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Master’s degree · People and leadershipMaster'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.
100% online1,500 hours11 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time
What is this programme?
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 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.
Study plan
01Advanced Strategies in Crew Leadership and Decision-Making under Pressure in Maritime Environments136 h
Contemporary models of maritime leadership (situational, transformational and transactional) applied to crews. Group dynamics and cohesion: psychological analysis, trust and high-performance teams. Decisions under pressure: methodologies, heuristics and cognitive biases under high uncertainty. Operational stress: early detection, mitigation and psychological support in critical operations. Communication in the chain of command: briefing, debriefing and conflict management on voyages and missions. Crisis management: contingency plans, adaptive leadership and interdepartmental coordination. Simulation and immersive training for decision-making in emergencies and tactical scenarios. Continuous feedback: performance appraisal, coaching and development plans. Cultural diversity in multinational crews and its effect on effectiveness and working climate. Practical application of SOLAS and STCW, focused on the leader's responsibility for human management.
02Effective Command Dynamics and Interdisciplinary Coordination in Modern Maritime Operations136 h
Fundamentals of effective command: key competencies and leadership styles in dynamic contexts. Maritime organisational structures: hierarchies, roles and responsibilities in multidisciplinary crews. Internal communication: protocols, formal and informal channels, and reduction of interference. Decisions under operational stress: analytical and heuristic models and real-time support tools. Interdisciplinary coordination: integrating technical, operational and logistical skills. Joint operations: synchronising people and resources in demanding and special missions. Command and control (C2) systems: architecture, protocols, interoperability and tactical information. Conflict and negotiation in the chain of command while maintaining group cohesion. Performance appraisal: qualitative and quantitative metrics, development and motivation. Technological innovation: digital supervision tools, data analytics and decision support.
03Innovative Leadership Strategies and Critical Decision-Making in Highly Complex Maritime Environments136 h
Fundamentals of maritime leadership: historical evolution and conceptual framework. Advanced decision models: rational analysis and heuristics under high pressure. Situational leadership in complex operations, adapting to changing conditions and multiple actors. Decision support technologies: intelligent systems, mission simulators and predictive analytics. Strategic risk management: identification, assessment and mitigation under critical uncertainty. Group dynamics and conflict in multicultural, multi-level crews. Communication in the chain of command: protocols, channels and tools for clear, fast orders. International legal and regulatory framework and its impact on decisions and responsible leadership. Resilience and emotional intelligence for leading under extreme stress and crisis. Practical cases and simulations of critical incidents based on data and experience.
04Integrated Maritime Command: Operational Leadership, Human Management and Crew Resilience for Safety and Efficiency in Maritime Operations136 h
Fundamentals of maritime leadership and contemporary theories in complex contexts. Design and execution of operational command: integrating command, control and communications (C3). Applied psychology: stress management, motivation and cohesion in adverse environments. Strategic human resource management: selection, continuous training and appraisal on board. Organisational resilience: adaptation and recovery protocols for crises. Maritime safety and security: procedures to minimise tactical and logistical risks. Advanced communication: clear transmission of orders and conflict management on board. Decisions under pressure: cognitive models, risk assessment and technological support systems. International regulations and maritime doctrines: impact on crews and multilateral operations. Evaluation and continuous improvement of leadership through metrics and systematic feedback.
05Advanced Maritime Leadership Tactics and Strategic Team Management in Highly Complex Maritime Operations136 h
Fundamentals of maritime leadership applied to crew management. Group dynamics and cohesion: motivation and conflict resolution at sea. Strategic planning: integrating tactical, logistical and human objectives. Communication in maritime contexts: protocols, systems and barriers between officers and crew. Stress management and decisions under pressure with cognitive models. Adaptive capabilities and resilience for changing, adverse environments. Implementing C2 in complex operations: hierarchical and decentralised structures, delegation and supervision. Technologies for managing teams: collaborative platforms, real-time tracking and evaluation. Human resource planning: selection, training, performance and retention. Analysis of international leadership cases in combat, rescue and maritime logistics.
06Innovative Strategies in Maritime Leadership, High-Pressure Decision-Making and Interdisciplinary Coordination for Safe and Efficient Maritime Operations136 h
Advanced fundamentals and theories: styles and situational models in complex environments. Decisions under pressure: cognitive techniques, heuristics, risk analysis and stress management. C2 systems for coordinating crews and multidisciplinary units. Coordination between departments on board and with external maritime safety bodies. High-reliability communication protocols and management of the chain of command. Motivation, talent management and professional development strategies. Incident and emergency management: simulations, crisis exercises and organisational learning. Efficiency through emerging technologies: artificial intelligence, big data and decision support. Human and cultural factors: diversity, intercultural communication and teamwork. Performance appraisal: indicators, structured feedback and competency development.
07Advanced Strategies in Maritime Leadership, High-Pressure Decision-Making and Interdisciplinary Coordination for Safety and Efficiency in Maritime Operations136 h
Theoretical foundations of advanced leadership in highly complex environments. Decisions under pressure: cognitive techniques, risk assessment, heuristics and biases. Strategic analysis tools: specialised software, dashboards and metrics. Coordination between navigation, engineering, logistics and safety for synchronised operations. Advanced safety protocols: SOLAS, ISM, ISPS and crisis management at operational and strategic level. Communication and situational leadership to motivate, resolve conflicts and build cohesive teams. Simulators of critical scenarios: emergencies, system failures and adverse weather. Management of operational and human risks: identification, mitigation and continuous assessment. Crew performance: physiological monitoring, stress management and watch planning. Study of real cases and incident analysis to replicate good practice.
08Integrated Human Resource Management and Competency Development in High-Performance Maritime Environments136 h
Fundamentals of human resource management in maritime environments: structure, roles and responsibilities. Competency assessment and development: gap analysis, training plans and certifications. Specialised recruitment and selection: technical, psychological and maritime aptitude criteria. Retention and motivation under high pressure: psychosocial strategies, incentives and wellbeing on board. Continuous training programmes: blended learning, simulators and soft skills. Situational leadership and mediation in multicultural, multi-level crews. Fatigue and operational stress control: protocols, biometric monitoring and mitigation. Performance appraisal and feedback: indicators, benchmarking and individual improvement plans. Safety culture and regulatory compliance (STCW, SOLAS and international standards). Technology tools: HRIS systems, predictive analytics and real-time reporting.
09Innovative Leadership Strategies and Decision-Making in Highly Complex, High-Pressure Maritime Environments136 h
Advanced leadership models: transformational, situational and adaptive, applied to the maritime context. Decision dynamics under pressure: cognitive frameworks, heuristics and biases. Highly complex scenarios: identification, risk assessment and prioritisation. Communication and conflict management in multinational crews. Agile and continuous improvement methodologies to optimise operations on board. Stress and leader resilience: psychological and physiological tools to sustain performance. Advanced decision support systems: artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. Ethics and responsibility: regulatory compliance and sustainability in maritime management. Contingency and rapid response plans: protocols, drills and lessons learned. Evaluation and feedback: metrics, coaching and individual development plans.
10Labour Regulations, Welfare and Administrative Management of Crews136 h
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and seafarers' rights. Certification and minimum manning requirements under STCW. Recruitment and crewing agencies. Reliefs and crew change logistics. Hours of work and rest. Payroll, social security and taxation. Welfare, food and accommodation on board. Mental health and psychological support. Complaints handling and disciplinary procedures. Crew management indicators.
11Final Master's Project: Integrating Maritime Leadership and Crew Management Strategies for Resilience and Safety in Complex Maritime Operations136 h
Advanced concept of maritime leadership and its impact on diverse crews. Integrated management models: planning, role allocation, talent and performance. Psychosocial resilience: stress intervention, crisis management and collective emotional intelligence. Safety protocols in complex operations: risk analysis and leadership in emergencies. Strategic communication and situational leadership for decision-making, conflict management and motivation. Technology integration: real-time monitoring, data analytics and automated supervision. Regulatory framework and governance: compliance, audits and adaptation to MARPOL, SOLAS, ISM and ISPS. Planning and execution of the final project: a methodological design oriented towards continuous improvement. Real cases and simulations: critical evaluation and experiential learning. Multidimensional assessment of organisational resilience: indicators, metrics and feedback.
Duration and format
1,500hours in total
11modules of 136 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round
At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 150 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 75.
What you will learn
- Improve the operational efficiency of the maritime unit.
- Create a positive, high-performance organisational climate.
- Develop leadership strategies for effective decision-making in critical situations.
- Manage the human and material resources assigned to you effectively.
- Implement and supervise training programmes for the professional development of the crew.
- Coordinate complex maritime operations and ensure strategic objectives are met.
Career outcomes
- Naval officer or ship's master: leading personnel and planning maritime operations.
- Head of operations or staff officer: strategic decisions, resource coordination and crisis management.
- Naval project director: construction, modernisation and acquisition of vessels.
- Maritime strategy and defence consultant: advice on maritime security and risk management.
- Fleet or maritime logistics manager: optimising resources, deployments and maintenance.
- Instructor or trainer in maritime academies: passing on knowledge and developing leadership.
- Maritime security researcher or analyst: threat analysis and improvement proposals.
- Public administration manager in the maritime sector: regulation, control and supervision of activities.
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.
How to enrol
Enrol online
Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.
Receive your access
We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.
Study at your pace
Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.