Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1600 h · 11 modules
Master's in Management of International Diving Centers
This program prepares you to lead and optimize diving centers anywhere in the world. Learn to master everything from business strategy and digital marketing to risk management, underwater safety, and environmental sustainability…
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts4 January
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Management of International Diving Centers?
The Master's in International Diving Center Management
This program prepares you to lead and optimize diving centers anywhere in the world. Learn to master everything from business strategy and digital marketing to risk management, underwater safety, and environmental sustainability. Become a highly sought-after professional in the diving industry and create unforgettable experiences for your clients.
Differentiating Advantages
- International Focus: Adapted to the regulations and standards of different countries and regions.
- Management Skills Development: Team leadership, financial management, and resource optimization.
- Specialized Marketing and Sales: Strategies to attract and retain clients in the diving market.
- Safety and Risk Management: Emergency protocols, equipment maintenance, and accident prevention.
- Sustainability and Marine Conservation: Eco-friendly practices and environmental protection programs.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Programme highlights
- Comprehensive Mastery: Learn to manage a dive center, from daily operations to international business strategy.
- Hands-on Experience: Immerse yourself in real-life case studies and simulations to apply your knowledge in concrete situations.
- Networking: Connect with leading professionals and build valuable relationships in the global diving industry.
- Professional Certification: Earn a qualification that will open doors to diving destinations around the world.
- Skills Development: Enhance your capabilities in digital marketing, risk management, and Customer service, keys to success.
- Boost your career and become a leader in the exciting world of professional diving.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
The recreational and professional diving sector
- international diving market
- Certification Agencies: PADI, SSI, CMAS and NAUI
- Customer profiles and segments
- Reference dive destinations
- Trends and sustainability of the sector
- Technical diving and rebreathers
- Diving in apnea as a line of business
- Sector associations and professional networks
- Economic impact of diving tourism
- Competition Analysis
02
Creation and planning of a dive centre
- Market study and location
- Business model and value proposition
- Initial investment and equipment
- Licenses, permits and insurance
- centre business plan
- Design of facilities: Shop, classrooms and equipment area
- Selection of boats
- Legal structure of the company
- OPENING SCHEDULE
- Project Risk Analysis
03
Operational management of dives
- Planning of departures and dives
- Management of diving boats
- Instructor–student and briefing ratios
- Registration and control of dives
- Management of unforeseen events
- Selection of dive points
- Night and special dives
- Management of groups with different levels
- Diving computer planning
- Coordination with Captaincy and Authorities
04
Equipment, compressors and maintenance
- Selection of rental equipment
- Maintenance of regulators, jackets and bottles
- Compressors, air quality and nitrox
- Visual and hydrostatic inspections
- Inventory control
- Maintenance of boats and engines
- On-board security equipment
- EQUIPMENT RENEWAL PLAN
- Maintenance and traceability record
- Suppliers and Technical Service
05
Security, regulations and emergency management
- International regulations and ISO 24803 standards
- Emergency Plan and Oxygen Therapy
- Decompressive disease and hyperbaric chambers
- Civil liability and documentation
- Evacuation protocols
- Dive risk analysis
- Staff first aid training
- Accident insurance for divers
- Incident investigation
- Security audits
06
Training and human team
- Course and specialty programmes
- Selection and development of instructors
- quality of teaching
- Management of guides and support staff
- team safety culture
- International hiring of instructors
- Shift and season planning
- remuneration and commissions
- Continuous staff training
- performance evaluation
07
marketing and marketing
- brand and positioning of the centre
- Digital channels and social networks
- Packages, alliances with hotels and tour operators
- Customer loyalty
- Online reputation and reviews
- Annual marketing plan
- Photography and underwater video as a commercial tool
- Fairs and events of the sector
- Referral programmes
- Analysis of campaign results
08
Finance and Economic Management
- cost and price structure
- Seasonality and Treasury Management
- profitability indicators
- Budget control
- Expansion and opening of new locations
- Booking and management software
- International billing and collections
- Dive Centre Taxation
- Sale of equipment and store
- Investment Plan
09
Sustainability and conservation in diving centres
- Impact of diving on marine ecosystems
- Code of conduct of the responsible diver
- Green Fins and Ecological Certification Programs
- Mooring buoys and reef protection
- Citizen Science and Conservation Projects
- Underwater cleaning and waste management
- Environmental education for clients
- Marine protected areas and access rates
- Reduction of the carbon footprint of the centre
- Alliances with NGOs and Administrations
10
International expansion and management of diving centre chains
- Expansion models: own, franchises and alliances
- Analysis of international destinations
- Onboard Life Boats (Liveaboards)
- Multi-site management and standardisation
- Contracts with resorts and hotels
- Expatriate Personnel Management
- Taxation and international legislation
- International brand management
- expansion financing
- Internationalization Plan
11
Master’s Final Project in Management of International Diving Centers
- Definition of the problem, objectives and scope of the project
- State of the art review and applicable regulatory framework
- Methodology, resources and work planning
- Technical development and analysis of results
- Conclusions, feasibility and future lines
- Drafting of memory and defence before the Court
- Choice of topic and definition of the research problem
- Formulation of objectives, hypotheses and scope of work
- Analysis of the applicable regulatory and technical framework
- Design of the methodology and the work plan
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1600 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
Globally-minded entrepreneurs who want to establish or expand their diving business in international markets.Experienced diving instructors aspiring to leadership and management roles at high-end dive centers.Tourism and hospitality professionals looking to specialize in water sports and diving management.Marine biologists and conservationists interested in integrating sustainable management
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
- 01Lead the commercial and operational strategy
- 02Optimize customer experience and security
- 03Efficiently manage human and financial resources
- 04Develop and implement innovative marketing plans
- 05Establish and maintain global strategic alliances
- 06Adapting to international regulations and standards
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Director/Manager of a Dive Center: comprehensive center management, marketing, sales, and HR.
03International Diving Instructor: diver training, dive guiding, and program development.
04Diving Tourism Consultant: tourism product development, risk assessment, and sustainability.
05Marine Conservation Project Manager: project planning and execution, environmental education, and collaboration with NGOs.
06Marketing and Sales Specialist for Diving Companies: strategy development, social media management, and customer service.
07Diving and Snorkeling Tour Operator: itinerary planning, safety management, and customer service.
08Marine Biology Researcher (with a focus on diving): data collection Data analysis and publication of results.
09Diving Equipment Manager: maintenance, repair, and sale of equipment.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Diving industry.
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.
Diving sector, specifically the management and direction of diving centers at an international level.
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
```htmlAcademic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Tourism, Business Administration, Marketing, or related field; or accredited professional experience in managing diving centers, as a diving instructor, or managing aquatic activities.Language Proficiency:Proficiency in English (minimum B2 level). Other languages such as German, French, or Italian will be considered an asset.Diving Certifications:Internationally recognized diving certification (PADI, SSI, CMAS, etc.) at the Divemaster or Instructor level (desirable).Documentation:Updated CV, co
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Frequently Asked Questions
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