Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Psychological Health Course at Sea
courseIs 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…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Psychological Health Course at Sea?
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.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- 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.
- Invest in your well-being and that of your crew: sign up now!
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Psychology of confinement and adaptation to the marine environment
- Psychological impact of prolonged social isolation and separation of the family support network.
- Dynamics of coexistence in small spaces: management of territoriality and loss of privacy.
- The phenomenon of "cabin fever": identification of symptoms of irritability, anxiety and disorientation.
- Adaptation to circadian rhythms and the impact of guard shifts on sleep hygiene.
- Constant ambient stressors: motor noise, vibrations, rolling and its effect on the nervous system.
02
Management of stress and anxiety in critical situations
- Physiology of stress at sea: the response of "fight or flight" to meteorological or technical emergencies.
- Identification of anxiety disorders: panic attacks, generalized anxiety and sea-related phobias.
- Emotional regulation techniques: diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness on board.
- Management of fear and uncertainty in ocean crossings or coarse sea conditions.
- Self-control and decision-making under pressure: Prevention of cognitive blockade on the bridge.
03
Leadership, communication and conflict resolution in the crew
- Nautical leadership styles and their impact on the organisational climate and mental health of the team.
- Assertive communication in high hierarchy environments: how to express needs without compromising authority.
- Mediation and resolution of interpersonal conflicts in isolated groups: bilingual negotiation techniques.
- Prevention of workplace harassment (mobbing) and discrimination in international and multicultural crews.
- Promoting group cohesion and mutual support: the importance of the sense of belonging on the ship.
04
Detection of mental pathologies and risk behaviours
- Identification of signs of depression and demotivation: the risk of "sadder sadness".
- Prevention and management of substance use: alcoholism and drug addiction in the context of marine loneliness.
- Assessment of the risk of suicidal behaviour: warning signs, surveillance protocols and media custody.
- Psychosomatic disorders: When stress is manifested in physical pain, digestive problems or chronic fatigue.
- Management of grief at sea: protocols for the loss of a partner or news of deaths on the ground.
05
Comprehensive Wellness and Long-Term Self-Care Plans
- Nutrition and mental health: The impact of the onboard diet on the stability of mood and energy.
- Physical exercise programmes adapted to confined spaces as regulators of psychological health.
- Importance of creative leisure and continuous training to combat cognitive decline by monotony.
- Planning the return to land: the "reverse cultural shock" and the transition to family life.
- Culture of mental health in the maritime industry: destigmatization of psychological consultation.
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 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
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 r
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
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Student Reviews
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Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Implement effective coping strategies
- 02Recognizing and managing stress and anxiety in maritime environments
- 03Promoting resilience and individual and collective emotional well-being
- 04Establish accessible channels of communication and psychosocial support
- 05Promoting adaptation and psychological balance in the face of adversity in the maritime environment
- 06Developing self-care and emotional management skills in conditions of isolation and confinement
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Onboard Psychologist: Providing emotional and psychological support to crew members on cruise ships, merchant vessels, oil platforms, and other vessels.
02Maritime Mental Health Consultant: Designing and implementing wellness and stress prevention programs for shipping companies.
03Coping and Resilience Skills Trainer: Training crews in stress management, effective communication, and conflict resolution.
04Maritime Psychology Researcher: Studying the psychosocial factors that affect the mental health of seafarers.
05Online Therapist specializing in seafarers: Offering individual or group therapy through online platforms.
06Human Resources Consultant for Shipping Companies: Developing personnel selection and management policies that promote psychological well-being.
07Coordinator of support programs for families of seafarers: Helps families cope with the emotional challenges associated with life at sea.
08Maritime mental health advocate: Creates educational content and awareness campaigns on the importance of psychological well-being in the maritime sector.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
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 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 Psychology, Medicine, Nursing, or Social Work; or demonstrable experience in the field of mental health or psychosocial care.Language Proficiency:Native Spanish speaker or bilingual proficiency. Functional English is recommended to communicate with crew members of various nationalities and understand technical documentation.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree or professional registration certificate, ID/Passport, cover letter explaining your interest in mental health in the maritime environment.Specific R
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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