Psychological Health Course at Sea
Why this course?
The Psychological Health at Sea
course
Is designed to provide seafarers with tools and strategies to cope with the unique challenges of life on board. You will learn to identify and manage stress, anxiety, loneliness, and isolation, common factors that impact mental well-being in the maritime environment. This program offers techniques for effective communication, conflict resolution, and self-care, fostering a positive and resilient work environment.
Key Benefits
- Emotional Well-being: Develop skills to maintain optimal mental health in challenging conditions.
- Assertive Communication: Improve interaction with the crew and avoid conflicts.
- Coping Strategies: Learn to manage the stress and pressure of maritime work.
- Personalized Self-Care: Design a plan to maintain personal and professional balance.
- Support and Resources: Access a support network and tools for taking care of your mental health.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 26-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Merchant seafarers and crew members of any rank who wish to develop tools to manage stress, anxiety, and isolation during long voyages.
- Captains and commanding officers interested in fostering a positive work environment and identifying warning signs in their crew’s mental health.
- Shipping companies and recruitment agencies seeking to promote the psychological well-being of their employees and reduce the impact of emotional challenges on job performance.
- Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses) interested in telemedicine and psychological support for seafarers, adapting their skills to this unique context.
- Family members of seafarers who wish to understand the challenges emotional aspects of life at sea and learn strategies to offer effective remote support.
Flexibility and Access
Online course designed to adapt to life at sea: 24/7 access to materials, asynchronous discussion forums, and consultations with experts through secure digital channels.
Objectives and competencies
Implement effective coping strategies:
“Recognizing and managing stress, prioritizing tasks, and communicating effectively under pressure to stay calm and make rational decisions.”
Recognizing and managing stress and anxiety in maritime environments:
Implement breathing techniques, mindfulness, and assertive communication to stay calm and make rational decisions under pressure.
Promoting resilience and individual and collective emotional well-being:
Implement personalized coping strategies and promote open communication and mutual support in stressful situations.
Establish accessible channels of communication and psychosocial support:
“Design and implement communication protocols (hotline, chat, suggestion box) and offer psychological support resources (workshops, individual counseling) sensitive to the needs of staff and communities.”
Promoting adaptation and psychological balance in the face of adversity in the maritime environment:
“Managing stress and fatigue, maintaining calm and mental clarity in emergency and high-pressure situations, effectively communicating decisions and coordinating the team.”
Developing self-care and emotional management skills in conditions of isolation and confinement:
“Implement relaxation, mindfulness and cognitive restructuring techniques to mitigate stress and anxiety, fostering resilience.”
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 Life: Challenges and Opportunities
- Stress and Fatigue: Triggers, Symptoms, and Consequences at Sea
- Psychosocial Risks: Workplace Harassment, Isolation, Interpersonal Conflicts
- Coping Strategies and Resilience: Tools for Adaptation
- Effective Communication: Skills for Conflict Resolution and Teamwork
- Social Support and Mental Health: Resources Available to the Crew
- Managing Leisure Time and Rest: The Importance of Work-Life Balance
- Organizational Culture: Fostering a Safe and Respectful Work Environment
- Psychological First Aid: Crisis Intervention and Support emotional
- Legislation and regulations on mental health in the maritime industry
‘
- Introduction to mental well-being: definition, importance, and key components.
- Stress and navigation: identifying common stressors in the maritime environment.
- Resilience: concept, characteristics, and its role in adapting to adverse situations.
- Mindfulness and meditation techniques for concentration and stress management.
- Emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.
- Assertive communication and conflict resolution in teamwork.
- Coping strategies: problem-focused and emotion-focused approaches.
- Preventing burnout: setting boundaries, self-care, and managing free time.
- Social support and available resources for mental health in the maritime industry.
- Creation of a personal and professional wellness plan for maritime workers.
‘
- Introduction to Mental Wellbeing in Maritime Environments
- Stress at Sea: Causes, Symptoms, and Consequences
- Resilience: Definition, Components, and Benefits at Sea
- Stress Coping Strategies: Relaxation and Mindfulness Techniques
- Emotional Management: Recognizing and Regulating Emotions
- Effective and Assertive Communication in High-Pressure Situations
- Social Support: The Importance of Connection and Teamwork
- Sleep Hygiene and Nutrition for Mental Wellbeing
- Preventing Burnout and Self-Care Strategies
- Resources and Tools for Mental Wellbeing at Sea
‘
- Introduction to mental well-being at sea: importance and scope
- Stress and fatigue: physiology, common causes in the maritime environment
- Human factors at sea: communication, leadership, and teamwork
- Sleep and circadian rhythms: impact on performance and safety
- Ergonomics in bridge design: optimization to reduce fatigue
- Stress management and mindfulness techniques: practical applications
- Nutrition and hydration: influence on mental and physical well-being
- Situational awareness: improvement and maintenance under stress
- Psychological support protocols on board: identification and response
- Legislation and recommendations on mental well-being and Navigation fatigue
‘
- 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
- Introduction to Mental Wellbeing in Maritime Life: Challenges and Opportunities
- Stress and Fatigue: Triggers, Symptoms, and Consequences at Sea
- Psychosocial Risks: Workplace Harassment, Isolation, Interpersonal Conflicts
- Coping Strategies and Resilience: Tools for Adaptation
- Effective Communication: Skills for Conflict Resolution and Teamwork
- Social Support and Mental Health: Resources Available to the Crew
- Managing Leisure Time and Rest: The Importance of Work-Life Balance
- Organizational Culture: Fostering a Safe and Respectful Work Environment
- Psychological First Aid: Crisis Intervention and Support emotional
- Legislation and regulations on mental health in the maritime industry
‘
- Introduction to mental well-being: definition, importance, and key components.
- Stress and navigation: identifying common stressors in the maritime environment.
- Resilience: concept, characteristics, and its role in adapting to adverse situations.
- Mindfulness and meditation techniques for concentration and stress management.
- Emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.
- Assertive communication and conflict resolution in teamwork.
- Coping strategies: problem-focused and emotion-focused approaches.
- Preventing burnout: setting boundaries, self-care, and managing free time.
- Social support and available resources for mental health in the maritime industry.
- Creation of a personal and professional wellness plan for maritime workers.
‘
- Introduction to Mental Wellbeing in Maritime Environments
- Stress at Sea: Causes, Symptoms, and Consequences
- Resilience: Definition, Components, and Benefits at Sea
- Stress Coping Strategies: Relaxation and Mindfulness Techniques
- Emotional Management: Recognizing and Regulating Emotions
- Effective and Assertive Communication in High-Pressure Situations
- Social Support: The Importance of Connection and Teamwork
- Sleep Hygiene and Nutrition for Mental Wellbeing
- Preventing Burnout and Self-Care Strategies
- Resources and Tools for Mental Wellbeing at Sea
‘
- Introduction to mental well-being at sea: importance and scope
- Stress and fatigue: physiology, common causes in the maritime environment
- Human factors at sea: communication, leadership, and teamwork
- Sleep and circadian rhythms: impact on performance and safety
- Ergonomics in bridge design: optimization to reduce fatigue
- Stress management and mindfulness techniques: practical applications
- Nutrition and hydration: influence on mental and physical well-being
- Situational awareness: improvement and maintenance under stress
- Psychological support protocols on board: identification and response
- Legislation and recommendations on mental well-being and Navigation fatigue
‘
- 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 mental well-being in demanding environments such as sailing
- Stress: definition, types, causes, and consequences at sea
- Resilience: concept, components, and its importance at sea
- Identifying stressors specific to life on board
- Adaptive coping strategies vs. Non-adaptive strategies
Relaxation and stress management techniques: breathing, mindfulness
Effective communication and assertiveness in the workplace
Time management and organization to reduce overload
Importance of rest and sleep quality in online navigation
Developing resilience through self-awareness and social support‘
- Introduction to Mental Wellbeing at Sea: Challenges and Opportunities
- Stress and Sailing: Specific Stressors of the Maritime Environment
- Emotional Awareness: Identifying and Managing Your Own Emotions
- Effective Communication: Skills for Assertive and Empathetic Communication
- Relaxation Techniques: Breathing, Meditation, and Mindfulness at Sea
- Time Management and Prioritization: Balancing Work and Rest
- Resilience: Strategies for Coping with Adversity and Recovering
- Social Support and Teamwork: Fostering Healthy Relationships on Board
- Preventing Burnout: Identifying Signs of Exhaustion and Coping Strategies
- Resources and professional support: where to find help in case of need
‘
- Introduction to mental well-being in maritime life: challenges and opportunities.
- Stress and anxiety: identification, causes, and effective management on board.
- Resilience: developing skills to cope with adversity and recover.
- Cultural adaptation: living together and communicating effectively in multicultural environments.
- Loneliness and isolation: strategies for maintaining social connections and combating feelings of loneliness.
- Mental and physical fatigue: prevention, recognition, and management for optimal performance.
- Assertive communication: skills for expressing needs and resolving conflicts constructively.
- Emotional support: fostering a culture of mutual support and seeking professional help when needed.
- Mindfulness and techniques of Relaxation: Tools to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Long-term mental well-being: Strategies to maintain optimal mental health throughout a maritime career.
‘
- Introduction to mental well-being in seafarers: challenges and opportunities
- Stress and fatigue: identification, management, and prevention in the maritime environment
- Resilience: developing skills to cope with adversity at sea
- Effective communication: active listening, empathy, and assertiveness among crew members
- Mental health and addictions: recognition, support, and available resources
- Harassment and discrimination: prevention, intervention, and a culture of respect on board
- Psychological safety: creating an environment of trust and mutual support
- Crisis and emergency management: individual and group coping strategies
- Psychological first aid: basic tools to support colleagues in crisis
- Long-term well-being term: self-care, healthy habits and social connection in maritime life
‘
Career opportunities
- Onboard Psychologist: Providing emotional and psychological support to crew members on cruise ships, merchant vessels, oil platforms, and other vessels.
- Maritime Mental Health Consultant: Designing and implementing wellness and stress prevention programs for shipping companies.
- Coping and Resilience Skills Trainer: Training crews in stress management, effective communication, and conflict resolution.
- Maritime Psychology Researcher: Studying the psychosocial factors that affect the mental health of seafarers.
- Online Therapist specializing in seafarers: Offering individual or group therapy through online platforms.
- Human Resources Consultant for Shipping Companies: Developing personnel selection and management policies that promote psychological well-being.
- Coordinator of support programs for families of seafarers: Helps families cope with the emotional challenges associated with life at sea.
- Maritime mental health advocate: Creates educational content and awareness campaigns on the importance of psychological well-being in the maritime sector.
“`
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
- Understand: the unique mental health challenges in the maritime environment.
- Learn: coping strategies and stress management techniques.
- Identify: early warning signs of psychological health problems among the crew.
- Develop: effective communication skills and emotional support on board.
- Promote: a healthy and positive work environment for everyone’s well-being.
Testimonials
“The training in psychological health at sea provided me with crucial tools to cope with the emotional challenges inherent in long periods at sea. I learned to identify and manage stress, anxiety, and loneliness, both in myself and my crewmates. Thanks to the communication and conflict resolution techniques I acquired, we were able to maintain a positive and productive work environment, even in high-pressure situations. This training contributed significantly to my well-being and that of the team during our last six-month voyage.”
I successfully applied the techniques learned in the Marine Health and First Aid course to stabilize a crew member who suffered a severe burn during a voyage, providing immediate care until we reached port and received professional medical assistance. His recovery was remarkable, and the doctor praised my quick and effective intervention.
“The training in mental health at sea provided me with crucial tools to cope with the unique challenges of this environment. I learned to identify and manage stress, anxiety, and other common mental health issues among sailors. Thanks to effective communication and conflict resolution techniques, I was able to improve team dynamics and create a more positive and productive work environment. I feel much better prepared to support my colleagues and myself on future voyages.”
The mental health training I received at sea provided me with crucial tools for managing anxiety and stress during my last three-month contract. I learned relaxation techniques and effective communication skills that enabled me to resolve interpersonal conflicts and maintain a positive attitude despite the isolation and long hours. I experienced a significant improvement in my overall well-being and was able to support my colleagues during difficult times. Thanks to this training, I returned home feeling mentally strong and prepared to face future challenges at sea.
Frequently asked questions
Prolonged isolation can cause a variety of mental health problems in the crew, including anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
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.
Isolation, long periods away from family and friends, confinement, monotony, lack of privacy and dangerous 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 in seafarers: challenges and opportunities
- Stress and fatigue: identification, management, and prevention in the maritime environment
- Resilience: developing skills to cope with adversity at sea
- Effective communication: active listening, empathy, and assertiveness among crew members
- Mental health and addictions: recognition, support, and available resources
- Harassment and discrimination: prevention, intervention, and a culture of respect on board
- Psychological safety: creating an environment of trust and mutual support
- Crisis and emergency management: individual and group coping strategies
- Psychological first aid: basic tools to support colleagues in crisis
- Long-term well-being term: self-care, healthy habits and social connection in maritime 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
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.