Maritime Excursion Guide Course
Why this course?
The Maritime Excursion Guide
This course prepares you to design and lead unforgettable experiences at sea. Learn to select safe and attractive routes, master coastal navigation and group management techniques, and discover how to interpret the marine environment to enrich every voyage. This course gives you the tools to turn your passion for the sea into an exciting profession.
Differential Advantages
- Expert Planning: Route design adapted to different levels and weather conditions.
- Maritime Safety: Emergency protocols, first aid at sea, and risk management.
- Environmental Interpretation: Identification of marine flora and fauna, and effective communication with participants.
- Leadership Skills: Group management, conflict resolution, and participant motivation.
- Legal Framework: Maritime regulations, insurance, and permits required to operate excursions.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 26-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Tour guides and sociocultural facilitators who wish to expand their offerings with safe and enriching nautical experiences.
- Tourism sector entrepreneurs who seek to differentiate their services and attract an audience interested in maritime heritage.
- Leisure activity leaders and environmental educators who want to incorporate activities at sea into their educational programs.
- Recreational boat captains interested in deepening their knowledge of coastal interpretation and safety in tourist navigation.
- Sea and nature lovers who wish to become guides and share their passion for the marine environment responsibly.
Flexibility Training
Adapted to your pace: 24/7 accessible online content, practical case studies to apply what you’ve learned, and personalized tutoring to answer your questions.
Objectives and competencies

To interpret and effectively communicate local marine flora and fauna:
“Identify key species, their habitats, behaviors, and ecological roles, adapting the message to different audiences (tourists, fishermen, scientists).”

Managing emergencies and applying first aid in maritime environments:
“Assess risks, prioritize actions, and communicate effectively during emergency situations, ensuring survival and minimizing damage.”

Navigate vessels safely and responsibly, respecting maritime and environmental regulations:
“Plan the crossing considering meteorological factors, currents, tides and sea state, using nautical charts and electronics for precise navigation.”

To offer enriching and memorable maritime excursion experiences, tailored to the needs and expectations of our clients:
“To effectively communicate safety regulations, local history and relevant aspects of marine fauna, fostering respect for the marine environment and the creation of lasting memories.”

Mastering effective communication techniques to interact with diverse groups and improve the customer experience:
“Adapting language, active listening, and empathy to build positive relationships and resolve conflicts effectively.”

Perform basic maintenance on boats and navigation equipment:
“Inspect and maintain cooling and lubrication systems, identifying leaks and replenishing fluids according to specifications.”
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
- Personal safety equipment: life jackets, harnesses, appropriate clothing
- Collective safety equipment: life rafts, EPIRBs, pyrotechnics
- Maritime communication: VHF, distress call, safety messages
- First aid at sea: treatment of hypothermia, heatstroke, wounds
- Survival at sea: flotation techniques, water purification, shelter
- Maritime meteorology: interpretation of weather reports, forecasting, and risks
- Basic navigation: use of the compass, dead reckoning, simple triangulation
- Basic maritime legislation: regulations on recreational craft and protected areas
- Respect for the environment
Marine: Best practices, waste management, pollution
Excursion planning: Risk assessment, vessel preparation, weather information
‘
- Introduction to coastal routes: Definition, types, and characteristics.
- Identification of coastal flora: Common species, adaptations to the environment, and their ecological importance.
- Marine and coastal fauna: Seabirds, marine mammals, fish, invertebrates, and their habitats.
- Observation and identification techniques: Use of field guides, binoculars, and other resources.
- Human impact on coastal ecosystems: Pollution, overfishing, climate change, and conservation.
- Environmental legislation and regulations: Protection of species and natural areas.
- Planning maritime excursions: Routes, safety, logistics, and environmental considerations.
- Interpretation of natural heritage: Effective communication and outreach scientific.
- First aid and safety at sea: Risk prevention and action protocols.
- Ethics and responsibility of the maritime excursion guide: Promotion of sustainable tourism and respect for the environment.
‘
- Introduction to Maritime Excursions: Types, Destinations, and General Considerations
- Applicable Maritime Legislation: National and International Regulations, Licenses, and Insurance
- Vessels Used in Excursions: Types, Characteristics, Basic Maintenance, and Safety
- Mandatory Safety Equipment: Life Jackets, Life Rafts, VHF Radio, Flares
- Maritime Communication: Communication Procedures, Use of VHF Radio, Emergency Messages
- Basic Marine Meteorology: Interpreting Weather Reports, Weather Forecasting, Hazards
- First Aid at Sea: Treatment of Common Injuries, Hypothermia, Drowning, Seasickness
- Survival at Sea: Survival Techniques, Use of Life Rafts, Signage
- Risk Management on Maritime Excursions: Risk Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation
- Captain/Guide Responsibility: Duties and Responsibilities, Crew and Passenger Management
‘
- Basic concepts of hiking and trekking: equipment, physical and mental preparation
- Legislation and regulations applicable to outdoor activities: permits, authorizations, and responsibilities
- First aid in natural environments: first aid kit, risk assessment, and action protocols
- Land navigation and orientation: use of compass, topographic maps, GPS, and mobile applications
- Progression techniques on different terrains: trails, mountains, snow, water
- Risk management in group activities: identification, prevention, and mitigation
- Communication and leadership in groups: dynamics, roles, conflict resolution
- Group facilitation techniques: games, participatory activities, and promoting teamwork
- Interpretation of natural and cultural heritage: teaching resources, scriptwriting, and adaptation to the public
- Ethics and environmental conservation: impact of human activities, best practices, and sustainability
‘
- 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.
Plan de estudio - Módulos
- 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
- Personal safety equipment: life jackets, harnesses, appropriate clothing
- Collective safety equipment: life rafts, EPIRBs, pyrotechnics
- Maritime communication: VHF, distress call, safety messages
- First aid at sea: treatment of hypothermia, heatstroke, wounds
- Survival at sea: flotation techniques, water purification, shelter
- Maritime meteorology: interpretation of weather reports, forecasting, and risks
- Basic navigation: use of the compass, dead reckoning, simple triangulation
- Basic maritime legislation: regulations on recreational craft and protected areas
- Respect for the environment
Marine: Best practices, waste management, pollution
Excursion planning: Risk assessment, vessel preparation, weather information
‘
- Introduction to coastal routes: Definition, types, and characteristics.
- Identification of coastal flora: Common species, adaptations to the environment, and their ecological importance.
- Marine and coastal fauna: Seabirds, marine mammals, fish, invertebrates, and their habitats.
- Observation and identification techniques: Use of field guides, binoculars, and other resources.
- Human impact on coastal ecosystems: Pollution, overfishing, climate change, and conservation.
- Environmental legislation and regulations: Protection of species and natural areas.
- Planning maritime excursions: Routes, safety, logistics, and environmental considerations.
- Interpretation of natural heritage: Effective communication and outreach scientific.
- First aid and safety at sea: Risk prevention and action protocols.
- Ethics and responsibility of the maritime excursion guide: Promotion of sustainable tourism and respect for the environment.
‘
- Introduction to Maritime Excursions: Types, Destinations, and General Considerations
- Applicable Maritime Legislation: National and International Regulations, Licenses, and Insurance
- Vessels Used in Excursions: Types, Characteristics, Basic Maintenance, and Safety
- Mandatory Safety Equipment: Life Jackets, Life Rafts, VHF Radio, Flares
- Maritime Communication: Communication Procedures, Use of VHF Radio, Emergency Messages
- Basic Marine Meteorology: Interpreting Weather Reports, Weather Forecasting, Hazards
- First Aid at Sea: Treatment of Common Injuries, Hypothermia, Drowning, Seasickness
- Survival at Sea: Survival Techniques, Use of Life Rafts, Signage
- Risk Management on Maritime Excursions: Risk Identification, Assessment, and Mitigation
- Captain/Guide Responsibility: Duties and Responsibilities, Crew and Passenger Management
‘
- Basic concepts of hiking and trekking: equipment, physical and mental preparation
- Legislation and regulations applicable to outdoor activities: permits, authorizations, and responsibilities
- First aid in natural environments: first aid kit, risk assessment, and action protocols
- Land navigation and orientation: use of compass, topographic maps, GPS, and mobile applications
- Progression techniques on different terrains: trails, mountains, snow, water
- Risk management in group activities: identification, prevention, and mitigation
- Communication and leadership in groups: dynamics, roles, conflict resolution
- Group facilitation techniques: games, participatory activities, and promoting teamwork
- Interpretation of natural and cultural heritage: teaching resources, scriptwriting, and adaptation to the public
- Ethics and environmental conservation: impact of human activities, best practices, and sustainability
‘
- 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 coastal tourism: Types, trends, and key destinations
- Legislation and safety regulations on coastal routes: national and international
- Mandatory and recommended safety equipment: life jackets, life rafts, EPIRBs, etc.
- Maritime communication: VHF, DSC, EPIRBs, and emergency procedures
- Basic first aid in coastal environments: treatment of wounds, burns, and sunstroke
- Survival at sea: flotation techniques, use of life rafts, and signaling
- Customer service: effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving
- Complaint and claim management: protocols, documentation, and follow-up
- Quality in the service: standards, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction
Promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism in coastal areas
‘
- Introduction to Nautical Operations: Types of Vessels and Their Characteristics
- General Navigation Regulations: Applicable Regulations and Responsibilities
- Mandatory Safety Equipment: Life Jackets, Life Rafts, Pyrotechnics
- First Aid on Board: Initial Care for the Injured and Sick
- Maritime Communications: VHF, DSC, GMDSS, and Emergency Procedures
- Basic Meteorology: Interpreting Weather Reports, Forecasting Storms
- Vessel Handling: Steering, Docking, Undocking, and Anchoring
- Navigation in Bad Weather: Precautions and Survival Techniques
- Fire Prevention on Board: Equipment and Procedures
- Marine Pollution: Prevention and Response spills
‘
- Introduction to coastal navigation: definitions, basic concepts, and terminology.
- Navigation instruments: magnetic compass, gyrocompass, log, sextant.
- Nautical publications: sailing directions, notices to mariners, list of lighthouses.
- Maritime safety: life jackets, life rafts, EPIRB, SART.
- Maritime communications: VHF, DSC, GMDSS, emergency radio beacons.
- Maritime legislation: international conventions, national and local regulations.
- Maritime meteorology: interpretation of weather reports, weather forecasting.
- Vessel handling: berthing, unberthing, anchoring, Towing.
- First aid: treatment of wounds, burns, hypothermia, heatstroke.
- Survival at sea: survival techniques, search and rescue.
‘
- Maritime legislation applicable to excursions: national and international regulations.
- Types of vessels for excursions: characteristics, stability, and safety.
- Mandatory and recommended safety equipment: life jackets, life rafts, EPIRBs, etc.
- Pre-departure inspections: safety checklist, equipment and systems inspection.
- Marine meteorology: interpretation of weather bulletins, forecasts, and risks.
- Maritime communication: VHF radio, distress call, emergency channels.
- First aid at sea: treatment of common injuries and emergency situations.
- Rescue and salvage techniques: man overboard, towing, evacuation.
- Passenger Management: safety briefing, capacity control, attention to special needs.
- Environmental Impact of excursions: waste minimization, protection of marine life.
‘
Career opportunities
- Maritime Tourism Guide: Leading groups on boats, interpreting coastal natural and cultural heritage.
- Nautical Activities Instructor: Instructor of kayaking, paddle surfing, snorkeling, and other recreational activities at sea.
- Socio-cultural Facilitator in Marine Environments: Designing and implementing recreational and educational activities related to the sea and navigation.
- Tourist Information Officer specializing in maritime routes: Advising tourists on excursion options, points of interest, and tourist services related to the sea.
- Sustainable Tourism Promoter in Coastal Areas: Developing initiatives for the conservation of the marine environment and promoting responsible tourism.
- Travel Agent specializing in nautical tourism: Designing and marketing tour packages that include maritime excursions and other activities Nautical activities.
- Marine Environmental Educator: Conducting workshops and educational activities on the importance of marine ecosystem conservation.
- Marine Ecotourism Project Manager: Coordinating and developing projects that combine environmental conservation with tourism.
“`
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.

5. Induction
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
- Safe Navigation: Learn to plan and execute maritime excursions safely, minimizing risks and maximizing enjoyment.
- Environmental Awareness: Identify coastal flora, fauna, and geographical features to enrich your clients’ experience.
- Maritime Law: Master current regulations and standards to operate legally and protect the marine environment.
- Customer Service: Develop communication and group management skills to provide exceptional service to excursionists.
- Marine First Aid: Acquire basic rescue and first aid knowledge specific to emergency situations at sea.
Testimonials
“Thanks to this training, I successfully led a whale watching excursion. We not only located several families, but I was also able to share detailed information about their behavior and habitat, enriching the participants’ experience and receiving excellent feedback at the end of the tour.”
During the Tourism and Nautical Experiences course, I acquired a solid understanding of navigation, maritime safety, and tourism management. I applied these skills to the design of an innovative nautical route that integrated dolphin watching with snorkeling, which was successfully implemented by a local company, increasing their bookings by 15% the following season.
“Thanks to this training, I was able to turn my passion for the sea into a profession. Now I lead excursions safely and knowledgeably, enthusiastically sharing the richness of the marine ecosystem, which is reflected in the satisfaction and positive reviews of those who participate in my tours.”
By organizing a whale watching excursion, I managed to have 100% of the participants spot a family of humpback whales with their calves, generating an unforgettable experience and enthusiastic comments about my knowledge and passion for marine life.
Frequently asked questions
Sea excursions.
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.
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.
- Maritime legislation applicable to excursions: national and international regulations.
- Types of vessels for excursions: characteristics, stability, and safety.
- Mandatory and recommended safety equipment: life jackets, life rafts, EPIRBs, etc.
- Pre-departure inspections: safety checklist, equipment and systems inspection.
- Marine meteorology: interpretation of weather bulletins, forecasts, and risks.
- Maritime communication: VHF radio, distress call, emergency channels.
- First aid at sea: treatment of common injuries and emergency situations.
- Rescue and salvage techniques: man overboard, towing, evacuation.
- Passenger Management: safety briefing, capacity control, attention to special needs.
- Environmental Impact of excursions: waste minimization, protection of marine life.
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
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