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
Survival course on the high seas
This course prepares you to face emergency situations in the maritime environment. Learn essential techniques to stay safe, from the correct use of lifesaving equipment to administering first aid in extreme conditions. Master…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts14 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Survival course on the high seas?
This course prepares you to face emergency situations in the maritime environment. Learn essential techniques to stay safe, from the correct use of lifesaving equipment to administering first aid in extreme conditions. Master survival strategies, including building improvised shelters, obtaining water and food, and emergency communication. This course gives you the skills and confidence needed to act effectively in critical situations.
High Seas Survival
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Simulations: Experience realistic scenarios in a controlled environment.
- Expert Instructors: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in maritime survival.
- Specialized Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the use of life rafts, immersion suits, and other essential equipment.
- Recognized Certification: Obtain a certificate that validates your knowledge and skills in offshore survival.
- Comprehensive Preparation: Develop the mental and physical resilience necessary to face any challenge at sea.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Survival Techniques: Master the essential procedures to stay safe in emergency situations at sea.
- Safety Equipment: Learn how to properly use life rafts, immersion suits, and other crucial devices.
- First Aid at Sea: Acquire vital skills to treat the injured and manage medical emergencies in extreme conditions.
- Psychological Survival: Develop the mental fortitude needed to cope with isolation, stress, and uncertainty at sea.
- Search and Rescue: Understand search and rescue protocols and how to maximize your chances of being located.
- Prepare for the unexpected and ensure your well-being with our offshore survival training.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of maritime survival, initial evaluation of the emergency and prioritisation of actions in offshore abandonment scenarios
- Deep sea survival concept: general principles, vital priorities and differences between incident, emergency and prolonged survival situation
- Initial evaluation after abandonment: crew status, available resources, weather conditions, distance to traffic routes and immediate risks
- Critical factors of the ocean environment: water temperature, waves, wind, solar radiation, currents and continuous exposure
- Initial Organisation of the Surviving Group: Leadership, Assignment of Functions, Operational Discipline and Control of Panic Reactions
- Prioritization of vital needs: flotation, thermal protection, water, shelter, signalling and preservation of physical and mental energy
02
Rescue means, emergency equipment and operational use of survival resources on rafts, boats and individual devices
- Means of abandonment and survival typologies: life rafts, rescue boats, vests, dip suits and complementary flotation devices
- Shipment and stabilisation procedures in rafts and means of salvage: safe access, cargo distribution, balance and control of occupants
- Emergency equipment on board of survival means: water, portions, bailers, first aid kit, oars, knives, fishing kits and repair elements
- Use of signalling and localization equipment: flares, mirrors, whistles, lights, EPIRB, SART and portable emergency radio
- Maintenance of the integrity of the survival medium: visual inspection, leak control, humidity management, ventilation and protection against deterioration
03
Physiological protection, thermoregulation, hydration and preservation of functional capacity in situations of prolonged ocean exposure
- Physiology of high seas survival: response of the organism to cold, heat, dehydration, exhaustion and prolonged immobility
- Prevention and initial management of hypothermia: heat loss in water and air, thermal conservation positions and use of protective barriers
- Prevention of hyperthermia, insolation and dehydration: sun protection, exposure control, ventilation and reduction of unnecessary effort
- Management of drinking water in survival: rationing, prioritisation, risks of dehydration and critical errors such as the consumption of seawater
- Emergency nutrition and maintenance of functional status: use of rations, control of energy expenditure and food administration criteria
04
Survival navigation, ocean orientation, signage and coordination with search and rescue services
- Fundamentals of orientation at the high seas: observation of the environment, relative position, maritime traffic, wave patterns and basic astronomical references
- Current evaluation, derivation and displacement of the means of survival: Motion factors and their impact on location and rescue
- Day and night signalling strategies: maximisation of visibility, sequential use of media and management of the right moment to emit signals
- Distress communication procedures: radio beacon activation, emergency messages, transmission of critical information and basic SAR coordination
- Preparation of the group for the location and recovery: internal order, collective visibility, occupant control and prevention of accidents during the rescue
05
Capstone Project for Survival at Sea with Strategy Design, Stage Resolution and Operational Response Assessment
- Definition of the survival scenario: type of claim, number of survivors, weather conditions, available resources and main risks
- Elabouration of the initial plan for abandonment and survival: organisation of the group, use of equipment, vital priorities and stabilisation of the means of salvage
- Development of the physiological conservation strategy and resource management: water, rations, thermal protection, signalling and maintenance of equipment
- Design of the communication and coordination protocol with rescue: activation of devices, messages, visual signals and behaviour before SAR approach
- Evaluation of accumulated risks and decision-making in prolonged survival: physical deterioration, drift, meteorology and adaptation of the strategy
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 mariners and fishing vessel crew members seeking to update or certify their knowledge of shipwreck survival techniques.Oil platform and offshore wind farm workers needing specialized training to handle emergencies at sea.Personnel of recreational craft and yachts wishing to improve their safety and that of their passengers during ocean voyages.Members of maritime rescue teams and co
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 rescue and first aid techniques
- 02Building and maintaining group morale under extreme conditions
- 03Efficiently manage available resources in emergency situations
- 04Identify and mitigate specific hazards in the maritime environment
- 05Implement emergency communication protocols and effective signage
- 06Navigating using improvised means and observation of the environment
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Seafarer Crew Member: Covering roles on merchant ships, cruise ships, and offshore platforms.
02Oil Platform and Offshore Wind Farm Personnel: Ensuring safety and survival in offshore environments.
03Maritime Rescue Teams: Participating in search and rescue operations on the high seas.
04Recreational Craft Personnel: Ensuring the safety of passengers and crew on yachts and recreational boats.
05Fishing Industry: Working on fishing vessels and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
06Offshore Survival Instructor: Training other professionals in survival and safety techniques.
07Maritime Safety Consultant: Advising companies and organizations on safety procedures and plans emergency response.
08Member of emergency response teams: Acting in crisis situations in maritime environments.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
Try to get back on board the ship as soon as possible, if feasible and safe.
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.
Flotation, signaling and drinking water.
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:No specific qualifications are required, although experience in maritime environments or aquatic activities is recommended.Physical Condition:Good health and physical ability to participate in drills and practical exercises in the water. A medical certificate may be required.Personal Equipment:Appropriate clothing for aquatic activities (swimsuit, thermal wear), towel, suitable footwear for deck (non-slip).Additional Requirements:Basic swimming skills and familiarity with the maritime environment are recommended.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.