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Professional diploma · Safety and survivalProfessional Diploma in Anti-Piracy Security
This professional diploma offers complete training for professionals who protect maritime and land-based assets from piracy threats. You will work on threat assessment, prevention, ship security plans and conduct during an incident, with the legal framework as part of the programme.
100% online800 hours8 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time
What is this programme?
This professional diploma offers complete training for professionals who want to protect maritime and land-based assets from piracy and organised crime. It goes in depth into risk analysis, strategic planning and preventive and reactive measures. It also covers current trends in piracy, state-of-the-art security technology and the applicable international legislation.
What sets this diploma apart: simulations and case studies, analysing real incidents and practising decision-making; an up-to-date legal framework, with knowledge of international and national laws and regulations; comprehensive protection strategies, from vulnerability assessment to incident response; and a professional network, with opportunities to connect with other security professionals.
Programme highlights
- Protection strategies: current techniques and technologies to prevent and respond to pirate attacks at sea.
- International legal framework: maritime legislation and international agreements against piracy.
- Crisis management: leading and coordinating the response to incidents to minimise risks and damage.
- Intelligence and analysis: collecting, analysing and using key information to anticipate and prevent threats.
- Drills and practical exercises: realistic scenarios that strengthen your capacity to react.
- The programme prepares you to protect vessels and crews and become an expert in anti-piracy security.
Study plan
01Fundamentals of Maritime Piracy and the Legal and International Framework100 h
Historical evolution and geography of piracy, with analysis of high-risk areas (Gulf of Guinea, Strait of Malacca, Horn of Africa and the Caribbean). International legal framework: piracy under UNCLOS (Articles 100-107), universal jurisdiction and the right of hot pursuit. The SUA Convention 1988/2005 and its protocol on fixed platforms. The ISPS Code: onboard security requirements, security levels 1 to 3 and ship security plans. IMO guidelines and UN resolutions: the global regulatory framework, recommendations for shipowners and naval cooperation. Use of force in international waters: self-defence, rules of engagement and the legal liability of crews and shipowners. Maritime humanitarian law and human rights: treatment of detainees, rescues and international standards. History of modern piracy.
02Risk Assessment, Intelligence Analysis and High Risk Areas (HRA)100 h
Security risk assessment methodology: ship vulnerabilities, route analysis and threat profiles. Maritime intelligence sources: IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, MDAT-GoG, ReCAAP, UKMTO and information fusion centres. Characterisation of pirate groups: modus operandi, weapons, boarding tactics, mother ships and criminal logistics. Planning transits through HRAs: advance notification, registration with monitoring centres and daily reporting. Vulnerability by ship type: tankers, container ships, bulk carriers, tugs and yachts. Weather and sea conditions: sea state, visibility and their effect on the likelihood of attack. Operational intelligence reports to support decisions by the master and the shipping company. Information centres: UKMTO and MSCHOA.
03Best Management Practices (BMP) and Physical Deterrence on Board100 h
Analysis of the BMP guides (BMP5 and global): measures before, during and after the transit. Physical hardening of the ship: razor or barbed wire, physical barriers and freeboard protection. Non-lethal defences: high-pressure water cannons, water curtains, acoustic devices (LRAD) and laser dazzlers. Access protection: sealing of accommodation, bridge window armouring, high-security doors and access control. Citadel design and construction: location, armouring, independent ventilation, independent communications and emergency supplies. Perimeter surveillance and early detection: thermal cameras, surface radars and high-power searchlights. Equipment maintenance and testing: pre-HRA transit inspections and checklists. Crew protection in the citadel.
04Private Security on Board (PCASP) and Rules for the Use of Force100 h
Privately contracted armed security teams: international regulatory framework, ISO 28007 and provider selection. Embarkation and disembarkation of weapons: floating armouries, transit licences, customs and flag state requirements. Integration of the security team with the crew: chain of command, the master's authority and coordination with the SSO. Rules for the Use of Force (RUF): warning shots, escalation, exclusion zones and proportionate self-defence. Management of weapons and ammunition: custody, inventories, maintenance and safety protocols. Legal aspects of PCASP actions: criminal and civil liability and post-shooting procedures. Insurance for security personnel: civil liability, personal accident and P&I Club requirements. Contracting private armed security.
05Operating Procedures, Attack Protocols and Evasive Manoeuvres100 h
Response to suspicious craft: activating the piracy alarm and increasing to maximum speed. Evasive manoeuvres: turning tactics, generating stern wash to hinder boarding and wake control. Emergency communications: MAYDAY/PAN PAN, SSAS activation and contact with UKMTO or an MRCC. Retreat to the citadel: criteria for ordering the deck or bridge to be abandoned, head count and secure lockdown. Conduct in the citadel: maintaining control of the ship (engine stop or remote steering), communications and awaiting rescue. Response after a hijacking: behaviour with hostages, basic negotiation, avoiding provocation and survival. Support for military release operations: coordination with boarding teams (VBSS), conduct during the assault and safe areas. Anti-piracy drills and exercises.
06Cybersecurity and Asymmetric Technological Threats in the Maritime Environment100 h
Cyber-piracy: spoofing and jamming of GNSS and AIS signals. Protection of onboard operational systems: machinery, steering, ECDIS and communication networks. Leakage of operational information: confidentiality of manifests, routes, transit dates and positions. The threat of unmanned vehicles (drones, USVs and UAVs) used for reconnaissance or sabotage. Preventive cyber-defence: network isolation, USB control, strong passwords and response to cyber-attacks. Encrypted communication: secure satellite channels (SATCOM) for position reports and emergencies. Crew cyber-awareness: social engineering, phishing and good practice on social media. Cyber risks in high risk areas.
07Crisis Management, Hijack Negotiation and Post-Incident Support100 h
The shore-based crisis management team (CMT): the role of the shipping company, spokespersons, logistics and liaison with the authorities. Principles of kidnap-for-ransom negotiation: dynamics, the role of professional negotiators and time management. Communication with families: emotional support, information updates and data privacy. Media and social media management: controlling the narrative, official statements and preventing leaks. Post-incident medical and psychological care: trauma assessment, debriefing and humanitarian assistance. Investigation and preservation of evidence: data for casualty investigation, scene preservation and VDR records. Insurance claims and general average: dealing with the P&I Club, kidnap and ransom (K&R) policies and negotiation expenses. Care of crews after a hijacking.
08Integrated Project: Anti-Piracy Ship Protection Plan and HRA Transit Drill100 h
Definition of the scenario: the study vessel, cargo type, trade route and high risk area. Ship-specific risk assessment: physical vulnerabilities, maximum speed, freeboard and blind spots. Ship hardening and protection plan: physical barriers, citadel design and defences. Operational security instructions: step-by-step procedures for dealing with suspicious craft. Coordination protocol with naval forces and PCASP: integration of RUF, communications plan and registration with SAR centres and UKMTO. Script for a pirate attack drill: approach, evasive manoeuvre, alarm and retreat to the citadel. Presentation of the protection plan. Final defence of the plan before a panel of consultants, masters and ISPS auditors.
Duration and format
800hours in total
8modules of 100 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round
At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 80 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 40.
What you will learn
- Implement strategies to protect content against counterfeiting and illegal distribution.
- Manage and mitigate digital piracy risks in different environments.
- Lead anti-piracy investigations and litigation to protect intellectual property.
- Develop and apply advanced technical countermeasures to detect and remove pirated software.
- Design and implement awareness programmes on the risks and consequences of piracy.
- Assess and strengthen supply chain security against the infiltration of counterfeit products.
Career outcomes
- IT security specialist: protection of data and systems against piracy attacks.
- Cybersecurity consultant: advising companies on preventive and reactive measures.
- Risk analyst: identification and assessment of vulnerabilities in infrastructure and systems.
- Cybercrime investigator: pursuit and prosecution of illegal activities linked to piracy.
- Information security manager: implementation and supervision of security policies and procedures.
- Security auditor: assessment of compliance with standards and regulations.
- Security software developer: creation of anti-piracy tools.
- Anti-piracy security trainer: training professionals and users on risks and protective measures.
Entry requirements
- Academic or professional profile: a degree in Criminology, Law, Computer Science, Engineering or similar, or demonstrable professional experience in IT security, law enforcement or the maritime sector.
- Technical competence: basic knowledge of networks, operating systems and IT security. Familiarity with intellectual property and anti-piracy legislation is valued.
- Documentation: up-to-date CV, copy of your qualification (where applicable), national ID or passport, and a motivation letter explaining your interest in anti-piracy security.
- Technical requirements for online study: a stable internet connection, software for viewing documents and access to video conferencing.
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.
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