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 Port and Seafaring Culture
Immerse yourself in the fascinating maritime world, exploring its rich history, traditions, and the crucial role of ports as centers of global exchange. Discover the customs and rituals of seafarers, from work songs to deeply…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts28 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course on Port and Seafaring Culture?
Immerse yourself in the fascinating maritime world, exploring its rich history, traditions, and the crucial role of ports as centers of global exchange. Discover the customs and rituals of seafarers, from work songs to deeply rooted superstitions, and understand the evolution of ports throughout the centuries, their economic and social impact. This program offers you a unique perspective on life at sea, the challenges faced by sailors, and the importance of preserving maritime heritage.
Differential Advantages
- In-depth Exploration: Analysis of maritime history, seafaring cultures, and port evolution.
- Anthropological Approach: Understanding the traditions, rituals, and values of seafarers.
- Global Vision: Analysis of the economic and social impact of ports on different cultures.
- Multimedia Materials: Access to videos, images, and historical documents that enrich learning.
- Active Participation: Discussion forums and practical activities for exchanging knowledge and experiences.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Immersion in Maritime Culture: Discover the traditions, values, and customs that define ports and sailors.
- History and Evolution of Ports: Explore the past, present, and future of ports as vital centers of global trade.
- Life on Board and Ashore: Understand the challenges and rewards of life at sea and adapting to port communities.
- Intercultural Communication: Develop skills to interact effectively with people of diverse nationalities and backgrounds in the maritime environment.
- Maritime Heritage: Appreciate the importance of preserving the cultural legacy of ports and sailors for future generations.
- Learn to appreciate the cultural richness of the maritime world and its impact on global society.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Historical Foundations of Port Culture and Formation of Marine Communities in the Coastal Space
- Port culture concept: definition, social, economic and symbolic scope within the maritime world
- Origin and historical evolution of ports as centres of exchange, transit, work and multicultural coexistence
- Formation of the seafaring communities: trades of the sea, social structures and construction of collective identity
- Relationship between port, city and coast: transformation of coastal space and links between land and sea
- Historical memory of port and seafaring work: traditions, stories, oral archive and intangible heritage
02
Daily life of the sailors and port workers: trades, routines, values and forms of coexistence
- Traditional and modern trades of the port and sailor: stevedores, pilots, captains, fishermen, pilots and dock personnel
- Rhythms of work and organisation of life in the port: shifts, temporality, physical effort and operational discipline
- Life on board and on the ground: contrasts between navigation, waiting in port, resting and seafaring sociability
- Unwritten values, codes and norms of the community of the sea: fellowship, hierarchy, loyalty and professional respect
- Port language and marine vocabulary: own expressions, labour jargon and cultural transmission of the trade
03
Traditions, symbols and cultural manifestations of the port and sailor world over time
- Marine and port traditions: ceremonies, superstitions, celebrations and practices of cultural transmission
- Symbols of the sea world: flags, badges, emblems, uniforms and elements of professional identity
- Music, songs, stories and litreature of the sea: artistic expression of the port and marine experience
- Festivities linked to the sea and the ports: patronages, processions, tributes and community rituals
- Sea and port gastronomy: traditional food, seafood and coastal material
04
The port as a social, economic and cultural space: exchange, diversity and construction of urban identities
- The port as an economic and social node: trade, mobility, employment and transformation of urban life
- Cultural diversity in the ports: migrations, diasporas, floating communities and circulation of customs
- Relations between sailors, merchants, stevedores and local population: coexistence, conflict and cooperation
- The port in the construction of coastal urban identities: port neighborhoods, collective imaginaries and citizen memory
- Representations of the port in art, cinema, photography and the press: cultural vision of work and maritime life
05
Final project of analysis and interpretation of the culture of ports and sailors in a historical or current context
- Selection of the case study: port, seafaring community, specific tradition or cultural space of the coast
- Historical, social and economic contextualization of the selected case: evolution, actors and cultural particularities
- Identification of relevant cultural manifestations: trades, symbols, stories, practices and associated heritage
- Critical analysis of the relationship between port activity, marine identity and transformation of urban-coastal space
- Preparation of the report or applied project: structure, methodology, sources and criteria of cultural interpretation
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
History, anthropology, and sociology students interested in exploring the rich maritime tradition and its impact on coastal communities.Tourism and cultural management professionals seeking to design authentic experiences that connect visitors with maritime heritage.Artists, writers, and content creators who find inspiration in the sea and wish to delve deeper into its stories and symbolism.
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
- 01Interpreting marine meteorology
- 02Managing maritime safety on board
- 03Apply international maritime regulations
- 04Operate and maintain navigation equipment
- 05Coordinate and supervise port operations
- 06To operate boats efficiently and safely
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Cultural Manager in Port Areas: Design and management of cultural activities related to the sea and ports.
02Maritime Heritage Technician: Research, conservation, and dissemination of maritime cultural heritage.
03Sociocultural Facilitator in Coastal Communities: Facilitation of activities to promote maritime culture and local development.
04Tour Guide specializing in maritime and port routes: Design and conduct of guided tours that highlight the history and culture of ports and seafarers.
05Documentarian and Researcher on Maritime Issues: Collection, analysis, and dissemination of information on the culture of ports and seafarers.
06Manager of Cultural Projects Related to the Sea: Planning, execution, and evaluation of projects that promote maritime culture.
07Consultant on Maritime Culture Issues for Institutions and companies: advising on the integration of maritime culture into development and communication strategies.
08Educator in museums and maritime interpretation centers: designing and developing educational programs to promote the culture of ports and seafarers.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Ships
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.
Fisherman
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
Desired Profile:Interest in maritime history, social anthropology, or related cultural fields.Basic knowledge of life in ports and seafaring traditions.Recommended Skills:Ability to research and analyze historical and cultural sources.Oral and written communication skills for presentations and debates.Documentation:Completed registration form, brief description of interests in the topic, official identification.Attitudes:Openness to different cultural perspectives and respect for the diversity of seafaring traditions.Willingness to actively participate in gr
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Frequently Asked Questions
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