Diploma in Crew and Crew Psychology
Why this certificate program?
The Diploma in Crew and Crew Psychology
This program will provide you with the essential tools to understand and manage human dynamics in demanding work environments. It delves into the emotional well-being of individuals, the effectiveness of communication, and conflict resolution within work groups. You will learn to identify and address work-related stress, foster resilience, and build a positive organizational climate that boosts the performance and satisfaction of team members.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Application: Case studies and simulations to address real-world challenges.
- Comprehensive Approach: Addresses individual mental health and group dynamics.
- Intervention Tools: Coaching, mediation, and assertive communication techniques.
- Skills Development: Empathetic leadership, crisis management, and high-performance team building.
- Flexibility: Online format with interactive resources and personalized support.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Diplomado
- Hours: 800 H
- Start date: 01-10-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Merchant Navy officers, captains, chief engineers, and bridge personnel seeking to optimize stress management, effective communication, and mental health on board.
- Human Resources and Welfare Managers on board who need tools to implement psychological support programs and foster a healthy work environment.
- Doctors and nurses on board who wish to expand their knowledge of crew psychology and emotional crisis management at sea.
- Maritime instructors and trainers interested in incorporating the psychosocial dimension into the training of future maritime professionals.
- Psychology students and professionals seeking specialization in the maritime field and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by crew members.
Flexibility and Applicability
Designed for working professionals: asynchronous online format, access to practical resources and tools, and immediate application in the maritime work environment.
Objectives and competencies
Optimize stress and fatigue management:
“Implement mindfulness and time management techniques, recognizing the early symptoms of stress and applying personalized coping strategies.”
Promoting resilience and psychological well-being:
“Implement stress coping strategies and self-care techniques, promoting a positive and collaborative work environment.”
Improve communication and teamwork:
Promote active listening and constructive feedback to optimize group synergy and efficient conflict resolution.
Develop skills in psychological assessment and support:
“Conduct assessments of the emotional and cognitive state of individuals, using standardized tools and adapting interventions to specific needs, demonstrating empathy and respect in communication.”
Implement crisis prevention and management strategies:
“Develop contingency plans for emergencies (fires, spills, breakdowns), conducting drills and training the crew in rapid and effective response.”
Apply psychological selection and training tools:
“Using psychometric tests and structured interviews to evaluate candidates, designing training programs based on identified needs and skills gap analysis.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to psychological well-being in maritime environments: challenges and opportunities
- Stress on board: identification, causes, and consequences for performance
- Mental and physical fatigue: prevention, detection, and management strategies
- Social isolation and loneliness: impact on mental health and coping strategies
- Effective communication in crisis situations and interpersonal conflicts
- Resilience: developing skills to overcome adversity at sea
- Social support: building support networks on board and ashore
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques for stress management
- Sleep hygiene: strategies to improve sleep quality at high altitude sea
- Mental health and long-term well-being: resources and self-care strategies
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- Introduction to Human Factors: Definition, importance, and theoretical models.
- Effective Communication in the Cockpit: Barriers, active listening techniques, and feedback.
- Situational Awareness: Elements, threats, and improvement strategies.
- Decision Making in Complex Environments: Models, cognitive biases, and support tools.
- Leadership in Aviation: Leadership styles, team management, and motivation.
- Cockpit Resource Management (CRM): Principles, applications, and practical exercises.
- Stress and Fatigue Management: Impact on performance, prevention and mitigation strategies.
- Culture of Safety: Importance, key elements, and promotion within the organization.
Communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC): Standard phraseology, coordination procedures, and emergency management.
Human Factors in Aircraft Maintenance: Implications and best practices.‘
- Introduction to Human Factors: Definition, scope, and importance in the maritime environment.
- Bridge Ergonomics: Workstation design, tools, and equipment.
- Effective Communication: Interpersonal communication, radio communications, and coordination.
- Stress and Fatigue Management: Recognition, prevention, and coping strategies.
- Sleep and Circadian Rhythms: Impact on performance and optimization strategies.
- Decision Making Under Pressure: Cognitive biases, heuristics, and support tools.
- Leadership and Teamwork: Roles, responsibilities, group dynamics, and situational leadership.
- Safety Culture: Reporting of Incidents, no blame, and continuous learning.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: Recognizing problems, seeking help, and peer support.
Crisis and Emergency Management: Preparation, response, and recovery from critical situations.
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- Introduction to Human Factors in Aviation: Definition, Importance, and Scope.
- Physiology of Fatigue: Circadian Rhythms, Sleep, Sleep Deprivation, and Consequences for Performance.
- Models of Human Performance: Information Processing, Attention, Memory, and Decision-Making.
- Stress and Performance: Types of Stress, Physiological and Psychological Responses, and Coping Strategies.
- Cockpit Ergonomics: Human-Machine Interface Design, Controls, Displays, and Physical Environment.
- Communication and Teamwork: Effective Communication, Shared Situational Awareness, and Conflict Management.
- Safety Culture: Incident Reporting, Organizational Learning, and Promoting a Just Culture.
- Fatigue Management: Individual and organizational strategies, rest policies, and monitoring tools.
Legal and regulatory aspects: National and international regulations on human factors and fatigue management.
Incident and accident analysis: Identification of contributing human factors and recommendations for prevention.
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- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Human Factors: Definition, scope, and importance in the maritime environment.
- Effective Communication: Barriers, styles, active listening, and constructive feedback.
- Situational Leadership: Theories, leadership styles, and their application on board.
- Teamwork: Roles, responsibilities, synergy, and conflict resolution.
- Situational Awareness: Perception, understanding, projection, and decision-making.
- Stress and Fatigue Management: Causes, effects, and mitigation strategies.
- Safety Culture: Promotion, maintenance, and continuous improvement.
- Decision-Making: Models, cognitive biases, and risk management.
- Communication in Emergencies: Protocols, standardized terminology, and coordination.
Leadership in crisis situations: Panic management, delegation, and assertive communication.
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Career opportunities
- Recruitment Psychologist: Evaluation and selection of candidates for positions in maritime crews.
- Crew Support Psychologist: Psychological intervention and support for crew members in situations of stress, crisis, or adaptation to life at sea.
- Onboard Team Management Consultant: Design and implementation of programs to improve communication, leadership, and teamwork in crews.
- Psychosocial Skills Trainer: Development of courses and workshops on stress management, effective communication, conflict resolution, and leadership for crew members.
- Maritime Psychology Researcher: Conducting studies on the psychological well-being of crew members, the factors that influence their performance, and accident prevention.
- Advisor in Psychosocial Risk Prevention: Identification and assessment of psychosocial risks in the maritime environment and design of preventive measures.
Human Resources Technician in Shipping Companies: Management of onboard personnel, including selection, training, and psychological support.
Conflict Mediator onboard: Facilitating the resolution of conflicts between crew members or between the crew and the shipping company.
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Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
Documentation:
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Mental Wellbeing Onboard: Learn to identify and address the specific psychological challenges of the maritime environment.
- Communication and Leadership: Develop key skills to foster effective communication and positive leadership among the crew.
- Stress Management and Resilience: Acquire practical tools to manage stress, strengthen resilience, and promote a healthy work environment.
- Crisis Intervention: Train yourself to act in crisis situations, offering psychological support and contributing to safety onboard.
- Legislation and Ethics: Understand the legal framework and ethical principles that govern psychological care in the maritime sector.
Testimonials
This diploma program provided me with key tools for understanding crew dynamics. I applied my knowledge of stress management and effective communication at my airline, resulting in a 15% decrease in reported human factors-related incidents in the cabin during the last quarter. Furthermore, the crew reported a more collaborative and positive work environment.
The Diploma in Psychology & Wellbeing at Sea exceeded my expectations. I acquired practical tools and in-depth knowledge of stress management, emotional intelligence, and relaxation techniques, which I now successfully apply in both my personal and professional life. The onboard experience, combined with the quality of the instructors, created a unique environment for learning and growth.
This diploma program provided me with crucial tools for understanding crew dynamics, enabling me to implement effective strategies for stress management, assertive communication, and conflict resolution in high-pressure environments. As a result, I significantly improved the performance and cohesion of my team, reducing incidents and optimizing operational safety.
This diploma program provided me with key tools for understanding individual and group dynamics in high-pressure environments such as aviation. I applied my knowledge of stress management and effective communication to improve my team’s performance and cohesion, resulting in a significant decrease in reported incidents and an increase in job satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
Aeronautical/aerospace sector.
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 addresses both aspects, both the individual psychology of the crew members and the group dynamics within the crew.
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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to Human Factors in Aviation: Definition, scope, and importance.
- Human Performance Models: SRK, Reason’s Swiss Cheese Model, and others.
- Stress in Aviation: Types of stress, common sources, and effects on performance.
- Mental Workload: Assessment, management, and optimization in the cockpit.
- Communication and Coordination in the Cockpit: CRM (Crew Resource Management) and its practical application.
- Decision-Making Under Pressure: Cognitive biases, heuristics, and strategies to improve decision-making.
- Fatigue in Aviation: Causes, consequences, and mitigation strategies (sleep management and circadian rhythms).
- Human-Machine Interface Design: Ergonomics, usability, and compatibility with human capabilities.
- Safety Culture: Promotion, maintenance, and continuous improvement in air operations.
- Legal and Regulatory Aspects: Applicable regulations and responsibilities regarding Human Factors.
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Request information
Complete the Application Form.
Attach your CV/degree certificate (if you have it to hand).
Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you would like the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
An academic advisor will contact you within 24–48 hours to guide you through the admission process, scholarships, and compatibility with your professional schedule.
Faculty
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. SofĂa Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. SofĂa Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.