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Professional Diploma in Maritime Safety Regulations

This professional diploma gives you a complete and up-to-date understanding of the regulatory framework governing the maritime industry. You will work with SOLAS, the ISM Code, MARPOL and port state control, with examples of how the rules are applied on board and in audits.

100% online800 hours8 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This professional diploma gives you a complete and up-to-date view of the regulatory framework governing the maritime industry. It trains you to protect human life at sea, preserve the marine environment and improve the efficiency of shipping operations. You will learn to interpret and apply national and international regulations such as SOLAS, MARPOL and the ISM Code, and to identify and manage risks, conduct safety audits and foster a preventive culture within your organisation.

What sets the programme apart: an exhaustive analysis of the latest amendments and regulatory updates, and a practical approach, applying what you learn to real cases and simulations of critical scenarios.

Programme highlights

  • Comprehensive command: up-to-date knowledge of IMO, SOLAS and MARPOL regulations, essential for safe navigation.
  • Risk management: identify, assess and mitigate maritime hazards to prevent incidents and protect lives.
  • Regulatory compliance: implement effective safety management systems (SMS) that ensure legal and operational compliance.
  • Practical cases: analysis of real cases and simulations of critical situations.
  • Career development: specialist training to advance your career in the maritime industry.

Study plan

01Fundamentals of Maritime Safety100 h
The difference between safety and security. The regulatory role of the IMO and the responsibilities of flag, port and coastal states, together with the role of classification societies. A review of the accidents that drove regulation and of the organisation of maritime safety in Spain, including harbour master offices and maritime search and rescue.
02The SOLAS Convention100 h
Structure and chapters of the convention. Construction and stability, fire prevention, life-saving appliances, radiocommunications and navigation, Chapter V, carriage of cargoes and passenger ships.
03Safety Management: the ISM Code100 h
The safety management system and the designated person ashore. Documentation and records, audits and certificates, management of non-conformities, management review, training in the system and change control.
04Training and Certification: STCW100 h
Structure of the convention, certificates of competency and basic safety training. Limits on hours of rest, familiarisation, officer training, the role of simulation and endorsement of certificates.
05Pollution Prevention: MARPOL100 h
The annexes of the convention, certificates and record books, special areas and emission control areas (ECAs), inspections and sanctions. Annex VI on emissions, electronic record books and emergency plans.
06Maritime Security: the ISPS Code100 h
Security levels, the ship security plan and the ship security officer. Port facilities, drills, security assessments, access control and declarations of security.
07Inspections and Control100 h
Port state control, the Paris and Tokyo memoranda, detentions and flag state inspections. Preparing for inspections, expanded inspections, the inspection database and the list of detained ships.
08Recreational Craft Regulations and Practical Work100 h
National recreational boating regulations, mandatory safety equipment and nautical qualifications. Practical cases, safety on charter vessels, inspections of recreational craft and the skipper's liability. The module culminates in a final project: a regulatory compliance audit of a vessel.

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 risk management systems in maritime safety.
  • Inspect and maintain safety and life-saving equipment.
  • Interpret and apply current maritime legislation.
  • Manage safety in port and cargo operations.
  • Direct and coordinate maritime emergencies effectively.
  • Assess and mitigate risks specific to maritime transport.

Career outcomes

  • Safety manager in shipping companies and ports: implementing and supervising regulations, and drawing up emergency and contingency plans.
  • Maritime safety consultant: advising on compliance, audits and risk management.
  • Maritime safety auditor: assessing compliance on ships, in port facilities and in companies.
  • Maritime safety inspector: verifying compliance and investigating accidents.
  • Occupational risk prevention officer in the maritime sector: prevention plans, training and risk assessment on ships and in ports.
  • Maritime safety trainer: delivering courses and seminars on regulations, equipment and prevention.
  • Public administration (maritime authorities): applying and monitoring regulatory compliance.
  • Maritime accident investigator: analysing causes and proposing preventive recommendations.

Entry requirements

  • Academic or professional profile: a degree in a related area (maritime safety, maritime law, naval engineering or similar), or demonstrable professional experience in the maritime and port sector or in maritime safety.
  • Prior knowledge: basic notions of national and international maritime legislation, of conventions such as SOLAS and MARPOL, and of risk management.
  • Documents: up-to-date CV, copy of degree certificate or proof of experience, identity document and a motivation letter.
  • Specific requirements: in some cases a personal interview or a level test may be required to assess the candidate's suitability.

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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