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 Maritime Security Policies (IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL)
Offers an in-depth immersion in the international regulatory framework governing maritime safety. Acquire comprehensive knowledge of the IMO conventions, the fundamental principles of SOLAS, and the key guidelines of MARPOL. This…
Duration1500 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Maritime Security Policies (IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL)?
The Master's in Maritime Safety Policy (IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL)
Offers an in-depth immersion in the international regulatory framework governing maritime safety. Acquire comprehensive knowledge of the IMO conventions, the fundamental principles of SOLAS, and the key guidelines of MARPOL. This program equips you to lead the implementation and enforcement of regulations, crucial for the safety of human life at sea and the protection of the marine environment. Develop analytical and strategic skills to address emerging challenges in global maritime security.
Differentiating Advantages
- Comprehensive Analysis: Gain in-depth knowledge of the interpretation and application of IMO, SOLAS, and MARPOL regulations.
- Practical Approach: Develop skills for the effective implementation of maritime security policies.
- Global Perspective: Understand emerging challenges and trends in international maritime security.
- Networking: Connect with leading experts and professionals in the maritime sector.
- Professional Development: Boost your career in maritime administration, the shipping industry, or consulting.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,500 hours
Modules
11
Programme highlights
- Comprehensive Mastery: Delve into the IMO, SOLAS, and MARPOL conventions, pillars of global maritime security.
- Risk Management: Learn to identify, assess, and mitigate threats and vulnerabilities in the maritime environment.
- Regulatory Compliance: Acquire the tools to ensure strict compliance with national and international regulations.
- Strategic Leadership: Develop leadership and decision-making skills in critical security situations.
- Global Impact: Contribute to the security and sustainability of maritime transport at the global level global.
- Boost your career and become a expert in maritime security policy, essential for the protection of lives and the environment.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of International Maritime Security, Regulatory Governance and Institutional Architecture of the IMO
- Maritime safety concept and differences between safety, security, environmental protection, operational prevention and maritime risk management
- Historical evolution of international maritime regulation and role of the international maritime organisation in global governance
- Relationship between international agreements, flag states, guiding states of the port, shipowners, operators and classification companies
- Principles of accident prevention, protection of human life at sea, pollution control and operational responsibility
- Differences between mandatory regulations, technical codes, guides, circulars, resolutions and implementation standards
- Key Actors: IMO, Maritime Administrations, Captaincies, Ports, Shipping Companies, Shipyards, Insurers, Inspectors and Regional Organisations
- Priority Maritime Hazards: Collision, Fire, Dry-Docking, Sinking, Pollution, Technical Failure, Fatigue and Illicit Threat
- Relationship between maritime security, international trade, blue economy, sustainability, reputation and operational continuity
- Current trends in digitization, decarbonisation, autonomous ships, cybersecurity and maritime regulation updates
- Systemic approach to maritime security policies such as regulation, operation, technology, environment and compliance integration
02
SOLAS Convention, protection of human life at sea and technical safety requirements of the ship
- Fundamentals of the SOLAS Convention and its central role in the technical, operational and construction security of ships
- Construction requirements, compartment, stability, machinery, electrical installations and structural protection
- Prevention, detection and extinguishing of fires on board through systems, procedures and operational organisation
- Rescue means, boats, rafts, individual devices, ship abandonment and crew preparation
- Radiocommunications, GMDSS, Distress Alerts, SAR Coordination and Continuity of Emergency Communications
- Navigation security, bridge equipment, nautical charts, ECDIS, AIS, radar, VDR and guard organisation
- Transportation of dangerous cargo, bulk, containers, special goods and safe Stowage requirements
- Operational management of security through the ISM code and responsibilities of the shipowner, company and captain
- Inspections, Certificates, Audits and Control of Compliance SOLAS by Flag, Port and Classifiers
- Construction of internal policies to ensure compliance alone, accident reduction and effective protection of human life
03
MARPOL Convention, Pollution Prevention and Environmental Management of Ships and Maritime Operations
- Fundamentals of the MARPOL Convention and its structure to prevent contamination by hydrocarbons, harmful substances, dirty water, garbage and emissions
- Pollution prevention by hydrocarbons, SOPEP plans, segregation, registration of operations and control of downloads
- Harmful liquid substances, dangerous goods, chemical loads and environmentally safe handling requirements
- Management of dirty waters, garbage, operational waste, plastics, food, ashes, oils and hazardous materials on board
- Control of atmospheric emissions, sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, energy efficiency and emission control zones
- Treatment systems, separator equipment, incinerators, scrubbers, retention tanks and environmental mitigation technologies
- Registry books, certificates, environmental audits, port inspections and evidence of operational compliance
- Liability for discharges, investigation of environmental incidents, sanctions, claims and repair of damage
- Relationship between MARPOL, ESG maritime, decarbonisation, alternative fuels and corporate sustainability policies
- Construction of maritime environmental management systems that ensure prevention, compliance and continuous performance improvement
04
Operational safety management, ISM code, preventive culture and risk control in maritime companies
- Fundamentals of the ISM Code and its role in the systematic management of safety and pollution prevention
- Security management system: policy, responsibilities, procedures, resources, communication and management review
- Hazard identification, risk assessment, control measures and management of changes in maritime operations
- Critical Operating Procedures: Navigation, Cargo, Maintenance, Bunkering, Confined Spaces, Hot Work and Emergencies
- Role of the DPA, Captain, Officers, Crew, Technical Superintendence and Central Office in Safety
- Safety Culture, Incident Reporting, Near Misses, Organisational Learning and Human Error Prevention
- Internal audits, external audits, nonconformities, corrective actions and continuous improvement of SMS
- Management of fatigue, competence, training, familiarization and human performance in demanding maritime environments
- ISM integration with quality, environment, cybersecurity, occupational health and operational continuity
- Construction of security management models that turn compliance into real preventive capacity
05
Maritime Security, Port Protection, IPS Code and Response to Illicit Threats
- Fundamentals of maritime protection and differences between safety, protection against illegal acts and maritime defence
- IPS code, protection levels, ship and port facilities protection plans
- Threat Assessment: Terrorism, Sabotage, Piracy, Cots, Smuggling, Theft, Cyber Attacks and Unauthorized Access
- Roles of the Ship Protection Officer, Company Officer, Port Installation Officer and Competent Authorities
- Access control, surveillance, identification, patrol, restricted areas and management of visitors or suppliers
- Ship-port coordination, protection declaration, security communications and management of scales in sensitive ports
- Response to incidents of protection, scaling, coordination with authorities, preservation of evidence and operational continuity
- Integration of physical protection, cybersecurity, cargo security and security of the logistics chain
- Audits, exercises, drills, training and verification of ISPs
- Construction of maritime protection policies that reduce illicit threats without affecting operational efficiency
06
Accident investigation, control by the governing state of the port and control of maritime compliance
- Fundamentals of Investigation of Maritime Claims and Differences between Technical Research, Administrative Research and Legal Responsibility
- Accident typologies: collisions, dry-docking, fires, explosions, subsidence, injuries, contamination and loss of load
- Evidence collection: VDR, bridge logs, communications, maintenance, certificates, declarations and operational data
- Root Cause Analysis, Human Factors, Technical Failures, Organisational Deficiencies, and Preventive Barriers
- Control by the governing state of the port, PSC inspections, detentions, deficiencies and monitoring of corrections
- Relationship between flag, port, classifier, company, insurer and authorities in control processes
- Management of nonconformities, serious deficiencies, mandatory reports, corrective plans and verification of closure
- Use of accident statistics, inspection trends and risk profiles to design preventive policies
- Communication of lessons learned, safety recommendations and improvement of corporate procedures
- Construction of control and learning systems that reduce recurrence of accidents and strengthen maritime compliance
07
Decarbonisation policies, energy efficiency and environmental transition of maritime transport
- Fundamentals of maritime decarbonisation and relationship between safety, sustainability, energy efficiency and competitiveness
- Technical and operational measures of energy efficiency: design, propulsion, route optimisation, speed and maintenance
- Carbon intensity indicators, energy efficiency plans and environmental performance monitoring mechanisms
- Alternative fuels: LNG, methanol, hydrogen, ammonia, biofuels and risks associated with safety and operation
- Electrification, Shore Power, batteries, hybrid systems and energy management in port and navigation
- Impact of new environmental policies on ship design, fleet operation, insurance, financing and maritime trade
- Assessment of technical, regulatory, economic and safety risks in maritime energy transition projects
- Relationship between MARPOL, climate strategy, green taxonomy, ESG and sustainable financing for maritime assets
- Management of emissions data, reporting, verification, audit and transparency in front of authorities and investors
- Construction of maritime policies of environmental transition that balance emission reduction, safety and operational viability
08
Maritime digitization, cybersecurity, autonomous ships and new safety regulatory challenges
- Digitization of the ship and the maritime ecosystem: ECDIS, AIS, VDR, integrated bridge systems, IoT and fleet management platforms
- Cybersecurity in IT, OT, navigation, communications, cargo, maintenance and port operations
- Cyber risk management within the company's security and operational continuity management system
- Autonomous ships, MASS, remote control, supervised autonomy and challenges for responsibility, guard and certification
- Artificial Intelligence, Predictive Analytics and Decision Support in Navigation, Maintenance, Security and Environmental Management
- Interoperability, maritime data, information exchange and technology dependency risks
- New risks associated with automation: loss of situational awareness, software failures, sensor degradation and connectivity dependency
- Emerging regulation, maritime sandboxes, controlled trials and adaptation of traditional agreements to new technologies
- Audit, training and digital skills of crews, inspectors, operators and maritime authorities
- Construction of maritime safety policies adapted to connected ships, freelancers and digitized operations
09
Governance, international cooperation, national implementation and development of integrated maritime policies
- Foundations of national implementation of international agreements and relationship between ratification, transposition, control and administrative capacity
- Design of national maritime policies aligned with IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, IPS and State strategic priorities
- Coordination between maritime administrations, port authorities, coast guards, navies, environmental agencies and transport agencies
- Regional cooperation for maritime security, environmental protection, SAR, pollution control and prevention of illicit activities
- Institutional Capacity Development: Inspector Training, Certification Systems, Labouratories, Records and Information Platforms
- National maritime crisis management: major pollution, massive accident, port blockade, SAR emergency and protection threats
- Participation in international committees, regulatory negotiation, technical representation and defence of national interests
- Maritime Policy Performance Indicators: Claims, PSC Stops, Emissions, Compliance, Emergency Response and Flag Reputation
- Integration of maritime security with blue economy, port planning, energy transition and sustainable coastal development
- Construction of maritime policy frameworks that transform international obligations into real monitoring and improvement capabilities
10
STCW, MLC and Human Factor in Maritime Safety Agreements
- STCW Agreement and Seafarer Training
- MLC Agreement and working conditions
- Human factor in maritime accidents
- Fatigue, rest hours and guard management
- Bridge and machine resource management
- Culture of safety and behaviour
- Mental health and wellness on board
- Inspections of living and working conditions
- Diversity and equality in the maritime sector
- Continuous training policies and skills
11
Master’s Final Project in Maritime Security Policies (IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL)
- Definition of the case study: national policy, company shipping company, fleet, port, compliance programme or maritime security strategy
- Diagnosis of the normative, operational, environmental, institutional and technological context of the selected maritime system
- Evaluation of compliance against IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, ISPs and other applicable instruments
- Identification of safety, protection, pollution, operation, control and reputation risks associated with the case
- Design of the security and compliance management model with responsibilities, procedures, audits and continuous improvement
- Integration of environmental policies, decarbonisation, energy efficiency and prevention of marine pollution
- Development of control strategy, training, accident investigation, PSC control or corporate supervision
- Incorporation of digitalisation, cybersecurity, data, emerging technologies and regulatory adaptation in the proposal
- Drafting of the comprehensive technical report with normative, operational, environmental, institutional and strategic justification
- Presentation and defence of the final project with global validation of the Maritime Security Policy Proposal developed
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
Maritime professionals (shipowners, shipping companies, insurers) seeking to specialize in international regulations and risk management.Public administration officials (coast guards, port authorities) interested in implementing and monitoring maritime safety policies.Consultants and auditors wishing to expand their knowledge of IMO, SOLAS, and MARPOL regulations to offer specialized services.
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
- 01Implement measures for the protection of ships and port facilities
- 02Ensuring regulatory compliance in maritime safety management
- 03Leading the response to emergencies and contingencies at sea
- 04Optimizing the environmental management of maritime operations
- 05Assessing and mitigating risks in the maritime supply chain
- 06Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies in the maritime sector
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Maritime Safety Consultant: Advising on compliance with IMO, SOLAS, and MARPOL regulations.
03Maritime Safety Auditor: Conducting audits to verify compliance with safety regulations on ships and port facilities.
04Maritime Risk Management Specialist: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in maritime operations.
05Compliance Officer in Shipping or Port Companies: Ensuring compliance with IMO, SOLAS, and MARPOL regulations.
06Maritime Safety Inspector: Inspecting ships and port facilities to guarantee compliance with regulations.
07Marine Pollution Prevention Technician: Developing and implementing measures to prevent marine pollution in accordance with MARPOL.
08Maritime Safety Trainer: Delivery of courses and training programs on IMO, SOLAS, and MARPOL regulations.
09Maritime Safety Investigator: Analysis of maritime incidents and development of recommendations to improve safety.
Questions
Entry Requirements
IMO, SOLAS and MARPOL.
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.
IMO, SOLAS and MARPOL
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 Law, Political Science, International Relations, Nautical Studies/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or related field; or accredited professional experience in the maritime or security sector.Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of international maritime law, IMO conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL), and maritime security structures will be valued.Language Proficiency:High level of English (B2/C1) for understanding regulations and technical literature.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree(s), transcript of rec
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