Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1500 h · 11 modules
Master's in the Psychology of Command and Decision Making at Sea
This program prepares you to lead effectively in complex maritime environments. You will learn to optimize your team's performance, manage stress, and make critical decisions under pressure. The program combines advanced…
Duration1500 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in the Psychology of Command and Decision Making at Sea?
The Master's in Psychology of Command and Decision-Making at Sea
This program prepares you to lead effectively in complex maritime environments. You will learn to optimize your team's performance, manage stress, and make critical decisions under pressure. The program combines advanced psychological theory with practical simulations of real-world scenarios, providing you with the necessary tools for safe and efficient management.
Differentiating Advantages
- Adaptive Leadership: Develop skills to motivate and guide your team in diverse situations.
- Stress Management: Learn techniques to handle pressure and remain calm in emergencies.
- Critical Decision Making: Improve your ability to analyze risks and choose the best option under uncertainty.
- Effective Communication: Master the skills to convey information clearly and concisely, preventing errors.
- Psychology of Teamwork: Foster cohesion and optimal performance of your crew.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,500 hours
Modules
11
Programme highlights
- Strategic Leadership at Sea: Master the key psychological skills for effective command in complex and high-pressure maritime environments.
- Optimized Decision Making: Learn to assess risks, manage crises, and make crucial decisions under stress, maximizing safety and efficiency.
- Managing Multicultural Teams: Develop the ability to lead and motivate diverse teams, fostering intercultural communication and collaboration.
- Applied Emotional Intelligence: Enhance your self-awareness, empathy, and social skills to build strong relationships and manage conflict effectively.
- Simulations and Case Studies: Apply the knowledge gained in realistic scenarios, preparing you to face the challenges of command at sea.
- Boost your naval career with a master's degree that will turn you into an exceptional leader.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Neuroscience applied to maritime leadership: advanced strategies for decision making in critical environments
- Neurobiological Foundations of Leadership: Key Brain Structures, Neuroplasticity and Its Influence on Decisional Behaviour
- Neural mechanisms of stress management in critical maritime situations: prefrontal cortex, amygdala and its interaction
- Advanced Cognitive Processes: Selective Attention, Working Memory, and Decision Making Under Pressure in Marine Environments
- Neuropsychological models applied to command: from dual processing theory to emotional intelligence on the bridge
- Impact of fatigue and sleep deprivation on executive function and responsiveness of the maritime leader
- Neurochemistry and leadership: role of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and cortisol in emotional regulation and decisional behaviour
- Neuroscientific strategies to optimise decision making: Mindfulness, Biofeedback and Emotional Regulation techniques applied to the Naval Command
- Social Neuroscience and Collabourative Leadership: Empathy, Effective Communication and Trust Building in Crews
- Practical implementation of protocols based on neuroscientific evidence for the prevention of human error in critical maritime operations
- Case study and multidimensional analysis of maritime incidents from a neuroscientific perspective applied to leadership and decision making
02
Behavioural dynamics in maritime teams: effective leadership for crisis management and optimisation of decision-making
- Psychological Foundations of Human Behaviour in Maritime Environments: Cognitive, Emotional and Behavioural Variables
- Naval Command Leadership Models: Situational, Transformational, and Transactional Theories Applied to Maritime Management
- Dynamics and structure of offshore teams: roles, hierarchies, communication and coordination under pressure
- Stress management and individual and collective resilience: Psychological strategies to maintain optimal performance in crisis
- Cognitive processes in decision making under uncertainty: heuristics, bias, and human error mitigation
- Conflict management and crew negotiation: advanced techniques for effective resolution and maintenance of cohesion
- Effective communication in critical situations: protocols, non-verbal language, and use of technologies to avoid misunderstandings
- Simulation and analysis of maritime crisis scenarios: practical application of control techniques and psychological control
- Intervention and leadership during emergencies: rapid decision-making and mobilization of human and technical resources
- Optimisation of group performance: continuous evaluation, feedback and development of psychological skills for maritime leadership
03
Neurobehavioural analysis of decision making in critical maritime environments
- Neurobiological foundations of decision making: brain structures involved, neuroplasticity and stress response
- Cognitive and neurobehavioural models applied to critical maritime environments: dual-process theory, heuristics and bias
- Impact of acute and chronic stress on executive functions: attention, working memory and inhibitory control on the bridge
- Neuropsychological evaluation of decision-making capacity under pressure and fatigue in maritime command officers
- Interaction between emotional and cognitive factors in making quick decisions in the face of emergency situations at sea
- Integration of biometric signals (heart rate, heart rate variability, galvanic skin response) for monitoring neurobehavioural status during critical operations
- Applications of neurotechnology in maritime training and simulation: immersive virtual reality for decision-making training
- Advanced time management and cognitive loading protocols to optimise decision making in high uncertainty environments
- Use of artificial intelligence and predictive algorithms for support in complex decisions and risk management in adverse maritime scenarios
- Critical analysis of real cases of maritime incidents from the neurobehavioural perspective and lessons for the improvement of operational protocols
04
Operational Psychology of the Maritime Command: Advanced Human Factor Assessment Strategies, Decisional Communication and Cognitive Resilience in Bridge Management and Critical Operations
- Fundamentals of Operational Psychology Applied to the Maritime Command: Neurocognitive and Behavioural Bases of Leadership in High Pressure Environments
- Advanced Human Factor Assessment: Psychometric Methods, Operational Stress Analysis, and Early Detection of Cognitive Fatigue in Maritime Crews
- Models of decisional communication on the bridge: protocols, leadership styles, influence and persuasion in collabourative decision-making
- Strategies for effective team management in critical operations: group revitalization, conflict resolution and performance optimisation under uncertainty
- Cognitive resilience and human error management: Emotional self-regulation techniques, operational mindfulness and reprogramming of cognitive biases in the maritime context
- Impact of environmental stress and adverse sea conditions on the psychological processes of command and crew
- Advanced tools for real-time mental state assessment: biomarkers, neurophysiological feedback and artificial intelligence applications in human factor monitoring
- Decisional planning under pressure: risk analysis frameworks, probabilistic scenarios, and cognitive simulation for anticipation and contingency mitigation
- Evaluation and strengthening of situational confidence: construction of shared mental models and assertive communication in the management of the bridge and critical manoeuvres
- Protocols for operational recovery and management of post-incident syndrome: psychological intervention, debriefing and continuous learning in the maritime safety culture
05
Cognitive Psychology and Decision Making in Advanced Navigation: Stress Assessment and Control Techniques for Maritime Leaders
- Fundamentals of cognitive psychology: perceptual processes, distributed attention and operational memory applied to maritime navigation
- Decision-making models under uncertainty: prospective theory, heuristics and cognitive biases in the maritime context
- Risk assessment and situational perception: advanced techniques to anticipate hazards in dynamic and restrictive environments
- Neurobiological mechanisms of stress and its impact on the cognitive and behavioural performance of command personnel
- Tools and protocols for objective and subjective measurement of stress in maritime leaders: biomarkers, validated questionnaires and simulation
- Stress control interventions and techniques: Mindfulness, biofeedback, and resilience strategies tailored to complex naval operations
- Implementation of integrated decision support systems (DSS) with psychological analysis to optimise tactical and strategic judgment
- Group dynamics, situational leadership and effective communication in the crew during crisis and critical manoeuvres
- Real case studies and immersive simulations for intensive decision-making practice under pressure and evaluation of psychological responses
- Development of personalised continuous improvement plans for maritime leaders, based on cognitive profiles and advanced emotional management
06
Neurobehavioural strategies for leadership optimisation and resilience in navigation and maritime operations
- Neurobehavioural foundations applied to leadership in maritime environments: neuroanatomical and neurophysiological bases of managerial behaviour.
- Decision-making mechanisms under operational stress: activation of the HHA axis, influence of cortisol and dopaminergic modulation in critical situations on the high seas.
- Advanced neuroplasticity models for the development of cognitive and emotional skills in naval commands.
- Psychological resilience in navigation and maritime operations: Emotional self-regulation strategies and neurofeedback applied to stress and fatigue management.
- Integration of mindfulness techniques and behavioural neuroscience to optimise concentration, working memory and sustained attention under complex operating conditions.
- Application of neuro-leadership for crew management: Influence of empathy and emotional intelligence on group cohesion and the prevention of human error.
- Evaluation and mitigation of specific cognitive biases in maritime command decision-making: dangerous heuristics and their impact on safety.
- Design of customised neurobehavioural interventions to enhance adaptability and decision making under pressure in high uncertainty scenarios.
- Advanced use of biometric technologies and neurophysiological monitoring systems for real-time monitoring of mental and emotional state of commanders and crew.
- Pilots and neurobehavioural simulations for the continuous improvement of leadership and resilience, including post-mission analysis and feedback based on neurobehavioural metrics.
07
Neurobehavioural models and human factor assessment strategies in complex maritime operations
- Neuroscientific fundamentals of decision making in maritime environments: brain structures involved and neuroplasticity in the face of operational stress
- Neurobehavioural models applied to the maritime command: dual processing theory, cognitive biases and heuristics in critical decisions
- Human Factor Neuropsychological Assessment: Advanced Techniques for Detection of Fatigue, Stress, and Cognitive Blockage in Crews
- Behavioural dynamics in bridge and machine equipment: coordination analysis, non-verbal communication and situational leadership in high-demand scenarios
- Biometric and neurotechnological tools in the continuous monitoring of the cognitive and emotional state of the command staff
- Quantitative and qualitative methodologies for the assessment of human performance in complex maritime operations: simulations, neurocognitive tests and behaviour analysis
- Design and application of neurobehavioural intervention protocols to optimise decision making against critical incidents and emergencies
- Integration of the human factor in shipped systems: brain-machine interfaces and their impact on reducing operational errors
- Case studies and review of incidents at sea with a neurobehavioural perspective: identification of patterns and contributing factors
- Development of advanced cognitive skills: resilience, emotional control and situational anticipation in dynamic maritime environments
08
Psychology Applied to Maritime Command: Advanced Behavioural Assessment Techniques and Emotional Management in High Pressure Operations
- Neuropsychological Foundations of Leadership in Maritime Environments: Brain Circuits Involved in Decision Making Under Stress
- Advanced behavioural evaluation models in command officers: psychometric tools, profile analysis and group dynamics in crews
- Psychology of acute and chronic stress: physiological and cognitive responses in critical maritime operations
- Advanced emotional regulation techniques for controls: Mindfulness applied, biofeedback and anchoring techniques in high pressure situations
- Dynamics of authority and communication in the command bridge: strategies to improve assertiveness and minimise interpersonal conflicts
- Psychological aspects of offshore teamwork: cohesion, collective resilience and situational leadership for safe and efficient operations
- Evaluation of psychological performance in mission: quantitative and qualitative methods for continuous monitoring during operation
- Decision making under uncertainty: cognitive, heuristic and bias models in complex maritime environments
- Psychological interventions in crisis on board: containment protocols, trauma management and immediate psychological support
- Ethical and legal implications in the psychology of the maritime command: confidentiality, autonomy and responsibility in emotional and behavioural management
09
Neurobehavioural strategies for leadership optimisation, resilience and emotional management in complex maritime operations
- Neurobiological Foundations of Leadership: Functional Anatomy of the Brain in Decision Making and Emotional Regulation
- Advanced psychological models of behaviour in maritime environments: dual processing theory and its application in high pressure situations
- Neuroplasticity and cognitive training for improved resilience in naval operators
- Emotional control and stress management: Neurofeedback and Mindfulness-based techniques to optimise maritime crisis response
- Group Dynamics and Situational Leadership: Influence of Mirror Neural Networks on the Cohesion of Multidisciplinary Teams in Complex Maritime Operations
- Impact of neuroendocrine variables on decision-making under uncertainty and prolonged fatigue
- Application of neurobehavioural strategies for mitigating cognitive biases and strengthening of rational evidence-based decision making
- Psychotherapeutic interventions oriented to the resilience of command: comprehensive approach from neuropsychology and operational psychiatry
- Advanced Techniques for the Development of Emotional Intelligence and Social Competencies in Maritime Leaders: Case Analysis and Implementation Protocols
- Evaluation and psychophysiological monitoring during critical operations: technological tools and methodologies to guarantee the optimisation of performance and well-being
10
Human factor, fatigue and safety culture in the command
- Human Error Models: Reason and Shell
- Fatigue and circadian rhythms on the guard
- Situational awareness on the bridge
- Cognitive biases in decision making
- Bridge Resource Management (BRM)
- Communication and assertiveness in the chain of command
- Fair Culture and Incident Notification
- Acute stress in emergencies
- Human factor accident analysis
- Security culture improvement program
11
Master’s Final Project in the Psychology of Command and Decision Making at Sea
- Neuropsychological foundations applied to maritime leadership: brain structure, limbic systems and prefrontal cortex in stress management and decision making
- Advanced pressure decision making models: analysis of cognitive biases, heuristics and adaptive strategies in critical naval operating contexts
- Neurofeedback integration and emotional self-regulation techniques to optimise attention, concentration and resilience in maritime controls
- Group dynamics and social neurobehaviour: Neural mechanisms that support cohesion, effective communication and distributed leadership in crews
- Application of dual processing theory for conflict management and rapid incident resolution in complex maritime scenarios
- Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of psychological resilience: neurobehavioural metrics and their implications for operational adaptability
- Design and implementation of neurobehavioural protocols for the prevention of cognitive fatigue and burnout in prolonged operations at the high seas
- Immersive simulations based on virtual reality and augmented for neurobehavioural training in decision-making and leadership in maritime crisis situations
- Integrated Case Studies: Neurobehavioural Analysis of Real Incidents and Continuous Improvement Strategies in the Naval Operational Command
- Development of a final work plan that combines research, practical application and innovative proposals for the improvement of leadership, decision-making and resilience in the maritime field
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1500 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 Marine and Navy officers aspiring to command positions who need to optimize their leadership, team management, and resilience at sea.Captains, Chief Engineers, and Operations Managers seeking to understand and mitigate the psychological impact of the maritime environment on decision-making.Maritime professionals (pilots, superintendents, inspectors) interested in improving communicati
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
- 01Optimizing the psychological management of teams in critical maritime situations
- 02Develop advanced skills for the assessment and mitigation of psychological risks in the maritime environment
- 03To enhance resilient and effective leadership under extreme pressure at sea
- 04Mastering psychological strategies for optimal decision-making in complex maritime contexts
- 05Promoting assertive communication and conflict management in hierarchical maritime environments
- 06Implement psychological well-being programs for maritime crews, preventing stress and improving performance
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Merchant Marine/Navy Officer: Application of psychology in team leadership, stress management, and decision-making in critical situations.
03Maritime Safety Consultant: Evaluation of human factors in accidents, design of safety protocols, and improvement of communication on the bridge.
04Trainer in Maritime Simulation Centers: Development of training programs in decision-making under pressure and risk management.
05Head of Maritime Personnel Selection and Training: Design of psychometric tests and development programs to improve performance and safety.
06Maritime Crisis and Emergency Management Advisor: Psychological support for crews and communication management in crisis situations.
07Human Factors in Maritime Transport Researcher: Analysis of the influence of psychological factors on the safety and efficiency of Maritime operations.
08Management and leadership positions in shipping companies: Application of psychological principles to optimize leadership, motivation, and team performance.
09Expert in mediation and conflict resolution on board: Facilitating communication and dispute resolution to improve the work environment and safety.
Questions
Entry Requirements
The main professional focus of this master's degree is leadership and decision-making in maritime environments, especially in the naval sector, including the management of teams on ships, oil platforms and other offshore facilities.
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.
Navy officers, Coast Guard personnel, and maritime professionals involved in decision-making.
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
```htmlAcademic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, or related field; or proven professional experience in leadership, team management, or decision-making in high-pressure environments (civilian or military).Language proficiency:English (B2 level) is desirable for accessing specialized literature and participating in international forums.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree, academic transcript (if applicable), ID/Passport, cover letter detailing interest and relevant experience.Desired skills/knowledge:Basic kn
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