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 Crew Mental Health
The Diploma in Crew Mental HealthThis program is designed to provide the tools and knowledge necessary to promote and protect psychological well-being in maritime environments. It addresses the specific challenges faced by crews
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Crew Mental Health?
The Diploma in Crew Mental Health
This program is designed to provide the tools and knowledge necessary to promote and protect psychological well-being in maritime environments. It addresses the specific challenges faced by crews, from isolation and fatigue to work-related stress and cultural adjustment. Through a holistic approach, participants will learn to identify risk factors, implement prevention strategies, and offer effective support in crisis situations.
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Differential Advantages
- Practical Approach: Tools and techniques applicable to daily life at sea.
- Crisis Prevention and Management: Strategies for addressing emergency situations and promoting resilience.
- Specialized Knowledge: In-depth study of the specifics of mental health in the maritime context.
- Communication Skills: Techniques for fostering trust and open dialogue on board.
- Flexibility: Online format with accessible resources and personalized support.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
26-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Understand: the psychosocial risk factors and their impact on crew well-being.
- Apply: strategies for preventing and managing stress, anxiety, and depression on board.
- Develop: communication and leadership skills to foster a healthy work environment.
- Identify: early warning signs of mental health problems in colleagues and subordinates.
- Implement: protocols for responding to crises and emergencies in the field of mental health.
- Gain the necessary tools to promote and protect mental health in the demanding maritime environment.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of mental health in the maritime environment
- Fundamental concepts of mental health, psychological well-being and differences between stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression and adaptive disorders in maritime crews
- Psychosocial factors associated with life on board: isolation, confinement, multiculturalism, work shifts and family separation
- Impact of the operating conditions of the maritime environment on the emotional well-being and the performance of the crews
- Protective factors and risk factors for mental health in commercial, fishing, offshore and passenger boats
- Consequences of mental health problems on safety, decision making and teamwork
- Principles of promotion of psychological well-being and prevention of psychosocial risks in maritime organisations
- Development of an organisational culture oriented to the comprehensive care of mental health and the well-being of crews
- Regulatory framework and international guides on mental health of seafarers
02
Stress, fatigue and management of psychosocial factors
- Identification of sources of work and emotional stress during maritime operations
- Physical and mental fatigue associated with shifts, guards, sleep deprivation, and long sailing campaigns
- Evaluation of workload, operational pressure and cognitive demands of maritime activity
- Stress management techniques through personal organisation, rest and self-care
- Strategies to prevent professional burnout, Burnout syndrome and chronic fatigue
- Design of wellness programmes aimed at improving the psychological resilience of crews
- Development of organisational procedures to reduce psychosocial factors and improve quality of life on board
- Assessment of psychosocial risks on board
03
Communication, leadership and interpersonal relationships on board
- Effective communication between crew members in multicultural and high-operational environments
- Resolution of interpersonal conflicts through negotiation techniques and assertive communication
- Healthy leadership oriented to psychological well-being and the motivation of maritime teams
- Managing coexistence during long browsing campaigns and reduced spaces
- Prevention of workplace harassment, discrimination, violence and inappropriate behaviour on board
- Development of resilient work teams through cooperation, trust and mutual support
- Building a positive work environment that promotes emotional well-being and safety
- Assertive communication and active listening between crew
04
Early identification and support for mental health problems
- Detection of early signs of anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion and other common disorders
- Basic evaluation of behavioural, emotional and social indicators that may affect work performance
- Procedures of initial action in the face of emotional crises, behavioural disturbances and situations of vulnerability
- Psychological first aid techniques applied to the maritime environment
- Timely referral to specialised professionals and coordination with medical support services
- Protection of confidentiality and respect for privacy during the attention of sensitive situations
- Development of early intervention protocols aimed at preserving mental health and crew safety
- Warning signs of depression, anxiety and substance use
05
Emotional wellness, resilience and promotion of healthy habits
- Development of psychological resilience to high pressure situations and critical events in navigation
- Strategies to strengthen emotional intelligence and self-control during maritime operations
- Promotion of healthy habits related to rest, eating, physical exercise and recreation on board
- Management of the balance between work and personal life in prolonged navigation campaigns
- Relaxation techniques, mindfulness and emotional regulation adapted to the maritime environment
- Organisational wellness programmes aimed at increasing job satisfaction and commitment
- Development of preventive initiatives to strengthen the emotional health of crews on a continuous basis
- Physical activity, rest and healthy eating on board
06
Management of psychological crisis and traumatic events
- Psychological impact of maritime accidents, rescues, human losses, fires, boarding and emergencies
- Immediate emotional care after traumatic events and support for affected people
- Grief management, loss of peers and high emotional burden situations
- Communication during critical incidents from a perspective of psychological support and emotional support
- Coordination between managers, health personnel and specialised services in mental health
- Strategies to facilitate emotional recovery and progressive return to operational activities
- Development of psychological response protocols for critical situations on boats and maritime platforms
- Protocols for action against risk of suicide
07
Organisational management, prevention and culture of well-being
- Design of corporate mental health programmes for companies shipping companies, fisheries and offshore
- Integration of psychological well-being within the security and human resources management systems
- Evaluation of psychosocial risks through organisational indicators and work environment surveys
- Training of managers and supervisors in preventive leadership and emotional support for crews
- Development of awareness campaigns to reduce stigma associated with mental health problems
- Evaluation of the impact of wellness programmes through performance indicators and continuous improvement
- Development of organisational models that promote healthy, safe and sustainable work environments
- Remote psychological assistance services and helplines
08
Final Applied Crew Mental Health Project
- Definition of the case study related to a shipping company, boat, fleet or offshore platform
- Diagnosis of psychosocial factors, working conditions, emotional risks and crew needs
- Design of a comprehensive mental health promotion and psychosocial risk prevention program
- Preparation of the intervention protocol in situations of emotional crisis, stress and traumatic events
- Development of the training plan, awareness, healthy leadership and monitoring of psychological well-being
- Drafting of the technical report with the organisational, operational, preventive and strategic analysis of the designed program
- Evaluation of the proposed welfare program
- Presentation and defence of the final project with technical, organisational, preventive and human validation of the wellness proposal developed.
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
Psychologists and social workers seeking to specialize in the mental well-being of seafarers.Doctors and nurses interested in understanding the specific mental health needs in maritime environments.Merchant marine officers and fleet management personnel wishing to implement stress prevention and support strategies for their crews.Human resources professionals in shipping companies seeking to
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 strategies for preventing and managing work-related stress in crews
- 02Promoting resilience and emotional well-being in high-pressure environments
- 03Develop effective communication and active listening skills in crisis and emergency contexts
- 04Identify and address the specific psychosocial risk factors of air and sea work
- 05Apply assessment and diagnostic tools for the early detection of mental health problems in crews
- 06Design and implement intervention and psychological support programs tailored to the needs of the crews
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Onboard Wellbeing Officer: Support in mental health management, early interventions, and liaison with external resources.
02Maritime Mental Health Consultant: Design and implementation of wellbeing programs for shipping companies.
03Crew Mental Health Trainer: Development and delivery of courses and workshops on stress management, burnout prevention, and psychological first aid.
04Human Resources Manager in the Maritime Sector: Implementation of policies supporting employee mental health and wellbeing.
05Maritime Mental Health Researcher: Study of risk factors and development of effective interventions to improve crew wellbeing.
06Maritime Safety Advisor: Integration of mental health into safety protocols and emergency management.
07Technician Occupational Risk Prevention in the Maritime Sector: Identification and assessment of psychosocial risks on board and development of preventive measures.
08Coordinator of Crew Support Programs: Management of psychological and social assistance programs for crews and their families.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Air, sea or land crews.
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.
Air, sea and space crews, as well as ground support personnel.
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/Undergraduate Degree in Psychology, Medicine, Nursing, Social Work, or a related health-related field; or accredited professional experience in the field of mental health.Complementary Skills/Training:Training in psychological first aid or crisis management (desirable).Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree, ID/Passport, cover letter.Technical Requirements (for online):Computer with camera/microphone, stable internet connection, access to virtual learning platform.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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