Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Maritime Defense and Strategies
Offers an in-depth immersion into the complex maritime geopolitical landscape, equipping participants with the necessary tools to understand and address security and defense challenges in the naval environment. The program…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts14 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Maritime Defense and Strategies?
The Diploma in Maritime Defense and Strategies
Offers an in-depth immersion into the complex maritime geopolitical landscape, equipping participants with the necessary tools to understand and address security and defense challenges in the naval environment. The program focuses on the analysis of emerging threats, the development of maritime security strategies, and the application of international legal frameworks. Through case studies and simulations, participants will develop skills in strategic decision-making and naval operations planning.
Differential Advantages
- Geopolitical Analysis: Understanding the power dynamics in the oceans and their impact on global security.
- Defense Strategies: Designing and implementing strategies to protect national maritime interests.
- Legal Framework: In-depth knowledge of the international law of the sea and its application in conflict situations.
- Simulations and Case Studies: Hands-on experience in solving complex problems in the maritime environment.
- Expert Network: Access to a network of leading professionals in the field of maritime defense and security.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
27-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Maritime Geopolitical Analysis: Understand the global dynamics that influence maritime security and the economy.
- Naval Defense Strategies: Master the tactics and technologies for protecting national maritime interests.
- International Law of the Sea: Understand the legal framework governing the oceans and its implications for conflict resolution.
- Maritime Crisis Management and Security: Develop skills to respond to threats and challenges in the maritime environment.
- Naval Planning and Logistics: Optimize the efficiency of naval operations and the deployment of strategic resources.
- Boost your career in the defense sector with a specialized focus on the maritime domain.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Maritime Geopolitics and Naval Power Theory
- Introduction to the geopolitics of the oceans: importance of the seas in global trade, power projections and control of sea routes
- Naval Power Theory: Analysis of Alfred Thayer Mahan's Strategic Thought, Julian Corbett and Contemporary Admirals
- Dominance of the sea (SEA control) and denial of the sea (SEA Denial): Operational concepts, deterrence strategies and projection of force
- Strategic Choke Points: Analysis of the Suez Canal, Panama Canal, Malacca Strait, Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz
- The impact of CONVEMAR on defence: maritime zones, sovereign rights and their involvement in military naval operations
- Gunship diplomacy and naval diplomacy: naval presence, courtesy visits, strategic deterrence and preventive diplomacy
- Evolution of Naval Conflicts: Lessons Learned from World War II, the Falklands War and Conflicts in the Black Sea
- Classic Naval Power Thinkers
02
Global Maritime Security, Asymmetric Threats and Piracy
- Overview of maritime security: traditional and non-traditional threats to ocean stability
- Asymmetrical warfare at the sea: Combat in shallow waters (Littoral Warfare), Use of fast attack boats (FAC) and swarms
- Combat to piracy and armed robbery: high-risk zones (HRA), international patrol missions and best practices (BMP)
- Maritime drug trafficking and smuggling: maritime interdiction, semi-submersible/submarine use and inter-agency coordination
- Maritime terrorism and protection of critical infrastructures: protection of ports, offshore platforms and submarine data cables
- Mastery of the maritime scenario (Maritime Domain Awareness - MDA): Use of AIS systems, OTHR radar, satellites and data fusion
- Security in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Patrol, combat to illegal undeclared and unregulated fishing (IUU) and Sovereignty
- Energy security and sea routes
03
Warship architecture and technology and naval platforms
- Design and typology of surface ships: frigates, destroyers, corvettes, ocean patrol cars (OPV) and aircraft carriers
- Naval Weapon Systems: Naval Artillery, Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM), Anti-ship Missiles (SSM) and Near Defence CIWS Systems
- Submarine Warfare and Submarines: Diesel-Electric Submarines (SSK), AIP Propulsion Submarines and Nuclear Attack Submarines (SSN)
- Naval Electronic Warfare (EW): Electronic Support Measurement Systems (ESM), Electronic Countermeasures (ECM), Chaff and Flares
- Marine Radar Sensors and Systems: 3D Scan Radars, Phase Matrix Radars (AESA) and Optronic Shooting Systems
- Integrated Combat Systems (CMS): Military Software Architecture, Sensor Integration and Tactical Data Links (Link 11 / Link 16)
- Stealth technology (Stealth) on ships: Reduction of radaric signature (RCS), acoustic, magnetic and infrared signature in naval design
- Combat Systems and Naval Sensors
04
Anti-submarine War (ASW) and Naval Mines War
- Fundamentals of the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Sound propagation at sea, thermocline layer and complex acoustic environments
- Naval Sonar Systems: Hull Sonars, Variable Depth Sonars (VDS), Towed Sonars, and Sonars
- ASW attack vectors: Heavy and light torpedoes, depth charges and rocket-driven anti-submarine missiles
- Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and ASW Helicopters: Shipment Sensors, Magnetic Anomaly Detectors (MAD) and Hunting Missions
- Naval mine warfare (Mine Warfare): types of mines (contact, acoustic, magnetic, pressure) and strategic mining tactics
- Measures Against Mines (MCM): Minerrails, Mint Hunters, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) and Neutralization of Submarine Explosives
- Force defence and convoy protection: naval escort tactics, battle group formation and anti-submarine defence rings
- Acoustic and sound detection
05
Amphibious operations, power projection and special operations
- Principles of the Amphibious War: Landing Doctrine, LHD, LPD, LPD, and Air Assault Aircraft
- Planning an amphibious landing: phases of assault, beach recognition, artillery preparation and beachhead logistics
- Marine Corps Forces: Tactical Role, Tactical Mobility, Helicopter Assault and Use of Armored Amphibious Vehicles
- Naval Special Operations Units: Sea Commandos, Tactical Divers, Infiltration Missions, Sabotage and Counterterrorism
- Naval Fire Support (NSFS): Naval Support Bombardment, Integration with Close Air Support (CAS) and GPS/Laser Guided Artillery
- Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO): Rescue of Citizens in Conflict Zones and Humanitarian Assistance Missions (HADR)
- Logistics at sea (UNREP / RAS): Provisioning in navigation, fuel transfer, ammunition and supplies between ships
- Amphibious logistics
06
Autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and naval cyber defence
- Surface Unmanned Maritime Vehicles (USV): Tactical Applications, USVS Swarms for Attack or Patrol and Ship Autonomy
- Unmanned submarine vehicles (UUV/AUV): deep exploration, fund mapping, mine warfare, and discreet acoustic surveillance
- Integration of drones (UAVs) in the Navy: Operations from flight decks, persistent aerial surveillance and designation of targets
- Artificial Intelligence Applied to Naval Combat: Automation of the Combat Information Centre (CIC), Radar Processing and Decision Making
- Cyber defence and naval cyber war: protection of operational networks (OT) of ships, prevention of kidnapping of GPS/ECDIs and cyber attacks
- Directed and electromagnetic energy weapons: electromagnetic cannons (railguns), laser weapons systems (LAWS) and their integration in ships
- Warfare in the Space Domain: Military Satellites for Observation, Naval Satellite Communications (SATCOM) and Anti Satellite Weapons
- Naval drones and swarms
07
Naval Strategy in Regional Scenarios and Operational Doctrine
- The Geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific: The Strategy of the Chain of Islands, the Naval Expansion of China and the Role of the Allied Navy
- Strategy in the North Atlantic and the Arctic: the Giuk pass, the Arctic melting and the opening of new military and commercial routes
- Security and defence in Latin America and the Caribbean: operational challenges, protection of insular resources and the fight against organised crime
- Strategic Alliances and Multilateral Agreements: The Role of NATO in the Sea, Aukus, Quad and Combined Naval Exercises (RIMPAC, UNITAS)
- Operational plans and tactical decision-making: Employment of the Naval Operational Planning Methodology for Crisis Resolution
- The War of Information and Psychological Operations: Control of the narrative in nautical conflicts, tactical deception and media warfare
- Military climbing risk management: mutual trust measures (INCSEA), codes for unplanned encounters at sea (Cues) and direct conflict prevention
- NATO Naval Doctrine
08
Capstone Project: Strategic Maritime Defence Plan and Tactical Simulation
- Definition of the crisis scenario: Selection of a maritime theater of operations Simulate (Insular dispute, Chokepoint interdiction or amphibious invasion)
- Threat and Order of Battle Analysis (ORBAT): Assessment of the opponent's naval capabilities, sensors, missile range and bases
- Naval Force Strategy Design: Task Force Structuring (Task Force), Vessel Selection, Submarine and Air Vectors
- Development of the Operational Plan (OPLAN): Drafting of the directives for the achievement of control of the sea, protection of convoys or denial of area
- Cybersecurity and electronic warfare matrix: definition of defensive protocols for the protection of command and control networks of the Naval Group
- Execution of a wargaming simulation exercise: resolution of dynamic naval combat scenarios, cancellation management and response to unforeseen
- Presentation of the Strategic Plan
- Final Presentation: Defence of the Strategic Maritime Defence Plan before a jury of senior officers, defence analysts and geopolitics experts
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 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
Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine officers seeking to deepen their knowledge of maritime geopolitics, the law of the sea, and defense strategies.Security analysts, consultants, and journalists requiring a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the maritime sphere.Government officials and legislators involved in decision-making on maritime policy, international trade, a
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
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Design and implement maritime security policies
- 02Analyze and anticipate threats in the maritime environment
- 03Managing resources and leading teams in maritime operations
- 04Develop defense and projection strategies in the maritime domain
- 05Understand and apply the national and international maritime legal framework
- 06Optimizing decision-making in complex maritime scenarios
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Maritime Intelligence Analyst: Gathering and analyzing information for strategic decision-making.
02Maritime Security Advisor: Developing and implementing security policies and procedures.
03Maritime Strategic Planner: Designing strategies for the defense and security of national maritime interests.
04Maritime Risk Manager: Identifying and assessing risks in the maritime sector and proposing mitigation measures.
05Maritime Defense Consultant: Advising companies and governments on maritime defense and strategy.
06Maritime Researcher: Analyzing trends and developments in the maritime sector, contributing to knowledge and innovation.
07Maritime Interests Representative: Promoting and defending maritime interests in national and international organizations.
08Public official in maritime defense and security areas: Performance of duties in government institutions related to maritime defense and security.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Defense and maritime strategies.
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.
It depends on the specific diploma program, but they generally combine theoretical aspects with practical components such as simulations, case studies, and visits to naval facilities.
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:Bachelor's/Undergraduate degree in areas related to Defense, Security, International Relations, or Political Science; or proven professional experience in the maritime or defense sector.Specific Knowledge:Basic knowledge of geopolitics, international maritime law, and maritime security will be considered an asset.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree (if applicable), ID/Passport, letter of motivation justifying interest in Maritime Defense and Strategies.Skills:Analytical and synthesis skills, communication and teamwork skills, interest i
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Frequently Asked Questions
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