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

Master's in Port Critical Infrastructure Protection

This master's prepares you to manage security in one of the most strategic environments of the global economy: the port. You will learn to identify and assess risks, design and implement effective protection plans and respond to threats of every kind, from cyberattacks to physical incidents, covering physical, logical and cyber security, emergency and business continuity planning, supply chain protection, the international regulatory framework and the emerging technologies that keep port infrastructure resilient.

Duration1,500 h

ModeOnline

Start1 December

Modules11

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About the program

What is the Master's in Port Critical Infrastructure Protection?

This master's treats the protection of port critical infrastructure as a single system of technology, procedures, people and governance. You will study the essential assets of a port and their interdependencies with energy, transport, telecommunications and water networks; threat, vulnerability and risk analysis with HAZID, Bow-Tie, FMEA and fault trees, including hybrid threats; perimeter protection, access control, video surveillance and intrusion detection; cybersecurity of IT and OT systems such as TOS, PCS, SCADA, AIS and VTS; maritime security in anchorages, channels and terminals; emergency, crisis and business continuity management; supply chain, customs and cargo security; the ISPS Code, port facility security plans and public-private cooperation; and the use of AI, drones, digital twins and data fusion for situational awareness.

What sets this master's apart: it brings physical security, cybersecurity and maritime security together instead of treating them as separate silos; it works with real port scenarios such as container terminals, energy terminals, military ports and logistics hubs; it devotes a full module to exercises, internal audits, performance indicators and the annual exercise plan; and it closes with a Final Project in which you design a complete protection system for a port or terminal, from the risk map to the cybersecurity architecture, the emergency plan and a cost and feasibility analysis.

Program typeMaster’s degree

ModeOnline

Duration1,500 hours

Modules11

Start1 December

Program highlights

Risk assessment for port facilities: threat and vulnerability analysis, criticality, risk matrices and hybrid threats.
Physical protection: perimeters, access control, biometrics, video analytics, intrusion detection and cargo inspection.
Port cybersecurity: protection of IT and OT networks, TOS, PCS, SCADA, AIS and VTS, segmentation and incident response.
Emergency, crisis and business continuity management, with drills, tabletop exercises and crisis communication.
ISPS Code, port facility security plans, supply chain security and public-private cooperation.
Final Project: a complete protection system for a port, terminal or strategic logistics complex.

Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Port Critical Infrastructure Protection

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Foundations of port critical infrastructure, integrated security and operational resilience

1.1. The concept of port critical infrastructure and the differences between protection, security, defense, business continuity and institutional resilience
1.2. Identification of essential assets: terminals, quays, access points, control centers, depots, energy networks, communications and logistics systems
1.3. The strategic role of ports in international trade, national security, energy supply and supply chains
1.4. Classification of physical, technological, environmental, operational, criminal, terrorist and cyber threats
1.5. The relationship between vulnerability, exposure, criticality, impact, dependency and recovery capacity in the port system
1.6. Stakeholders: port authorities, terminals, shipping lines, customs, security forces, civil protection and logistics operators
1.7. Principles of layered protection, defense in depth, anticipation, prevention, detection, response and recovery
1.8. Interdependencies with power grids, land transport, telecommunications, water, fuels and public services
1.9. Indicators of security, availability, continuity, recovery time, incidents and losses avoided
1.10. Building an integrated view of port protection as a combination of technology, procedures, people and governance

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 2

Threat and vulnerability analysis and comprehensive port risk assessment

2.1. Foundations of risk analysis applied to port facilities and strategic maritime infrastructure
2.2. Identification of internal and external threats through intelligence, incident history, scenarios and contextual analysis
2.3. Vulnerability assessment of access points, perimeters, terminals, digital networks, operational processes and supply chains
2.4. Asset criticality analysis based on economic, human, environmental, logistical and reputational impact
2.5. Building risk matrices from probability, consequence, exposure, detectability and response capacity
2.6. Application of HAZID, Bow-Tie, FMEA, fault tree and complex scenario analysis methodologies
2.7. Assessment of hybrid threats combining physical intrusion, sabotage, document fraud, disinformation and cyberattacks
2.8. Modeling consequences on operations, maritime traffic, storage, essential services and logistics continuity
2.9. Prioritization of protective measures using technical, economic, legal and operational criteria
2.10. Preparation of risk maps that support decision-making and efficient allocation of resources

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 3

Physical protection, access control and surveillance of port facilities

3.1. Design of perimeter protection systems with fencing, barriers, bollards, exclusion zones and controlled points
3.2. Access management for people, vehicles, goods, contractors, crews and visitors
3.3. Identification systems using credentials, biometrics, license plates, smart cards and multifactor authentication
3.4. Video surveillance, video analytics, thermal cameras, security lighting and monitoring centers
3.5. Intrusion detection using sensors, radar, drones, acoustic systems and maritime surveillance
3.6. Protection of quays, terminals, depots, warehouses, technical rooms, data centers and restricted areas
3.7. Inspection of cargo, vehicles, containers and luggage using scanners, detectors and document checks
3.8. Organization of patrols, guard posts, intervention protocols and coordination with security forces
3.9. Management of keys, credentials, temporary permits, sensitive zones and access revocation
3.10. Building a physical protection system that balances security, operational flow and the port user experience

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 4

Port cybersecurity, OT/IT protection and defense of critical systems

4.1. Foundations of cybersecurity in ports and the differences between IT, OT, industrial and telecommunications networks
4.2. Protection of TOS, PCS, SCADA, AIS, VTS and ERP systems, terminal networks and customs platforms
4.3. Cyber threats: ransomware, intrusion, sabotage, data manipulation, fraud and loss of availability
4.4. Network segmentation, zones and conduits, firewalls, DMZ, access control and privilege management
4.5. Security of remote terminals, IoT devices, sensors, cameras, PLCs, RTUs and connected port equipment
4.6. Event monitoring, anomaly detection, log management, alert correlation and early response
4.7. Vulnerability management, patching, secure configurations, asset inventories and backups
4.8. Cyber incident response, isolation, recovery, digital continuity and basic forensic analysis
4.9. Integration of cybersecurity with physical security, document protection and technology supplier management
4.10. Building resilient architectures that keep port operations running in the face of attacks and digital failures

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 5

Maritime security, facility protection and control of the port area

5.1. Foundations of maritime security applied to anchorages, channels, approaches, basins and port terminals
5.2. Vessel traffic management, coastal surveillance, AIS, radar, communications and movement control
5.3. Protection against unauthorized craft, suspicious approaches, incursions and illicit activities
5.4. Coordination between the port authority, the maritime administration, pilots, tugs, police and emergency services
5.5. Control of dangerous goods, fuels, explosives, chemicals and highly sensitive cargo
5.6. Prevention of pollution, spills, fires, collisions, groundings and accidents during port operations
5.7. Safety of berthing, loading, unloading, bunkering, maintenance and special works
5.8. Protection of associated offshore installations, energy terminals and strategic subsea connections
5.9. Management of restricted zones, temporary closures, navigation exclusion and operational notices
5.10. Building maritime surveillance procedures that integrate prevention, detection and coordinated response

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 6

Emergency, crisis and business continuity management in ports

6.1. Foundations of emergency management in ports and the differences between incident, contingency, crisis and disaster
6.2. Design of internal emergency plans, self-protection plans and external coordination protocols
6.3. Organization of command, coordination centers, roles, communications and decision escalation
6.4. Response to fires, explosions, spills, collisions, toxic leaks, intrusions and technology failures
6.5. Evacuation, shelter in place, rescue, medical care, access control and protection of the port population
6.6. Business continuity of terminals, energy supply, communications, access routes and essential services
6.7. Redundancy strategies, technology recovery, alternate sites and phased restoration
6.8. Drills, tabletop exercises, performance evaluation, lessons learned and procedure review
6.9. Crisis communication with workers, operators, authorities, media, customers and nearby communities
6.10. Building response capabilities that reduce consequences and speed up port recovery

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 7

Supply chain protection, customs and cargo security

7.1. Supply chain security from origin through transport, terminal, storage, inspection and final delivery
7.2. Management of containers, seals, documentation, traceability, consolidation and cargo integrity control
7.3. Prevention of smuggling, illicit trafficking, tampering, theft, contamination and document fraud
7.4. Coordination with customs, logistics operators, shipping lines, carriers and inspection agencies
7.5. Trusted operator programs, supplier evaluation, audits and third-party security
7.6. Protection of dangerous, perishable, strategic, military, pharmaceutical and high-value goods
7.7. Tracking systems, IoT sensors, geolocation, temperature control and door-opening monitoring
7.8. Security of dry ports, depots, land corridors and intermodal terminals connected to the port
7.9. Management of logistics disruptions, loss of traceability, diversions, holds and impact on customers
7.10. Building logistics protection models that ensure transparency, legality and trade continuity

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 8

Regulation, governance and institutional cooperation in port security

8.1. Legal framework for port security, maritime security and critical infrastructure
8.2. Principles of the ISPS Code and the responsibilities of ships, facilities and competent authorities
8.3. Port facility security plans, security assessments and security levels
8.4. Powers of port authorities, maritime administrations, customs, police and civil protection
8.5. Public-private coordination, information sharing, security committees and cooperation mechanisms
8.6. Document management, audits, inspections, records, evidence and compliance monitoring
8.7. Procurement of security services, supplier requirements and control of subcontractors
8.8. Data protection, privacy, video surveillance and the legal handling of sensitive information
8.9. Administrative, civil and criminal liability arising from security failures or non-compliance
8.10. Building governance models that integrate legality, coordination, accountability and continuous improvement

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 9

Emerging technologies, intelligence and the digital transformation of port security

9.1. Application of artificial intelligence to video surveillance, anomaly detection and behavior analysis
9.2. Use of aerial drones, USVs, ROVs and distributed sensors for port surveillance and inspection
9.3. Digital twins for incident simulation, vulnerability analysis and response planning
9.4. Command and control systems, dashboards, data fusion and integrated situational awareness
9.5. Predictive analytics to anticipate failures, congestion, threats and infrastructure degradation
9.6. Biometrics, smart credentials, license plate recognition and access automation
9.7. Blockchain, distributed ledgers and document traceability applied to sensitive supply chains
9.8. Cyber intelligence, open-source intelligence and analysis of emerging threats
9.9. Ethical risks, false positives, bias, technology dependence and protection of fundamental rights
9.10. Building technology roadmaps to modernize port security without compromising continuity or legality

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 10

Exercises, audits and continuous improvement of port security

10.1. Design of port security exercises
10.2. Tabletop and full-scale exercises
10.3. Exercise evaluation and lessons learned
10.4. Internal security audits
10.5. European Commission inspections
10.6. Security performance indicators
10.7. Review of the security plan
10.8. Training of security personnel
10.9. Security culture in the port community
10.10. Annual exercise plan

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 11

Final Project

11.1. Definition of the case study: a commercial port, energy terminal, container terminal, military port or strategic logistics complex
11.2. Diagnosis of critical assets, threats, vulnerabilities, dependencies, stakeholders and the applicable regulatory framework
11.3. Preparation of the risk map with physical, cyber, environmental, operational and logistics scenarios
11.4. Design of the physical protection system with perimeters, access control, surveillance, detection and response
11.5. Development of the cybersecurity architecture for IT and OT networks, communications and port control systems
11.6. Preparation of the emergency, business continuity, recovery and institutional coordination plan
11.7. Integration of maritime security, cargo protection, customs and supply chain measures
11.8. Design of the system of indicators, audits, drills, training and continuous improvement
11.9. Drafting of the comprehensive technical report with cost analysis, schedule, risks, regulations and operational feasibility
11.10. Presentation and defense of the final project with technical, legal, technological, logistical and strategic validation of the solution

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Port Critical Infrastructure Protection

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 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 Coordinator

Objectives

Objectives of the Master's in Port Critical Infrastructure Protection

01Manage and mitigate security risks by implementing a proactive and reactive security management system with vulnerability analysis, contingency plans, regular drills and continuously updated procedures.

02Assess and strengthen port resilience through emergency response and post-disaster recovery protocols, testing their effectiveness with drills and up-to-date risk analysis.

03Implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy with a multilayer framework (preventive, detective and reactive) adapted to the organization's assets, with continuous vulnerability management and incident simulations.

04Coordinate the response to emergencies and crises by setting priorities (human life, environment, property), communicating clearly inside and outside the organization and executing predefined contingency plans.

05Optimize the physical security of facilities with a robust access control plan, identity verification, visitor registration, periodic patrols and response protocols.

06Apply port security regulations, implementing the ISPS Code through security assessments and plans in coordination with the designated authorities.

Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Port Critical Infrastructure Protection

01Port security specialistdesign and implementation of physical and cyber protection measures for port infrastructure.

02Risk managerassessment and mitigation of risks in port critical infrastructure.

03Port security consultantadvice to companies and public bodies on the protection of critical infrastructure.

04Port terminal security managersecurity management at container, bulk and energy terminals.

05Port security auditorverification of compliance with security regulations and standards in port facilities.

06Port security intelligence analyst or trainerthreat analysis, incident investigation and training of security personnel.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Port Critical Infrastructure Protection

Port infrastructure and the strategic assets connected to it: commercial and container terminals, energy terminals, military ports, logistics hubs, dry ports and their links to power, transport and telecommunications networks.

Yes. One module is dedicated to OT/IT cybersecurity of systems such as TOS, PCS, SCADA, AIS and VTS, and the program integrates it with physical protection, maritime security and supply chain security.

Yes. You study the principles of the ISPS Code, port facility security assessments and plans, security levels and the roles of the competent authorities, together with the wider legal framework for critical infrastructure.

Heads of security, security officers and engineers at ports and terminals, port administration decision-makers, security consultants and auditors, members of law enforcement with maritime responsibilities and other port sector professionals.

Online, with flexible access to the materials and a practical approach based on real port scenarios and case studies, designed for working professionals.

Through case studies, risk analyses and assignments throughout the modules and a Final Project in which you design a complete protection system for a port or terminal.

A Navalis Institute master's certificate and a Final Project with a risk map, protection design, cybersecurity architecture and emergency plan that you can use as a professional portfolio.

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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: a degree in engineering, security, law or a related field, or professional experience in port security, risk management or infrastructure protection.
Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
Technical resources: a computer with camera and microphone, a high-speed internet connection and software for viewing documents and joining videoconferences.
Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.

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