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 Port and Marina Operations
This program prepares you to master the management and optimization of key processes in the port and maritime sector. You will learn about port logistics, terminal management, maritime security, and international regulations…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Port and Marina Operations?
The Diploma in Port and Marina Operations
This program prepares you to master the management and optimization of key processes in the port and maritime sector. You will learn about port logistics, terminal management, maritime security, and international regulations, acquiring the necessary skills to lead efficient and safe operations. This program provides you with a comprehensive overview of the sector, from strategic planning to operational execution.
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Approach: Real-world case studies and port operations simulations.
- Industry Experts: Professors with extensive experience in the maritime and port industry.
- Professional Networking: Opportunities to connect with other industry professionals.
- Management Tools: Mastery of software and methodologies for process optimization.
- Professional Certification: Validates your knowledge and experience in port operations.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
28-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Comprehensive Port Management: Master key operations, from strategic planning to efficient execution.
- Maritime Regulations and Security: Delve into international regulations and best practices to ensure safety in ports and marinas.
- Logistics and Supply Chain: Optimize the flow of goods with a focus on efficiency and cost reduction in the port environment.
- Innovative Technologies: Explore the latest trends in digitalization and automation to transform port operations.
- Professional Development: Boost your career with practical tools and The knowledge necessary to lead projects in the port sector.
- Become an expert in port and marine operations management, optimizing efficiency and ensuring safety.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of the Port Industry and Marine Classification
- Introduction to the global port system: the role of sea and river ports in international trade and multimodal transport
- Typology of port facilities: commercial ports of containers, bulk carriers, liquids, RO-RO, cruise terminals and logistics bases
- Anatomy and classification of sports marinas: public, private, resort, nautical clubs and dry stacks
- Physical structures and port infrastructure: levant docks, docks, floating jets, docks, fretwork and shelter works
- Governance and port management models: public, private, concessioned ports and the Landlord Port model
- Megayacht and superyacht marinas: Gran Draught Infrastructure Requirements, High-Length Overall Moorings and Ground Luxury Services
- Legal Framework and Regulatory Institutions: The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), National Port Authorities and Port Captaincies
- Governance of the port authorities
02
Maritime operations, ship services and pilotage
- Port Maritime Traffic Planning: Coordination of Inputs, Departures, Bonds and Services VTS (Vessel Traffic Services)
- Technical-nautical services of entry and exit: Pilotage (Pilotage), port trailer (Towage) and Mooring of ships (Mooring)
- Docking and Docks Assignment (Berth Allocation): Docking and Docking Algorithms Operational Space Management
- Dock services (Bunkering & Utilities): Fuel refuelling, drinking water supply, dock electricity (Cold Ironing/PAHO) and trash collection
- Boatyard and Shipyard services in Marinas: Travelifts operation, gantry cranes, stranding ramps, cots and technical maintenance of boats
- Management of documentation and dispatch procedures: entry/exit authorizations (Free Pratique), customs procedures, migration and maritime health
- Consignee Coordination (Port Agents): Interface between the ship, the terminal, the authorities and service providers
- Maritime Traffic Control (VTS)
03
Port Cargo Terminal and Logistics Operations
- Container Terminal Operations: Gantry Cranes (STS), Tire Gantries (RTG), Reachstackers and Container Yard Management
- Terminal management systems (Terminal Operating Systems - TOS): Stowage optimisation, download, storage and intermodal transfer
- Handling of bulk goods (solid and liquid): Conveyor belts, silos, transfer pumps, storage tanks and anti-pollution measures
- Operating at RO-RO and RO-PAX terminals: cargo logistic, access ramp, vehicle distribution and security in the mobile Stowage
- Last mile logistics and intermodality: connection of the port with the railway, road transport and logistics activity zones (ZAL)
- Key Port Performance Indicators (KPIs): Measuring Ship Dwell Times (Turnaround Time), Unloading Yields, and Dock Occupation Rate
- Digitization and Smart Ports: Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Terminal Automation and Port Community Platforms (PCS)
- Planning of berths and yards
04
Operational and commercial management of marines and nautical clubs
- Mooring Contract Administration: Rent berth management, Moorings concessions, annual, passer-by and high-season contracts
- Reception and customer service operations in marinas: concierge services, assistance on arrival, guided to the jetty and attention to the shipowner/captain
- Preventive maintenance of nautical installations: preservation of jetty, fingers, supply turrets, pumping systems of Bilges and defences
- Marina Prices and Price Strategy: Design of fees per meter of Length Overall/Manga, Electricity Consumption, Season and Added Services
- Dry Marine Management (Dry Stack): Marine Forklift Lifting, Vertical Storage, and On Demand Launching Logistics
- Commercial and leisure services in marinas: integration of commercial premises, sailing schools, nautical charter, catering and sporting events
- Marine Quality Certifications: Blue Flag Standards, Clean Marina, Nautical Quality Audits and Marine Sustainability Seals
- Rates and services for recreational boats
05
Port Security, Maritime Protection and PBIP / ISPs Code
- Fundamentals of Maritime Protection: The International Code for the Protection of Ships and Port Facilities (PBIP Code / ISPS Code)
- Port Installation Protection Assessment (EPIP): Identification of Threats, Vulnerabilities, Risks and Determination of Critical Points
- Port Installation Protection Plan (PPIP): Preparation, implementation and maintenance of operating protection procedures
- Levels of maritime protection (Level 1, 2 and 3): Operational measures, access restrictions and controls reinforced according to the level of threat
- Access control and security technologies: biometric identification systems, cargo scanners, CCTV, perimeter fencing and marine patrol
- The Port Facility Protection Officer (OPIP / PFSO): Roles, responsibilities, coordination with security forces and protection audits
- Safety drills and exercises: Planning and execution of periodic emergency and protection exercises in accordance with IMO regulations
- Access control and surveillance
06
Environmental management, sustainability and response to emergencies in ports and marines
- Compliance with the MARPOL Convention in port facilities: Mandatory reception of waste generated by ships (Annexes I to VI) and treatment plants
- Prevention and control of marine pollution: anti-pollution barriers, skimmers, dispersants and protocols against hydrocarbon spills (Oil Spill Response)
- Port dredging and sediment management: seabed characterisation, maintenance dredging permits and impact on coastal dynamics
- Emergency Contingency and Response Plans (SOPEP / PCL): Action against fires on docks/boats, explosions, waterways and extreme weather phenomena
- Decarbonisation of port activity: electrification of springs, alternative fuels (methanol, ammonia, hydrogen) and reduction of emissions Green Ports
- Waste management in sports marinas: clean spots for used oils, batteries, antifouling paint (antifouling) and boats
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Environmental regulations for the construction and expansion of port and nautical infrastructures
- Indoor Emergency Plans
07
Financial Administration, Concessions and Port Law
- Structure of port costs and revenues: port fees (per ship, passenger, merchandise), occupancy fees and commercial service fees
- Management of concessions from the maritime-terrestrial public domain: base sheets, concession fees, terms of operation and reversal of facilities
- Marine Operating Contracts: Regulation of Moorings, Operator's Civil Liability, Boatyard Installation Insurance and Coverages
- Maritime insurance and port liability: coverage against damage to docks, collisions, damage to boats in custody and environmental responsibility
- Labour framework and port work: regulation of the work of Stowage and Destiba, safety and health regulations at port work (ILO)
- Port project financing models (Project Finance): Public-Private Partnerships (APP), Investment in Terminals and Bot Schemes (Build-Operate-Transfer)
- Customs regulations and free ports: Port Free Zones, Customs Deposits, International Transit and Trade Facilities (Trade Facilitation)
- Concession contracts and fees
08
Capstone Project: Comprehensive Operations Plan and Management Plan for a Port or Marina Deportivo
- Selection of the operational scenario: definition of the type of installation (container terminal, cruise terminal or large-length overall sports marina) and its geographical location
- Design of the maritime and land operations plan: layout planning, docking/planet allocation, equipment sizing and personnel assignment
- Development of the Maritime Protection Plan (PBIP Code): Preparation of the evaluation of vulnerabilities, access control and protocol for the three levels of protection
- Environmental Management Plan and Sustainability: Design of the MARPOL waste collection network/clean point, pour protocol and energy efficiency strategy
- Economic-financial study and rate model: Calculation of the operational budget, structure of mooring fees/rates or loading and projection of profitability
- Contingency plan and emergency management: design of fire response procedures, maritime storms, accidental spills and cough failures
- Presentation of the management plan
- Presentation and final defence: Presentation of the management project before a court made up of port directors, marine administrators and experts in maritime logistics
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
Logistics and transportation professionals seeking to optimize the management of port and marine operations, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.Engineers and technicians involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of port and marine infrastructure, interested in deepening their knowledge of the latest technologies and regulations.Port administrators and managers wishing to impr
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
- 01Optimize port logistics chain management
- 02Efficiently manage port resources and equipment
- 03Implement port security and protection strategies
- 04Mastering maritime and port regulations and legislation
- 05Supervise and coordinate loading and unloading operations
- 06To direct and control the transit of ships within the port
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Port Operator: Coordination of loading and unloading, equipment management, and regulatory compliance.
02Terminal Supervisor: Supervision of operations, quality control, and safety at the terminal.
03Operations Planner: Resource optimization, vessel scheduling, and logistics management.
04Port Logistics Technician: Support in supply chain management, documentation, and customs procedures.
05Port Security Coordinator: Implementation of security measures, access control, and emergency management.
06Port Company Administrator: Document management, customer service, and general administrative support.
07Shipping Agent: Representation of the shipowner's interests, management of Procedures and coordination of services.
08Port Operations Consultant: Advising on process improvement, resource optimization, and regulatory compliance.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Operations in ports and marinas.
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 combines both aspects, including port administration and maritime operations.
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 degree in areas related to logistics, international trade, business administration, or engineering; or demonstrable professional experience in the port and/or maritime sector.Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of maritime transport, port legislation, supply chain management, and logistics operations will be valued.Documentation:Updated curriculum vitae, copy of academic degree (if applicable), letter of interest or motivation explaining the reason for pursuing the diploma, and copy of official identification.Skills:Analytical skills,
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Frequently Asked Questions
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