Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Protocol and Diplomatic Relations in Ports
This program offers comprehensive training for professionals seeking to master event management and international relations in the port sector. You will learn to plan and execute high-level events, manage official protocol, and…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts9 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Protocol and Diplomatic Relations in Ports?
The Diploma in Protocol and Diplomatic Relations in Ports
This program offers comprehensive training for professionals seeking to master event management and international relations in the port sector. You will learn to plan and execute high-level events, manage official protocol, and develop intercultural communication skills for effective interaction with foreign delegations and authorities. This program will provide you with the necessary tools to strengthen the institutional image and facilitate international cooperation in your port.
Differential Advantages
- Case Studies: analysis of real-life situations and simulations of diplomatic events.
- International Experts: classes taught by professionals with experience in protocol and foreign relations.
- Networking: opportunities to establish contacts with other professionals in the port and diplomatic sectors.
- Management Tools: software and methodologies for event planning and monitoring.
- Global Approach: study of the particularities of protocol in different cultures and regions.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
27-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Mastery of International Protocol: Learn the essential rules and customs for effective representation at port events and negotiations.
- Diplomatic Relations Skills: Develop strategies to build and maintain strong relationships with key players in the maritime and port sector.
- Institutional Image Management: Acquire the tools to project a professional and consistent image of your organization on the global stage.
- Case Studies and Simulations: Apply the knowledge acquired in real-world situations, strengthening your decision-making and conflict resolution skills.
- Strategic Networking: Connect with industry professionals and experts in protocol and diplomacy, expanding your professional development opportunities.
- Boost your career and contribute to the success of your organization in the international port sector.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of the Port Protocol and Maritime Diplomatic Relations
- Fundamental concepts of protocol, ceremonial, precedence, diplomacy and institutional representation in port environments
- Differences between official, business, military, maritime and diplomatic protocol applied to ports
- Strategic function of ports as spaces for international cooperation, trade, security and state representation
- Actors Involved: Port Authorities, Maritime Captaincies, Consulates, Embassies, Shipping Companies, Armed Forces and International Organisations
- Principles of institutional courtesy, neutrality, reciprocity, cultural respect and formal communication
- Historical evolution of the maritime ceremonial and its relationship with state visits, naval scales and international missions
- Construction of a comprehensive vision of the port protocol as a tool for representation, coordination and maritime diplomacy
- International regulations on precedence and official treatments
02
Organisation of official visits, diplomatic scales and port receptions
- Planning visits of authorities, foreign delegations, official ships and trade missions
- Coordination of agendas, itineraries, accesses, accreditations, transportation, security and protocol care
- Reception and farewell of delegations in terminals, docks, institutional buildings and boats
- Management of precedences, location of authorities, honorary treatments and order of intervention
- Organisation of welcome acts, signatures, bilateral meetings, technical visits and institutional tours
- Coordination between protocol, security, port operations, communication and international relations
- Development of procedures that ensure fluency, punctuality, institutional respect and good image of the host port
- Preparation of programmes, itineraries and guest lists
03
Maritime Ceremonial, Official Symbols and Institutional Acts
- Rules for the use of flags, pennants, shields, anthems and other official symbols in port facilities
- Ceremonial of hoisting, arriado, maritime greeting, honors and commemorations linked to the naval field
- Organisation of launches, ship baptisms, inaugurations, anniversaries, deliveries and commemorative events
- Protocol in visits on board, receptions on deck, officer cameras and representation spaces
- Distribution of spaces, presidencies, stages, lecterns, signing tables and tours of authorities
- Management of invitations, confirmations, accreditations, institutional gifts and documentation of the act
- Construction of coherent ceremonies with maritime tradition, institutional hierarchy and international context
- Honors, greetings and use of flags and hymns in maritime acts
04
Port diplomacy, international cooperation and institutional relations
- Concept of port diplomacy and its role in commercial, cultural, technological and maritime cooperation
- Relationship with embassies, consulates, chambers of commerce, international organisations and foreign delegations
- Port twinnings, memorandums of understanding, cooperation agreements and institutional alliances
- Organisation of trade missions, bilateral meetings, maritime forums and high-level meetings
- Intercultural management in negotiations, visits, receptions and activities with international delegations
- Preparation of conceptual notes, delegation profiles, institutional dossiers and courtesy documents
- Development of institutional relations strategies that strengthen positioning and international projection of the port
- Relations with Consular Corps, Naval Attachés and International Organisations
05
Protocol communication, institutional image and media relations
- Formal communication with authorities, consulates, shipping companies, international organisations and diplomatic representatives
- Drafting of invitations, protocol letters, greetings, verbal notes, speeches and institutional messages
- Preparation of Spokespersons, Ceremony Masters and Delegation Responsibles
- Coordination with press during official visits, institutional events and diplomatic events
- Official photography management, institutional funds, accreditations, press releases and audiovisual coverage
- Protection of the port image from incidents, protocol errors or high public exposure situations
- Construction of a coherent, respectful and aligned communication with diplomatic and institutional objectives
- Institutional social network management during official visits
06
Security, regulations and risk management in port diplomatic events
- Risk assessment in official visits, naval scales, crowded events and international meetings
- Coordination with security forces, civil protection, maritime captaincy, customs and emergency services
- Control of accesses, special accreditations, restricted areas and protection of delegations
- Management of sensitive information, confidentiality, data protection and diplomatic documentation
- Protocols to agenda changes, delays, cancellations, protests, medical incidents or operational failures
- Compliance with port, maritime, customs and security regulations during official acts
- Development of contingency plans that guarantee continuity, discretion and coordinated response
- Coordination with security forces and escort services
07
Intercultural Protocol, Negotiation and Management of Institutional Conflicts
- Cultural differences in greetings, treatments, gifts, punctuality, hierarchy and institutional behaviour
- Adaptation of the protocol to delegations from different regions, traditions and political systems
- Intercultural communication and prevention of misunderstandings in meetings, acts and negotiations
- Techniques of diplomatic negotiation, mediation and construction of consensus between institutions
- Conflict management by precedence, symbols, discourses, locations, agenda or protocol treatment
- Discreet resolution of incidents without affecting bilateral relations or institutional reputation
- Construction of diplomatic skills based on respect, flexibility, prudence and adaptability
- Cultural differences in greetings, official gifts and gastronomy
08
Final Applied Protocol and Diplomatic Relations Project in Ports
- Definition of the case study: official visit, naval scale, international forum, trade mission, twinning or institutional act
- Diagnosis of participants, diplomatic objectives, hierarchies, risks, agenda and operational conditions
- Design of the protocol programme with precedences, ceremonial, location, accreditations, symbols and tours
- Preparation of the Institutional Relations Plan, Communication, Attention to Delegations and Coordination with Media
- Development of the security plan, contingencies, confidentiality and inter-institutional coordination
- Drafting of the comprehensive technical report with schedule, resources, documentation, risks and evaluation criteria
- Evaluation of the protocol act and draughting of the final report
- Presentation and defence of the final project with protocol, diplomatic, operational and communication validation of the developed proposal
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Communication and marketing professionals seeking to expand their skills in public relations management within the port and maritime sector.Port directors and managers wishing to strengthen their ability to interact with government authorities, embassies, and international organizations.Customs officials and maritime authorities needing to deepen their knowledge of diplomatic protocols for the
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Efficiently manage international port events
- 02Establish and maintain strategic relationships with relevant diplomatic entities
- 03Mastering the rules and practices of diplomatic protocol in the port environment
- 04Advising on the application of international and customs legislation in the port context
- 05Interpret and apply security and protection policies in port facilities
- 06Optimizing intercultural communication in the port environment
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Port Protocol Officer: event organization, official visit management, public relations.
02Port Diplomatic Relations Assistant: support in communication with embassies and consulates, document management.
03Port Companies Protocol Consultant: advice on corporate image, etiquette, and intercultural communication.
04Port Sector Event and Conference Organizer: planning and execution of promotional events, trade fairs, and symposia.
05Port Authority Communications Manager: press release writing, social media management, media relations.
06Port International Relations Representative: liaison with international organizations, participation in forums and committees.
07Specialist in Ceremonial and Protocol for Authorities Port authorities: organization of official events, coordination of institutional events.
08Public diplomacy advisor in the maritime-port sector: promotion of the port's image internationally, reputation management.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
Protocol in port diplomatic relations is crucial to facilitate communication and cooperation between different actors (port authorities, government officials, representatives of shipping companies, etc.), ensuring respect, efficiency and the correct application of international standards in a complex and multicultural environment.
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.
Port sector professionals, including administrators, institutional relations managers, customer service staff and anyone involved in port management and development.
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 Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in International Relations, Political Science, Law, Communication, or a related field; or accredited professional experience in the port, diplomatic, or protocol sectors.Language proficiency:Recommended: fluency in English (B2 or higher) and knowledge of other languages relevant to the diplomatic field (French, Spanish, etc.).Specific knowledge:Desirable: knowledge of the workings of the port sector, international organizations, and protocol and ceremonial norms.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree or ce
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.