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
Onboard Conflict Resolution Course
courseProvides you with the essential tools to manage and prevent disputes in the maritime environment. Learn to identify the underlying causes of conflicts, apply effective communication techniques, and foster a collaborative…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Onboard Conflict Resolution Course?
The Conflict Resolution on Board
course
Provides you with the essential tools to manage and prevent disputes in the maritime environment. Learn to identify the underlying causes of conflicts, apply effective communication techniques, and foster a collaborative and safe work environment. This program is designed to improve team cohesion, reduce stress, and optimize operational efficiency on board.
The Conflict Resolution on Board
course provides you with the essential tools to manage and prevent disputes in the maritime environment.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Tools: Negotiation, mediation, and anger management strategies applicable to real-life situations on board.
- Effective Communication: Improve your active listening, assertiveness, and nonverbal communication skills to resolve conflicts constructively.
- Leadership and Team Management: Develop leadership skills to foster an environment of respect and collaboration among crew members.
- Legal and Ethical Framework: Understand the legal and ethical aspects related to conflict resolution in the maritime context.
- Simulations and Case Studies: Participate in realistic simulations and analyze case studies to apply your knowledge in challenging situations.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
10-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Master the art of negotiation: Learn effective techniques for conflict resolution in maritime environments.
- Understand team dynamics: Identify common causes of conflict and how to manage cultural differences on board.
- Apply assertive communication strategies: Develop skills to communicate your needs and resolve disputes constructively.
- Minimize risks and improve safety: Learn how to prevent conflict escalation and maintain a safe and productive work environment.
- Boost your leadership: Strengthen your ability to mediate in difficult situations and foster collaboration among the crew.
- Apply practical tools and become an effective mediator on board.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of conflict in embarked environments, operational hierarchy and coexistence in confined spaces
- Conflict typologies on board: task, relationship, values, resources and cumulative stress in shifts
- Human factors that amplify conflicts: fatigue, isolation, multiculturalism, noise and operational pressure
- Roles and responsibilities: chain of command, limits of authority, discipline and protection of safety
- Early signs of climbing: micro-aggressions, avoidance, rumors, passive sabotage and performance impairment
- Interdepartmental conflicts: bridge–machines–deck–service and interface critical points
02
Communication for de-escalation: active listening, assertiveness and difficult conversations in real operation
- Clear operational communication: short messages, closed loop confirmation and reduction of ambiguity
- Active listening and validation: Reformulation, accurate questions, silence management and tone control
- Professional assertiveness: limits, standards, compliance and behavioural correction without humiliation
- Feedback and Feedforward: Pilots, Observable Evidence, Measurable Agreements and Follow-up
- Difficult conversations: poor performance, non-compliance, security, complaints and unpopular decisions
03
Root Cause Diagnosis, Interest Negotiation and Design of Sustainable Agreements
- Structured Diagnosis: Facts vs Interpretations, Conflict Map and Interest Analysis
- Identification of root causes: resources, processes, roles, incentives and failures of coordination
- Interest negotiation: options, concessions, basic Batna and legitimacy criteria
- Resource and Priority Management: Fair Loads, Shifts, Breaks and Critical Tasks
- Verifiable Operating Agreements: Commitments, Deadlines, Responsible, Evidence and Control Points
04
On-board functional mediation, command intervention and scaling procedures
- Informal vs. Formal Mediation: When to Intervene, Neutrality, Confidentiality and Role Limits
- Mediation preparation: previous interviews, rules, objectives and psychological safety of the process
- Driving the session: shifts, interest identification, options and closing with firm agreements
- Conflict management with hierarchical asymmetry: protection of the vulnerable part and equity of the procedure
- Scaling and Progressive Discipline: Warnings, Corrective Measures, Documentation, and Consistency
05
Comprehensive Conflict Management System and Final Project for the Implementation of Protocols on Board
- System Design: Reporting Channels, Roles, Response Times, Confidentiality and Governance
- Operating Tools: Conversation scripts, agreement templates, checklists and incident log
- Indicators and measurement: frequency, severity, resolution times, recidivism and unit climate
- Practical training: simulations, role-play, evaluation by rubrics and recurring learning
- Continuous improvement: lessons learned, SOPs review, feedback and cultural change management
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 of all ranks seeking to improve communication, teamwork, and the management of tense situations at sea.Officers and supervisors who need tools to mediate disputes, prevent workplace harassment, and foster a respectful environment on board.Kitchen and service staff who interact directly with crew and passengers and wish to minimize friction and ensure quality service.Safety
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
- 01Promote effective communication
- 02Managing and mitigating stressful situations
- 03Apply mediation and negotiation techniques
- 04Understanding the dynamics of interpersonal conflicts
- 05Develop active listening and empathy skills
- 06Identify and address the root causes of conflicts
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Onboard Mediator: Facilitate communication and dispute resolution among crew members.
02Crew Welfare Officer: Implement conflict prevention and management programs, promoting a positive work environment.
03Safety Officer: Identify and mitigate factors that may trigger conflicts, ensuring the safety of the crew and the vessel.
04Human Resources (Shipping Companies): Develop policies and procedures for onboard conflict management, as well as training programs in communication and problem-solving skills.
05Consultant/Trainer: Offer consulting and training services in conflict resolution to shipping companies and crews.
06Operations Supervisor: Intervene in conflict situations that may affect operational efficiency and safety. Navigation.
07Claims Manager: Mediate disputes related to passenger or cargo claims, seeking fair and equitable solutions.
08Incident Investigator: Analyze the causes of onboard conflicts to identify patterns and propose preventative measures.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Maintain a safe and productive work environment by addressing and resolving disputes effectively.
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.
Communicate clearly and respectfully with the person involved.
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:Training in psychology, sociology, mediation, communication, or related fields; or demonstrable experience in team management, safety, or responsible roles on board.Language Proficiency:Ability to communicate effectively in the working language on board; knowledge of other languages is a plus for crew diversity.Documentation:Updated CV, copies of relevant degrees or certifications, ID/Passport, cover letter highlighting experience and motivation.Additional Skills:Active listening, empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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