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 Mental Health and Healthy Habits at Sea
The Diploma in Mental Health and Healthy Habits at SeaThis program is designed to provide maritime professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to prioritize their overall well-being in a challenging work environment. I
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Mental Health and Healthy Habits at Sea?
The Diploma in Mental Health and Healthy Habits at Sea
This program is designed to provide maritime professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to prioritize their overall well-being in a challenging work environment. It addresses stress management, burnout prevention, and the promotion of healthy habits specific to life at sea. You will learn to implement self-care strategies, foster a positive work environment, and access essential support resources.
Differential Advantages
- Comprehensive Approach: addresses the mental, physical, and social health of maritime professionals.
- Practical Strategies: applicable tools for stress management, sleep improvement, and nutrition.
- Effective Communication: skills for assertive communication and conflict resolution in the maritime environment.
- Resilience: techniques to strengthen resilience and cope with the challenges of life at sea.
- Supportive Community: access to a network of professionals and experts in maritime mental health.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
26-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Mental Health Onboard: Learn to identify and manage stress, anxiety, and isolation in maritime environments.
- Nutrition and Wellbeing: Master the principles of balanced nutrition and its impact on physical and mental performance at sea.
- Adapted Physical Activity: Implement personalized exercise routines to maintain cardiovascular health and strength in confined spaces.
- Sleep and Circadian Rhythms: Optimize your sleep and rest patterns to improve concentration, productivity, and overall wellbeing.
- Coping Strategies: Develop skills to Emotional management, resilience, and effective communication in challenging situations.
- Boost your overall well-being and improve your professional performance with this specialized diploma program.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Mental health in the maritime sector
- Prevalence of mental health problems
- On-board risk factors
- Stigma
- Framework of the 2006 MLC Convention
- International initiatives
- Differences between mental health and mental illness
- Data from international surveys to seafarers
- Role of shipowners and unions
02
Identification of mental health problems
- Anxiety and depression
- Warning signs
- Suicide risk
- Substance use
- When to ask for help
- Sleep disorders and emotional exhaustion
- Post-traumatic stress after serious incidents
- Screening and Self-Assessment Tools
03
Healthy habits
- Balanced feed on board
- Physical activity in small spaces
- Sleep Hygiene
- Hydration
- Disease prevention
- Planning healthy menus on board
- Exercise routines in cabin and deck
- Weight control and prevention of chronic diseases
04
Emotional management
- emotional intelligence
- Relaxation Techniques
- Mindfulness
- Resilience
- Solitude management
- Cognitive restructuring techniques
- Emotional diary and self-observation
- Anger and Frustration Management
05
Relations and social connection
- Contact with the family
- Coexistence and mutual support
- Leisure activities
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Harassment Prevention
- Responsible use of social networks and connectivity
- Collective activities and celebrations on board
- Welcome of new crew
06
Prevention and Support
- Crew assistance programmes
- International Helplines
- Psychological first aid
- Role of officers
- Return after a cancellation
- Referral to professionals and telemedicine
- Confidentiality and protection of health data
- Progressive Reinstatement Plan
07
Healthy work environment
- Rest space design
- Hours and workload
- On-board connectivity
- Company policies
- Psychosocial Risk Assessment
- Lighting, noise and quality of resting environment
- Balance between work and rest
- Crew participation in improvements
08
Wellness Plans
- Programme Design
- Wellness indicators
- Crew formation
- Tracking and Improvement
- Programme budget and resources
- Programme communication to crew
- Final review of the health and wellness program
- Final Project: Health and Wellness Programme on board
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
Merchant Navy officers, cruise ship personnel, and cargo ship crew members who seek to optimize their emotional well-being and develop healthy habits to cope with the challenges of the maritime environment.Doctors, nurses, and onboard healthcare professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge of mental health intervention strategies and promote a positive and resilient work environment at sea.
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
- 01Implement comprehensive wellness programs
- 02Promote resilient coping strategies
- 03Promoting the creation of healthy marine environments
- 04Develop effective interpersonal communication skills
- 05Identify and address psychosocial risk factors in crews
- 06Apply stress management and self-care techniques
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Onboard Health Technician: primary care, mental health emergency management, promotion of healthy habits.
02Wellbeing Consultant in the Maritime Industry: design and implementation of mental health and wellbeing programs for crews.
03Mental Health and Healthy Habits Trainer for Seafarers: training in stress management, burnout prevention, and promotion of healthy lifestyles.
04Health Program Manager in Shipping Companies: development and oversight of mental and physical wellbeing initiatives for crew.
05Maritime Health Researcher: study of factors influencing the mental health of seafarers and development of evidence-based interventions.
06Health Policy Advisor for Maritime Organizations: development of recommendations to improve the mental health and wellbeing of seafarers.
07Coordinator of remote psychological support programs for seafarers: management and provision of telepsychology and online counseling services.
08Health promoter in maritime communities: organization of awareness and education campaigns on mental health and healthy habits in ports and coastal communities.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Yeah.
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.
On the high seas.
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:University degree in Psychology, Medicine, Nursing, Social Work, or health-related disciplines; or demonstrable professional experience in the field of mental health and/or well-being.Recommended Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of psychology, physiology, nutrition, and first aid; Familiarity with the maritime environment will be valued.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of academic qualification or professional experience certificate, ID/Passport, letter of interest or motivation.Technical requirements (for online):Device with internet access,
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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