Professional diploma800 h · Online · 8 modules

Professional Diploma in Marine Tourism Activities Management

This professional diploma gives you the essential tools to lead and optimize operations in marine tourism. You will learn to design innovative and sustainable experiences, from strategic planning to resource management and safety, to understand the applicable regulations and market trends, and to market, finance and run a marine tourism business with a practical, results-oriented approach that ends with an integrated project.

Duration800 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules8
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About the program

What is the Professional Diploma in Marine Tourism Activities Management?

This professional diploma prepares you to plan, run and grow tourism activities at sea, such as charters, diving, whale watching, excursions and water sports. You will learn how marine tourism fits into the Blue Economy and which business models work, which IMO conventions, navigation rules, protected-area regulations, permits and insurance apply, how high-value experiences and itineraries are designed within carrying capacity limits, how fleets, marinas, tenders, crews and onboard supplies are managed, how risks, emergency plans, weather decisions and passenger safety briefings are handled, how nautical products are marketed, priced and sold, and how costs, cash flow, break-even and return on investment are controlled.

What sets this professional diploma apart: an end-to-end management view that combines operations, safety, marketing and finance in one program; a strong regulatory block covering international conventions, protected areas and permits for tourism operators; a product design approach based on carrying capacity and high-value experiences; detailed attention to fleet, marina and crew operations; a firm commitment to marine conservation, environmental interpretation and citizen science; and an integrated project in which you build the operational, financial and safety plan for a marine tourism company or route.

Program typeProfessional diploma
ModeOnline
Duration800 hours
Modules8
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • End-to-end management: operations, safety, marketing and finance in one program.
  • Regulatory framework: IMO conventions, protected areas, permits and insurance.
  • Product design: high-value experiences, itineraries and carrying capacity.
  • Fleet and marina operations: vessels, tenders, crews, supplies and environmental systems.
  • Sustainability: environmental interpretation, citizen science and ecotourism labels.
  • Integrated project: an operational, financial and safety plan for a marine tourism business.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Marine Tourism Activities Management

8 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Foundations of marine and nautical tourism and the Blue Economy

  • 1.1. Definition, scope and evolution of marine and coastal tourism in the Blue Economy
  • 1.2. Market segments: yacht charter, diving, whale watching, cruises and water sports
  • 1.3. Business models for managing tourism experiences in marine environments
  • 1.4. Principles of sustainability and responsible tourism in coastal and island areas
  • 1.5. Global trends, innovation and digitalization of the marine offer
  • 1.6. Assessing the socio-economic impact of nautical tourism on local communities
  • 1.7. International code of ethics for coastal and marine tourism
  • 1.8. Marine tourism segments in detail
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Regulatory framework, international conventions and permits

  • 2.1. IMO conventions relevant to nautical tourism: SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW and SAR
  • 2.2. Navigation laws, harbor authorities and regulation of tourist maritime traffic
  • 2.3. Access rules, concessions and zoning in Marine Protected Areas
  • 2.4. Permits for charter companies, marine guides, dive centers and water sports operators
  • 2.5. Maritime liability insurance, P&I cover and tourist protection
  • 2.6. Occupational health and safety compliance for tourism crews
  • 2.7. Compliance audits and preparation for inspections by maritime authorities
  • 2.8. Activity licenses and authorizations
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Strategic planning and design of exclusive marine products

  • 3.1. Designing and engineering high-value marine tourism experiences
  • 3.2. Tourism carrying capacity and limits of acceptable change at sea
  • 3.3. Creating and structuring sailing itineraries, excursions and expeditions
  • 3.4. Strategic alliances with marinas, yacht clubs, hotels and tour operators
  • 3.5. Integrating seafood gastronomy, coastal cultural heritage and land-based activities
  • 3.6. Hyper-personalization of onboard services for VIP clients
  • 3.7. Managing the life cycle of marine tourism products and diversifying the offer
  • 3.8. Designing wildlife-watching experiences
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Fleet, marina and marine tourism logistics operations

  • 4.1. Selection, equipment and operational maintenance of tourist vessels
  • 4.2. Onboard supply logistics: drinking water, provisions, fuel and waste management
  • 4.3. Operational management of marinas, berths, pontoons and mooring fields
  • 4.4. Boarding, disembarking and tender transfer operations
  • 4.5. Cleaning, hygiene and commercial presentation of the fleet
  • 4.6. Selecting, managing and leading service-oriented marine crews
  • 4.7. Environmental management systems in marinas and vessels (Blue Flag, Clean Marina)
  • 4.8. Managing tourist vessels day to day
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Safety, emergency management and rescue protocols

  • 5.1. Risk assessment and management in active marine tourism operations
  • 5.2. Designing and implementing the onboard emergency and contingency plan
  • 5.3. Interpreting weather bulletins and storm warnings and deciding whether to sail
  • 5.4. Response protocols for man overboard, fire, flooding and evacuation
  • 5.5. Coordination with search and rescue centers and emergency medical services
  • 5.6. Nautical first aid, CPR, oxygen therapy and basic orientation on hyperbaric treatment
  • 5.7. Managing panic, emergency psychology and crisis communication with passengers
  • 5.8. Safety briefings for tourists
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 6

Marketing, commercialization and nautical sales channels

  • 6.1. Digital marketing, SEO/SEM and social media strategies for marine tourism services
  • 6.2. Distribution channels: OTAs, specialist agencies, yacht brokers and direct sales
  • 6.3. Pricing strategies, seasonal rates and yield and revenue management
  • 6.4. Underwater and drone photography and video production for promotion
  • 6.5. Taking part in international tourism fairs and boat shows
  • 6.6. Loyalty strategies, referral programs and online review management
  • 6.7. Automating nautical bookings, payment gateways and management platforms
  • 6.8. Online sales and travel agencies
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 7

Financial management, administration and viability of nautical projects

  • 7.1. Fixed and variable cost structure in marine tourism companies (berths, insurance, fuel, maintenance)
  • 7.2. Preparing operating budgets, cash flow and sales forecasts
  • 7.3. Break-even analysis and return on investment when acquiring a fleet
  • 7.4. Funding sources, boat leasing, grants and Blue Economy funds for projects
  • 7.5. Key performance indicators in marine tourism administration
  • 7.6. Tax management, boat import duties and customs regimes
  • 7.7. Comparing the profitability of yacht charter and fractional ownership
  • 7.8. Budgets and cost control
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 8

Marine conservation, environmental interpretation and integrated project

  • 8.1. Principles of environmental education and interpretation for marine tourist guides
  • 8.2. Participatory monitoring and citizen science on board (megafauna records, microplastics)
  • 8.3. Mitigating environmental impact: gray and black water, underwater noise and responsible anchoring
  • 8.4. Networking with marine conservation NGOs, biologists and national parks
  • 8.5. Local marine governance and resolving conflicts between users of coastal space
  • 8.6. Sustainability certifications and ecotourism quality labels
  • 8.7. Presenting the integrated project
  • 8.8. Integrated project: formulation and operational, financial and safety plan for a marine tourism company or route
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Marine Tourism Activities Management

It is 800 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
15
months to finish
67 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 Professional Diploma in Marine Tourism Activities Management

01Optimize the marine tourism experience by managing passenger safety effectively, applying emergency protocols and coordinating with maritime rescue services.
02Implement maritime tourism safety protocols, with clear emergency procedures, regular drills and risk assessments specific to each operation.
03Manage marine tourism resources efficiently, optimizing routes, reducing environmental impact and applying regulations and best practices.
04Market marine tourism products effectively, segmenting markets and designing tailored offers and promotion strategies across digital and traditional channels.
05Assess and mitigate the environmental impacts of marine tourism activities through waste and discharge management and responsible tourism practices.
06Develop innovative and sustainable marine tourism offers that minimize impact on marine wildlife through visitor education and collaboration with local communities.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Marine Tourism Activities Management

01Marine tourism product managerdesign, marketing and management of sea-based experiences.
02Nautical tourism consultantadvice to companies and institutions on planning sustainable marine activities.
03Operations manager at marine tourism companiesfleet, bookings, crews and customer service.
04Marine destination promotermarketing and communication strategies for coastal and marine destinations.
05Marina and leisure port services coordinatormanagement of services for nautical tourism.
06Quality supervisor for marine tourism serviceschecking quality and safety standards in the sector.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Professional Diploma in Marine Tourism Activities Management

Marine and nautical tourism: charter companies, dive centers, wildlife-watching operators, excursion and water sports businesses, marinas and coastal destinations.

No. The program focuses on management. Skippering vessels requires the license issued by the competent maritime authority, which this diploma does not replace.

Yes. A full module covers international conventions, navigation rules, protected areas, activity permits, insurance and preparation for inspections.

Yes. You study pricing and revenue management, distribution channels, digital marketing, booking automation and review management.

Yes. Environmental impact, carrying capacity, interpretation, citizen science and ecotourism labels are covered across several modules.

You formulate a marine tourism company or route and prepare its operational, financial and safety plan, which you then present.

Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.

The professional diploma comprises 800 hours of study across 8 modules of about 100 hours each and ends with an integrated project. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.

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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: aimed at tourism professionals specializing in nautical and coastal activities, entrepreneurs who want to launch sustainable marine tourism businesses, destination managers, tourist guides and customer service staff, and students of tourism, marine biology or related fields. A degree in tourism, business administration, marine biology, environmental sciences or a related field, or professional experience in maritime tourism, is recommended.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $332 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

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Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.

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