Diploma in Stress Management at Sea
Why this certificate program?
The Diploma in Stress Management at Sea
This program provides you with the essential tools to face the unique challenges of the maritime environment. Learn to identify, understand, and mitigate the factors that contribute to stress, improving your well-being and professional performance on board. This program will equip you with practical strategies and techniques for emotional management, effective communication, and resilience, optimizing decision-making under pressure and fostering a safe and healthy work environment.
Differential Advantages
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Reduces anxiety and improves concentration in critical situations.
- Assertive Communication and Conflict Resolution: Strengthens interpersonal relationships and teamwork.
- Time Management and Task Prioritization: Optimizes efficiency and reduces work overload.
- Personalized Coping Strategies: Develops an individual plan to manage stress effectively.
- Psychological Support and Onboard Resources: Learn about available services and how to access them at sea.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Diplomado
- Hours: 800 H
- Start date: 29-09-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Merchant mariners and cruise ship crew members seeking effective tools to manage pressure, isolation, and fatigue on long voyages.
- Officers and captains who want to lead resilient teams, optimizing communication and preventing burnout among their subordinates.
- Offshore platform and fishing vessel personnel exposed to demanding working conditions and high mental demands.
- Doctors and nurses on board interested in implementing wellness programs and providing psychological support for the crew.
- HR and maritime safety managers seeking to reduce psychosocial risks, improve the work environment, and promote mental health in the sector.
Flexibility for offshore professionals: Asynchronous modules accessible 24/7, downloadable resources for offline consultation, and personalized support to adapt to your sailing schedule.
Objectives and competencies

Implement resilient coping techniques:
“Recognizing and actively managing emotions, seeking social support and focusing on practical solutions in the face of adversity.”

Identify and mitigate specific stressors in the maritime environment:
Prioritize effective communication and teamwork (CRM), implementing clear protocols and fostering an environment of trust to report errors or concerns, optimizing decision-making under pressure.

Optimize communication and teamwork under pressure:
Implement clear and concise communication protocols (briefing, debriefing, active listening) and defined roles in simulated emergencies, evaluating the response and adjusting procedures to improve coordination under stress and tight deadlines.

Applying self-care and personal well-being strategies in adverse conditions:
“Manage stress, maintain healthy routines, and seek social support, adapting strategies to the specific situation.”

Develop skills for effective decision-making under stress:
“Prioritize safety, assessing risks and options with limited information, clearly communicating decisions to the team, and adapting to the evolving situation.”

Effectively manage available resources to reduce the impact of stress:
“Prioritize tasks, delegate when possible, and set clear boundaries between work and personal time to optimize energy and prevent burnout.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Mental Wellbeing in Maritime Environments: Challenges and Opportunities
- Stress and Anxiety at Sea: Identification, Causes, and Management
- Resilience: Developing Coping and Adaptation Strategies
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques for Seafarers
- Effective Communication: Active Listening, Assertiveness, and Conflict Resolution
- Conscious Leadership: Empathy, Motivation, and Team Management
- Mental Fatigue and Sleep: Impact on Performance and Preventive Measures
- Nutrition and Exercise: Influence on Mental and Physical Wellbeing
- Social Support and Networking: Fostering Healthy Relationships
- Protocols for action in crisis and emergencies: psychological first aid
‘
- Introduction to holistic well-being: physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions.
- Mindfulness and mindfulness techniques for stress management in challenging environments.
- Emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills at sea.
- Resilience: strategies for coping with adversity, overcoming obstacles, and learning from experiences.
- Time management and personal organization to optimize performance and rest.
- Assertive communication and conflict resolution in the maritime work environment.
- Ergonomics and postural care to prevent injuries and improve comfort at work.
- Nutrition and healthy habits to maintain energy and concentration while at sea.
- Sleep and rest: importance, sleep hygiene, and strategies to combat fatigue.
- Social support networks: building and maintaining meaningful relationships for emotional well-being.
‘
- Introduction to Resilience: Definition, Components, and Benefits in the Maritime Environment
- Mindfulness: Principles, Basic Practices, and Its Application in Stressful Situations on Board
- Stress at Sea: Common Stressors, Symptoms, and Safety Consequences
- Problem-Focused Coping Techniques: Planning, Decision-Making, and Proactive Action
- Emotion-Focused Coping Techniques: Emotional Regulation, Cognitive Restructuring, and Acceptance
- Assertive Communication: Effective Communication Skills for Conflict Resolution and Teamwork
- Time Management and Task Prioritization: Strategies to Optimize Performance and Reduce Overload
- Self-Care and Well-being: Healthy Habits to Maintain Physical and Mental Health at Sea the sea
- Resilience and leadership: how to foster resilience in the crew and create a positive work environment
- Developing a personal resilience plan: identifying strengths, weaknesses, and continuous improvement strategies
‘
- Introduction to Psychological Well-being: Definition, Dimensions, and Influencing Factors
- Stress and Coping: Nature of Stress, Types of Coping (Problem-Focused, Emotion-Focused)
- Resilience: Definition, Key Components (Self-Esteem, Optimism, Emotional Regulation), Protective Factors
- Emotional Regulation Techniques: Mindfulness, Conscious Breathing, Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Assertive Communication Skills: Expressing Needs, Setting Boundaries, Conflict Management
- Self-Compassion: Definition, Benefits, Self-Compassion Practices
- Positive Thinking and Cognitive Restructuring: Identifying Negative Thoughts, Restructuring Techniques
- Time Management and Prioritization: Organizational techniques, delegation, and procrastination management.
Social support and networks: the importance of relationships, finding and maintaining social support.
Burnout prevention strategies: self-care, work-life balance, and identifying warning signs.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to holistic well-being: physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions.
- Stress at Sea: specific stressors of the maritime environment.
- Relaxation Techniques: deep breathing, mindfulness, and guided meditation.
- Emotional Management: identifying and regulating difficult emotions (anxiety, frustration, loneliness).
- Effective Communication: active listening, assertiveness, and interpersonal conflict resolution.
- Social Support: fostering positive relationships and accessing support resources.
- Physical Exercise and Nutrition: the importance of healthy habits for well-being at sea.
- Sleep and Rest: optimizing sleep in demanding work environments.
- Burnout Prevention: strategies to avoid exhaustion professional.
- Resilience: developing skills to cope with adversity and adapt to change.
‘
Career opportunities
- Onboard Officer: Improved decision-making under pressure, emergency management, and team leadership in critical situations.
- Captain: Optimized crew stress management, creating a safer and more productive work environment.
- Shoreside Support Staff (Shipowners/Consignees): Greater understanding of the challenges faced by crew members and improved communication and support.
- Offshore Project Supervisors and Managers: Reduced risk of human error due to stress and improved operational safety.
- Onboard Medical Personnel: Improved crisis management and emotional support for the crew.
- Trainers in the Maritime Industry: Integration of stress management techniques into training programs to improve performance and safety.
- Maritime Safety Consultants: Evaluation and improvement of safety protocols to reduce stress and fatigue.
- Maritime Accident Investigators: Greater understanding of the role of stress in incidents and improved identification of causes and solutions.
“`
Admission requirements

Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.

Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.

Documentation:
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.

Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates

1. Online
application
(form + documents).

2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).

3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).

4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.

5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Master Stress: Learn emotional management and resilience techniques adapted to the maritime environment.
- Optimized Performance: Improve your concentration, decision-making, and communication under pressure.
- Holistic Well-being: Prioritize your mental and physical health for sustainable performance at sea.
- Practical Tools: Gain strategies to cope with loneliness, isolation, and irregular rhythms.
- Professional Certification: Accredit your skills and demonstrate your commitment to safety and well-being. wellbeing on board.
Testimonials
This course exceeded my expectations. The breathing and mindfulness techniques I learned allowed me to manage the anxiety stemming from long days and isolation on the platform. Now I can handle high-pressure situations with greater calm and focus, which has significantly improved my performance and overall well-being.
The Diploma in Psychology & Wellbeing on Board provided me with practical tools and up-to-date knowledge to address the complexities of human wellbeing in challenging environments. The combination of solid theory and practical case studies allowed me to develop crucial skills for identifying, managing, and preventing psychosocial problems, significantly improving my ability to intervene and promote mental health. This program exceeded my expectations and has boosted my professional standing in the field of holistic wellbeing.
This diploma program provided me with practical and effective tools for managing the pressure and stress inherent in working offshore. I learned to identify my stress triggers and apply relaxation and problem-solving techniques that significantly improved my well-being and work performance. Now I feel more confident and capable of facing the challenges of my work environment.
This diploma program provided me with practical and invaluable tools for managing the pressure and stress inherent in working at sea. Thanks to the mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques I learned, I experienced a significant improvement in my ability to concentrate, make decisions, and manage conflicts, which translated into increased productivity and overall well-being on board.
Frequently asked questions
Oil platform workers, divers, sailors, research vessel personnel or any other worker who carries out their work on the high seas.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Professionals who work in marine or offshore environments, such as oil platforms, merchant ships, or oceanographic research, and who experience high levels of stress due to working conditions.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to mental well-being: definition, importance, and key components
- Stress and anxiety: identification, causes, symptoms, and long-term effects
- Resilience: concept, protective factors, development, and maintenance
- Active coping techniques: problem-solving, cognitive restructuring
- Passive coping techniques: relaxation, mindfulness, meditation
- Emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills
- Effective communication and assertiveness: expressing needs, boundaries, and emotions
- Time management and personal organization: prioritization, planning, delegation
- Social support and building Relationships: support networks, active listening, empathy
Self-care and healthy lifestyles: sleep, nutrition, exercise, leisure
‘
Request information
Complete the Application Form.
Attach your CV/degree certificate (if you have it to hand).
Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you would like the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
An academic advisor will contact you within 24–48 hours to guide you through the admission process, scholarships, and compatibility with your professional schedule.
Faculty
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor