decision-making under uncertainty: cognitive models, heuristics and biases in complex maritime environments
  • 8.9. Psychological interventions in crises on board: containment protocols, trauma management and immediate psychological support
  • 8.10. Ethical and legal implications of command psychology: confidentiality, autonomy and responsibility in emotional and behavioral management
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 9

Neurobehavioral strategies to strengthen leadership, resilience and emotional management in complex maritime operations

  • 9.1. Neurobiological foundations of leadership: functional brain anatomy in decision-making and emotional regulation
  • 9.2. Advanced psychological models of behavior in maritime environments: dual-process theory and its application in high-pressure situations
  • 9.3. Neuroplasticity and cognitive training to improve resilience in naval operators
  • 9.4. Emotional control and stress management: neurofeedback and mindfulness techniques to improve the response to maritime crises
  • 9.5. Group dynamics and situational leadership: the influence of mirror neuron networks on the cohesion of multidisciplinary teams in complex maritime operations
  • 9.6. The impact of neuroendocrine variables on decision-making under uncertainty and prolonged fatigue
  • 9.7. Neurobehavioral strategies to mitigate cognitive biases and strengthen rational, evidence-based decision-making
  • 9.8. Psychotherapeutic interventions focused on command resilience: a comprehensive approach from neuropsychology and operational psychiatry
  • 9.9. Advanced techniques for developing emotional intelligence and social skills in maritime leaders: case analysis and implementation protocols
  • 9.10. Psychophysiological assessment and monitoring during critical operations: technology tools and methods to optimize performance and wellbeing
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 10

Human factors, fatigue and safety culture in command

  • 10.1. Human error models: Reason and SHELL
  • 10.2. Fatigue and circadian rhythms on watch
  • 10.3. Situational awareness on the bridge
  • 10.4. Cognitive biases in decision-making
  • 10.5. Bridge resource management (BRM)
  • 10.6. Communication and assertiveness in the chain of command
  • 10.7. Just culture and incident reporting
  • 10.8. Acute stress in emergencies
  • 10.9. Human factor analysis of accidents
  • 10.10. Safety culture improvement program
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 11

Final Project

  • 11.1. Neuropsychological foundations applied to maritime leadership: brain structure, the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex in managing stress and making decisions
  • 11.2. Advanced models of decision-making under pressure: analysis of cognitive biases, heuristics and adaptive strategies in critical naval operations
  • 11.3. Integrating neurofeedback and emotional self-regulation techniques to improve attention, concentration and resilience in maritime commanders
  • 11.4. Group dynamics and social neurobehavior: the neural mechanisms behind cohesion, effective communication and distributed leadership in crews
  • 11.5. Applying dual-process theory to conflict management and the rapid resolution of incidents in complex maritime scenarios
  • 11.6. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of psychological resilience: neurobehavioral metrics and their implications for operational adaptability
  • 11.7. Design and implementation of neurobehavioral protocols to prevent cognitive fatigue and burnout in prolonged operations at sea
  • 11.8. Immersive simulations based on virtual and augmented reality for neurobehavioral training in decision-making and leadership in maritime crises
  • 11.9. Integrated case studies: neurobehavioral analysis of real incidents and continuous improvement strategies for operational naval command
  • 11.10. Developing a final project plan that combines research, practical application and innovative proposals to improve leadership, decision-making and resilience in the maritime field
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Command Psychology and Decision-Making at Sea

It is 1,500 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
29
months to finish
125 weeks
weeks in total

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

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

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

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)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 FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Master's in Command Psychology and Decision-Making at Sea

01Optimize the psychological management of teams in critical maritime situations, fostering individual and collective resilience, effective communication and the handling of post-traumatic stress within the team.
02Develop advanced skills to assess and mitigate psychological risks at sea, applying communication and crisis protocols adapted to the stress, fatigue and isolation of crews and fostering a positive, resilient working climate.
03Strengthen resilient, effective leadership under extreme pressure at sea, putting crew safety first, managing critical resources and communicating decisions clearly under stress.
04Master psychological strategies for sound decisions in complex maritime contexts: anticipate risk scenarios, assess their emotional impact and apply stress control techniques to remain calm and objective.
05Foster assertive communication and conflict management in hierarchical maritime environments, clarifying instructions, listening actively and mediating disputes with safety and regulatory compliance as priorities.
06Implement psychological wellbeing programs for crews that prevent stress and improve performance, designing and delivering stress management and mindfulness workshops with personal and group coping tools.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Command Psychology and Decision-Making at Sea

01Merchant navy or naval officerapplying psychology to team leadership, stress management and decision-making in critical situations.
02Maritime safety consultantassessment of human factors in accidents, design of safety protocols and improvement of bridge communication.
03Trainer at maritime simulation centerstraining programs in decision-making under pressure and risk management.
04Maritime personnel selection and training managerpsychometric testing and development programs to improve performance and safety.
05Human factors researcher in maritime transportanalysis of how psychological factors affect the safety and efficiency of operations.
06Onboard conflict mediation specialist or shipping company managerapplying psychological principles to leadership, motivation and team performance.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Command Psychology and Decision-Making at Sea

Leadership and decision-making in maritime environments: command of ships, offshore platforms and other installations where teams must decide quickly and safely under pressure.

Merchant navy and naval officers, coast guard staff, captains, chief engineers and other maritime professionals involved in decision-making, as well as psychologists who want to specialize in the maritime sector.

No. The program explains the psychological and neuroscientific concepts from the ground up and applies them to concrete situations on the bridge, in the engine room and during emergencies.

Yes. Several modules cover fatigue, circadian rhythms, sleep deprivation, the Reason and SHELL models, situational awareness, BRM, just culture and the human factor analysis of accidents.

No. It teaches command psychology and human factors applied to maritime operations; it does not qualify you to practice as a clinical psychologist, which depends on the regulations of each country.

Through case studies, incident analyses and simulation exercises in each module and a Final Project in which you design a program to improve leadership, decision-making and resilience, presented before a panel.

A master's issued by Navalis Institute, together with the assessment tools, protocols and improvement plans you develop during the program.

Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7 with live sessions that are recorded, forums and tutorials. It comprises 1500 hours of study across 11 modules of about 136 hours each.

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Online admission

Admission process

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Entry requirements
  • Profile: aimed at merchant navy and naval officers aspiring to command positions, captains, chief engineers and operations managers, maritime professionals such as pilots, superintendents and inspectors, maritime safety consultants and trainers, and graduates in psychology, nautical studies or naval engineering. A degree in psychology, social or health sciences or a related field, or demonstrable professional experience in command, team management or decision-making in demanding civil or military environments, is recommended.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a camera and microphone and a stable internet connection for live sessions and simulations.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
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