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
Course on the use of life jackets and life rafts
This course prepares you to act confidently and effectively in maritime emergencies. You will learn essential safety regulations, the operation and maintenance of life jackets and life rafts, and the most effective survival…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course on the use of life jackets and life rafts?
The Use of Life Jackets and Life Rafts
This course prepares you to act confidently and effectively in maritime emergencies. You will learn essential safety regulations, the operation and maintenance of life jackets and life rafts, and the most effective survival techniques. This program combines theory and practice to ensure you are ready to protect yourself and others.
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Simulations: Real-world experience with safety equipment in controlled environments.
- Expert Instructors: Professionals with extensive experience in maritime safety and survival.
- Up-to-Date Knowledge: Information on the latest safety regulations and technologies.
- Leadership Skills: Develop the ability to guide and support others in crisis situations.
- Recognized Certification: Obtain a credential that validates your competence in maritime safety.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
10-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Know the Types: Learn to identify and select the appropriate life jacket or life raft for each situation.
- Usage Techniques: Master the correct donning, inflation, and maintenance techniques for maximum effectiveness.
- Survival at Sea: Acquire essential skills to increase your chances of survival in an emergency.
- Regulations and Safety: Familiarize yourself with current regulations and best practices for maritime safety.
- Practical Drills: Participate in realistic exercises to test your knowledge and gain confidence.
- Get ready to act safely and effectively in critical situations at sea!
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Maritime Survival, Individual and Collective Means of Rescue and Principles of Protection of Life at Sea
- Basics of maritime survival and function of rescue teams in emergency situations and abandonment of boats
- Salvage classification: life jackets, flotation aids, life rafts, hoops, dip suits and complementary equipment
- Principles of buoyancy, stability, visibility and thermal conservation applied to the use of vests and rafts in the marine environment
- Emergency scenarios requiring the use of means of salvage: fire, collision, waterway, sinking, critical escort and preventive abandonment
- Crew responsibilities, passengers and security personnel in the preparation, distribution and correct use of the salvage material
02
Life jackets: typologies, placement, adjustment, verification and safe use in emergency situations on board
- Types of life jackets: models for adults, children, inflatables, foam and specialised versions for different types of boats
- Functional components of the lifejacket: flotation chambers, tapes, buckles, whistle, light, reflective bands and activation systems
- Correct procedures for fitting, adjusting and securing the vest to ensure buoyancy and stability in water
- Frequent errors in the use of the life jacket: poor placement, poor adjustment, interference with clothes or equipment and loss of functionality
- Water entry techniques with life jacket: controlled jump, body protection, equipment preservation and injury prevention
03
Liferafts: Characteristics, activation, boarding and initial organisation of collective survival at sea
- Liferaft typologies: Inflatable, self-righting, coastal, oceanic and configurations according to capacity and operational profile of the boat
- Essential components of a life raft: main chamber, awning, inflation system, clamping line, survival kit and signalling devices
- Launch and activation procedures for the life raft under controlled conditions and in real emergency scenarios
- Life raft boarding techniques: access sequence, weight distribution, assistance to vulnerable people and prevention of falling into the water
- Initial organisation within the raft: Assignment of functions, count of occupants, stabilisation of the group and control of available equipment
04
Boat abandonment procedures, coordination of evacuation and integrated use of life jackets and rafts
- General ship abandonment sequence: alarm, preparation, distribution of equipment, meeting at stations and activation of the emergency plan
- Coordination between crew and occupants during the evacuation: leadership, communication, order of exit and control of flows towards abandonment points
- Operational integration between life jacket and raft: Combined use to maximise security, buoyancy and access to the collective means of rescue
- Evacuation procedures in adverse conditions: fire, smoke, heel, bad sea, low visibility and obstruction of main routes
- Assistance to children, injured, unconscious or disabled during the placement of the vest and the boarding by raft
05
Capstone Project for the preparation, operational use and evaluation of manoeuvres with vests and life rafts in a real or simulated scenario
- Definition of the emergency scenario: type of boat, number of people on board, environmental conditions and risks associated with abandonment
- Design of the complete procedure of preparation and distribution of life jackets according to roles, occupant profiles and evacuation order
- Planning of the launch and boarding manoeuvre in life rafts with criteria of safety, speed and control of occupants
- Simulation of abandonment and initial survival: correct use of the vest, access to the raft, internal organisation and activation of distress signalling
- Evaluation of operational performance: response times, detected errors, proper use of equipment and effectiveness of group coordination
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
Recreational and professional vessel crew members seeking to in-depth knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and correct use of life jackets and life rafts.Safety managers in nautical companies and marinas who need to update their protocols and ensure regulatory compliance in rescue matters.Navigation instructors and nautical schools who wish to delve deeper into the technical and practical
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
- 01Ensuring survival in aquatic emergency situations
- 02Mastering the techniques for putting on and using life jackets and life rafts correctly
- 03Perform basic maintenance and inspection of life jackets and life rafts
- 04Effectively coordinate evacuation and rescue procedures in the water
- 05Implement prevention and response strategies for aquatic risks
- 06To correctly interpret maritime safety regulations and recommendations
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Seafarer Crew: Compliance with safety and emergency procedures.
02Offshore Platform Personnel: Familiarization with evacuation and survival equipment.
03Fishing Industry Personnel: Correct use of life jackets and rafts in hazardous situations.
04Lifeguards: Rescue and assistance to people in danger in the water.
05Recreational Craft Personnel: Knowledge and application of navigational safety measures.
06Port Workers: Preparedness for emergencies in maritime environments.
07Cruise and Ferry Personnel: Assistance to passengers in evacuation situations.
08Maritime Safety Instructors: Training in the use of lifesaving equipment.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
During navigation in small boats, in rough waters or in bad weather.
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.
During navigation in small boats, in rough waters or in bad weather.
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:None required. Training open to the general public interested in maritime safety.Physical Conditions:Basic physical ability to participate in practical exercises (putting on and taking off a life jacket, entering/exiting the life raft).Documentation:National Identity Card/Passport or similar identification document.Specific Requirements:In the case of minors, parental/guardian authorization.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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