Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules
Master's in Onboard Ergonomics and Habitability
This master's prepares you to design and assess ship spaces that put the safety, health and well-being of crews and passengers first. You will apply anthropometry, biomechanics and cognitive ergonomics to cabins, workstations, bridges and common areas, control noise, vibration, lighting and indoor climate, evaluate ergonomic risks with methods such as RULA, REBA and OWAS, design escape routes and emergency systems, use 3D modeling and virtual reality to test layouts, and work with MLC 2006, ILO conventions, IMO noise rules and classification society comfort notations.
Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
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About the program
What is the Master's in Onboard Ergonomics and Habitability?
This master's treats habitability as a design discipline in its own right. You will use anthropometric data, percentiles and ranges of motion to size cabins, furniture, accesses and workstations, and study how ship motion, vibration, heat and fatigue affect people living and working in confined spaces. You will design lighting, acoustic treatment and HVAC for comfort and health, model microclimates and airflow, assess postural and cognitive loads, plan escape routes, signage, emergency lighting and firefighting equipment, apply biophilic and inclusive design, and validate layouts with CAD, CAE, BIM, parametric modeling and VR before anything is built, all within the framework of SOLAS, MLC 2006, ILO Conventions 92 and 133, IMO noise and vibration requirements and ISO ergonomics standards.
What sets this master's apart: it puts the human being at the center of naval design, joining ergonomics, environmental comfort and emergency safety in a single program instead of treating them separately; it applies recognized ergonomic assessment methods such as RULA, REBA and OWAS to the specific conditions of life at sea; it combines technical design with crew well-being, from leisure spaces and daylight to satisfaction surveys for diverse crews; and it ends with a Final Project in which you design and validate a complete ergonomic, safety and habitability solution for a ship's interior spaces.
Program typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
Start1 December
Program highlights
- People-centered naval design: anthropometry, biomechanics and cognitive ergonomics for cabins, bridges and workstations.
- Environmental comfort: noise and vibration, lighting, HVAC, indoor air quality and microclimate modeling.
- Ergonomic risk assessment: RULA, REBA and OWAS adapted to ship motion, fatigue and confined spaces.
- Emergency design: escape routes, signage, emergency lighting, firefighting equipment and evacuation simulation.
- Regulations and well-being: MLC 2006, ILO 92 and 133, IMO noise rules and classification society comfort notations.
- Final Project: a complete ergonomic, safety and habitability design for a ship's interior spaces.
Syllabus
Syllabus of the Master's in Onboard Ergonomics and Habitability
11 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Module 1
Ergonomic Design of Maritime Interiors, Risk Analysis and Emergency Systems
- 1.1. Principles of ergonomic design for maritime interiors: anthropometry, biomechanics and environmental psychology
- 1.2. Habitability on board: thermal, acoustic and lighting comfort and air quality in enclosed spaces
- 1.3. International rules and standards on ergonomics and habitability for ships and offshore platforms (IMO, ISO, SOLAS, MLC 2006)
- 1.4. Advanced ergonomic assessment methods: posture analysis, physical load evaluation, digital simulation and 3D modeling
- 1.5. Identifying ergonomic risks in maritime interiors: fatigue, heat stress, vibration and ship motion
- 1.6. Integrated design of emergency systems: escape routes, adaptive signage, access for people with reduced mobility and emergency lighting
- 1.7. Technology for ergonomic design: virtual reality, augmented reality and CAD/CAM software to optimize spaces
- 1.8. Interior layouts that reduce workplace accidents and improve efficiency: cognitive ergonomics and user-centered design
- 1.9. Maintenance and quality control programs focused on habitability and ergonomic safety on board
- 1.10. Case studies and analysis of habitability failures, with improvement proposals based on technical and scientific criteria
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 2
Ergonomic Optimization and Functional Design of Cabins and Living Areas
- 2.1. Ergonomics in naval design: anthropometric analysis, biomechanics and human factors specific to the marine environment
- 2.2. International habitability standards for modern vessels: SOLAS, ISO 17966 and IMO guidance on comfort and safety
- 2.3. Advanced ergonomic evaluation: digital simulation, posture analysis and repetitive strain in confined spaces
- 2.4. Functional cabin design: work and rest spaces optimized to reduce fatigue and improve efficiency
- 2.5. Choosing and adapting ergonomic furniture for different roles and crew sizes, with materials suited to the marine environment
- 2.6. Optimizing lighting, ventilation and acoustics in living areas for comfort and psychological well-being
- 2.7. Movement flows and accessibility: inclusive design that stays safe and functional in waves and constant motion
- 2.8. Smart technologies for real-time monitoring of environmental conditions and personalized ergonomics in cabins
- 2.9. How ergonomic design helps prevent musculoskeletal disorders and work stress and improves crew performance
- 2.10. Case studies: redesigning cabins and living areas on merchant, passenger and naval vessels with a focus on technology upgrades and sustainability
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 3
Common Areas, Materials and Virtual Testing for Habitable Spaces
- 3.1. Foundations of ergonomic design for maritime interiors: biomechanical principles, anthropometry and functional analysis
- 3.2. Assessing and mitigating ergonomic risks: hazards, physical and psychosocial loads in confined spaces
- 3.3. Integrating emergency systems: location of emergency exits, alarm systems and accessibility for rapid evacuation
- 3.4. Ergonomic optimization of cabins: spatial layout, adjustable furniture, adaptive lighting and environmental control
- 3.5. Designing common and functional areas on board: rest, work and recreation spaces focused on usability and safety
- 3.6. Innovative materials and technologies for habitability: antibacterial surfaces, sound absorption and anti-vibration materials
- 3.7. Advanced virtual modeling and simulation: CAD/CAE software for ergonomic testing and human-environment interaction
- 3.8. International rules and standards: SOLAS, ISO ergonomics standards and habitability guidance for ships and marine platforms
- 3.9. Case studies and comparative analysis: ergonomic design on different vessel and platform types and the effectiveness of improvements
- 3.10. Strategic planning for ergonomic innovation: design project management, multidisciplinary integration and continuous evaluation
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 4
Anthropometry, Lighting, Acoustics and Indoor Climate on Vessels
- 4.1. Anthropometry in onboard living spaces: body measurements, percentiles and ranges of motion in furniture and access design
- 4.2. International standards on habitability, including anthropometric design criteria for safety and comfort
- 4.3. Advanced interior lighting: spectral analysis, light distribution, recommended illuminance and visual well-being at sea
- 4.4. Adaptive lighting systems for vessels: LED technology, automatic dimming, glare control and energy efficiency under maritime requirements
- 4.5. Acoustics in ship interiors: sound sources, transmission and absorption, insulation and treatment of structural and ambient noise
- 4.6. Critical acoustic parameters (reverberation, speech intelligibility, maximum permitted levels) and their effect on crew and passenger health
- 4.7. Advanced indoor climate design: HVAC systems, forced ventilation, air infiltration and thermal management in the marine environment
- 4.8. Modeling and simulating indoor microclimates with specialized software: airflow, humidity, temperature and air quality
- 4.9. Multidisciplinary prototyping of living spaces: coordinating anthropometric design, lighting, acoustic treatment and climate control
- 4.10. Habitability verification and approval processes: technical criteria, testing, audits and documentation for national and international compliance
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 5
Ergonomic Technologies and Safety Systems in Maritime Living Spaces
- 5.1. Ergonomics for maritime living spaces: anatomy, anthropometry and biomechanics to optimize space and comfort
- 5.2. Advanced assessment of ergonomic risks at sea: physical load, awkward postures and fatigue in crew and passengers
- 5.3. Sensing and monitoring technologies in cabins and common areas for continuous habitability improvement
- 5.4. Designing and validating adaptive ergonomic systems: smart furniture, human-machine interfaces and modular solutions
- 5.5. Advanced safety systems built into living spaces: early risk detection, ergonomic alarms and automated protocols
- 5.6. Applying international rules (IMO, ISO, SOLAS) to ergonomics and habitability on board
- 5.7. Computational modeling and ergonomic simulation: analysis software and virtual prototyping to optimize design
- 5.8. Smart lighting and environmental control for physical and psychological well-being in confined spaces
- 5.9. Communication and passive safety systems: signage, evacuation and accessibility designed to strict ergonomic criteria
- 5.10. Case studies: successful ergonomic technologies on merchant and passenger ships, results and lessons learned
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 6
Risk Assessment and Emergency Systems for Maritime Interiors
- 6.1. Risk assessment in maritime environments: methodology, hazard identification and quantitative analysis
- 6.2. International rules for safety in interior spaces: SOLAS, IMO, the ISM Code and ergonomic guidelines
- 6.3. Ergonomic factors as a source of risk: human-centered design and injury prevention
- 6.4. Detection and early warning systems: smoke and toxic gas sensors and advanced environmental monitoring in confined spaces
- 6.5. Designing and assessing escape routes: signage, emergency lighting and people flow under adverse conditions
- 6.6. Firefighting equipment: selection, maintenance and positioning according to ergonomic and regulatory criteria
- 6.7. Emergency scenario simulation: computer modeling to anticipate behavior and failures in evacuations and rescues
- 6.8. Emergency protocols and procedures in living spaces: crew coordination, roles and responsibilities in incident management
- 6.9. Communication and control technologies during emergencies: interoperable radio, intercoms and touch displays
- 6.10. Post-emergency evaluation and continuous improvement: incident analysis, ergonomic feedback and updated contingency plans
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 7
Integrated Ergonomic Design and Biophilic Interiors for Habitability and Safety
- 7.1. Ergonomic design for maritime environments: biomechanics, anthropometry and human physiology in confined spaces
- 7.2. Analyzing interior space on vessels: layout, arrangement and circulation to maximize habitability and reduce fatigue
- 7.3. Assessing ergonomic risks: physical, postural and mental stress factors in operations and daily life on board
- 7.4. Quantitative and qualitative ergonomic assessment methods: checklists, 3D simulation and physical and cognitive load analysis
- 7.5. International rules and habitability standards: SOLAS, IMO and ISO 11064 and their impact on interior design
- 7.6. Innovative ergonomic materials and furniture for marine environments: durability, safety and thermal comfort
- 7.7. Biophilic design and its effect on crew mental health and psychological well-being: bringing natural elements into enclosed spaces
- 7.8. Lighting, acoustics and climate control: technical criteria for comfort and operational safety in cabins and common areas
- 7.9. Simulating habitability and emergency scenarios: evacuation, accessibility and safe routes with ergonomic criteria
- 7.10. Practical application of ergonomic risk assessment and recommendations to optimize space and prevent occupational injuries
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 8
Advanced Technologies in Ergonomic Design and Habitability Safety
- 8.1. Advanced ergonomics: biomechanical and psychosocial principles applied to maritime environments
- 8.2. Ergonomic risk assessment: quantitative and qualitative analysis of living spaces on board
- 8.3. Smart materials: functional textiles, adaptive surfaces and antimicrobial coatings for habitability
- 8.4. Digital ergonomics: augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to simulate and validate living space designs
- 8.5. Advanced health and safety monitoring: biometric sensors, IoT and big data for continuous crew monitoring
- 8.6. User-centered design: advanced methods for personalization and ergonomic adaptation in cabins and common areas
- 8.7. Space optimization and functional layout: parametric 3D modeling and spatial optimization algorithms with an ergonomic focus
- 8.8. Computer simulation of shipboard dynamics: modeling motion, vibration and environmental response to improve habitability and reduce fatigue
- 8.9. Integrating active and passive safety systems: ergonomic design of alarms, signage and equipment for emergency prevention and response
- 8.10. Applicable international rules and standards: ISO, IMO and specific guidance on ergonomics and habitability safety at sea
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 9
Integrated Design of Maritime Interiors: Accessibility, Comfort and Innovative Technologies
- 9.1. Ergonomic design of maritime interiors: principles, rules and international standards (ISO, IMO, SOLAS)
- 9.2. Anthropometric analysis for habitability: measuring, adapting and optimizing spaces for crew and passengers
- 9.3. Biomechanical assessment of movement in confined spaces: injury prevention and comfort in critical areas
- 9.4. Integrated emergency systems: positioning of exits, signage, safety lighting and firefighting equipment
- 9.5. Innovative technologies for environmental monitoring and automated habitability control (air quality, temperature, humidity and noise sensors)
- 9.6. Acoustic and thermal optimization: advanced materials and soundproofing for well-being and energy efficiency in cabins and control rooms
- 9.7. Inclusive design and universal accessibility: ergonomic adaptations for people with disabilities or reduced mobility
- 9.8. Virtual and augmented reality to simulate and validate maritime interiors before they are built
- 9.9. Ergonomic risks linked to fatigue and stress in maritime operations and prevention and mitigation protocols
- 9.10. Case studies and field work: critical review of real projects, identifying improvements and applying advanced design methods
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 10
Habitability Regulations and Crew Well-Being
- 10.1. MLC 2006 requirements on accommodation
- 10.2. IMO noise and vibration requirements
- 10.3. ILO Conventions 92 and 133
- 10.4. Classification society comfort notations
- 10.5. Leisure and wellness spaces
- 10.6. Daylight and health
- 10.7. Indoor air quality
- 10.8. Designing for diverse crews
- 10.9. Crew satisfaction surveys
- 10.10. Assessing the habitability of a ship
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 11
Final Project
- 11.1. Methodology and structure of the Final Project: objectives, scope and technical deliverables
- 11.2. Multidisciplinary analysis of maritime interiors: combining ergonomic, safety and habitability criteria
- 11.3. Advanced ergonomic design in confined spaces: anthropometry, biomechanics and accessibility on deck and in cabins
- 11.4. Applicable international rules and standards: IMO, SOLAS, ISO 6385 and specific labor recommendations
- 11.5. Assessing and mitigating ergonomic risks in onboard habitability: quantitative and qualitative analysis
- 11.6. Smart technologies for environmental monitoring and improved thermal, acoustic and lighting comfort
- 11.7. Integrating passive and active safety into interior design: materials, signage and emergency response
- 11.8. 3D simulation and modeling to validate the ergonomics and function of the project
- 11.9. Project planning and management: the PMBOK approach applied to maritime interior engineering
- 11.10. Interpreting and producing technical drawings: CAD, BIM and documentation for interior shipbuilding
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your pacePlan your pace
Duration and format of the Master's in Onboard Ergonomics and Habitability
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.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
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 FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives
Objectives of the Master's in Onboard Ergonomics and Habitability
01Design efficient, user-centered living spaces, applying ergonomic and universal accessibility principles to layouts and to the choice of furniture and finishes.
02Evaluate and optimize the interaction between people and complex systems, analyzing interface usability and information presentation to reduce users' cognitive load.
03Integrate ergonomic principles to improve safety and comfort in confined spaces, identifying specific risks, adapting tools and equipment and promoting safe postures to minimize injury and fatigue.
04Develop innovative solutions for risk and fatigue management, using proactive monitoring, predictive analysis and early warning systems to mitigate operational risks in real time.
05Lead applied research projects in ergonomics and human factors, defining scope, methods and resources and managing multidisciplinary teams, risks and the dissemination of results.
06Apply ergonomic assessment methods such as RULA, REBA and OWAS to verify habitability on board, adapting them to maritime risk factors and checking results against IMO and ISO requirements.
Careers
Career opportunities after the Master's in Onboard Ergonomics and Habitability
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the Master's in Onboard Ergonomics and Habitability
Ergonomics studies how to adapt work, spaces and equipment to people's physical and mental capabilities and limits. On board, that means designing for confined spaces, ship motion, noise, vibration, shift work and long periods away from home.
Naval architects, interior designers, engineers, physiotherapists, occupational physicians, psychologists and safety professionals interested in designing, assessing and improving living and working spaces on ships, cruise vessels and offshore platforms.
SOLAS, the MLC 2006 accommodation requirements, ILO Conventions 92 and 133, IMO noise and vibration requirements, ISO standards such as ISO 6385, ISO 11064 and ISO 17966, and classification society comfort notations.
No. You will learn to design for and assess habitability and to prepare the documentation used in approvals; comfort notations and statutory certificates are issued by classification societies and flag administrations.
Ergonomic assessment methods such as RULA, REBA and OWAS, CAD, CAE and BIM software, parametric 3D modeling, microclimate and airflow simulation, evacuation modeling, and virtual and augmented reality for design validation.
You develop an integrated ergonomic, safety and habitability design for a ship's interior spaces, covering risk assessment, environmental comfort, emergency features, 3D validation, project planning and technical drawings.
It is taught online with multimedia content and individual tutoring and comprises 1500 hours of study across 11 modules of about 136 hours each.
Related programs
More programs in Hull and naval architecture
Online admission
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
Entry requirements
- Profile: aimed at naval architects and marine interior designers, naval engineers and safety consultants, shipping companies and shipyards that want to improve crew well-being, occupational health and safety professionals, and graduates in engineering, design or architecture; a degree in architecture, industrial design, any branch of engineering, psychology or occupational medicine, or proven experience in ergonomics, interior design or related fields, is recommended, and a portfolio is welcome.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a broadband internet connection, camera and microphone, and the ability to run CAD and 3D modeling software for design exercises.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
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