Course in the Psychology of Work at Sea
Why this course?
The Offshore Work Psychology Course
This course is designed to help you understand and address the unique challenges faced by professionals in maritime environments. This program will provide you with the tools to manage stress, isolation, communication, and teamwork in extreme conditions, optimizing well-being and work performance. We will cover topics such as cultural adaptation, prevention of psychosocial risks, and effective leadership at sea, with a practical and results-oriented approach.
Differential Advantages
- Stress and Anxiety Management: Techniques for maintaining calm and emotional balance in critical situations.
- Effective Communication: Strategies for improving interpersonal communication and resolving conflicts on board.
- Cultural Adaptation: Understanding and respecting cultural differences to foster a harmonious work environment.
- Prevention of Psychosocial Risks: Identifying and mitigating factors that can affect mental health and well-being.
- Leadership at Sea: Developing leadership skills to motivate, inspire, and guide teams in challenging environments.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-04-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Maritime professionals seeking to improve communication and teamwork in challenging environments.
- Supervisors and leaders wishing to optimize the psychological well-being of their crews and reduce work-related stress.
- HR and workplace well-being professionals interested in implementing effective strategies to support mental health at sea.
- Doctors and nurses who want to better understand the psychological factors that influence the health of maritime workers.
- Researchers and students in the field of psychology or maritime safety seeking to expand their knowledge in this specific area.
Professional Development
Ideal for professionals with Rotating schedules: flexible and accessible online material, asynchronous discussion forums and personalized tutoring to apply the knowledge to your work context.
Objectives and competencies
Mitigating stress and improving mental resilience in maritime environments:
“Prioritize rest and proper nutrition, practicing mindfulness techniques and assertive communication with the crew.”
Promoting team cohesion and effective communication in isolated conditions:
“Establish clear communication protocols and defined roles for emergency situations and routine operations.”
Optimize individual and collective performance through adaptive coping strategies:
“Implementing stress and fatigue management techniques, promoting effective communication and collaborative decision-making in high-pressure situations.”
Identify and manage the psychosocial factors that influence safety and well-being on board:
“To promote effective communication, stress management and conflict resolution among the crew, fostering a positive and safe work environment.”
Develop leadership and decision-making skills in crisis situations:
Manage resources (human, technical, informational) under pressure, prioritizing safety and adapting the strategy to the evolution of the crisis.
Applying psychological assessment techniques for the selection and development of maritime personnel:
“Using psychometric tests, structured interviews and assessment centers to identify competencies and predict performance in maritime roles.”
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 Mental Health in the Offshore Industry: Challenges and Peculiarities.
- Work Stress: Causes, Symptoms, and Consequences in the Offshore Environment.
- Isolation and Loneliness: Coping Strategies and Social Support.
- Managing Fatigue and Sleep: Circadian Rhythms and Mental Health.
- Effective Communication: Tools for Improving Interpersonal Relationships Offshore.
- Preventing Burnout: Identifying Signs and Self-Care Strategies.
- Resilience: Developing Skills to Cope with Adversity and Change.
- Addictions: Risks and Support Resources in the Offshore Industry.
- Psychological First Aid: How to Offer Support to Colleagues in crisis.
- Resources and legislation: support programs and regulations on mental health in the offshore sector.
‘
- Introduction to work-related stress at sea: nature, prevalence, and costs
- Specific stressors of navigation: isolation, weather, risks, schedules
- Physiology of stress: nervous system, hormones, impact on health
- Stress assessment: questionnaires, biological indicators, and observation
- Resilience: definition, components, and its importance in the maritime environment
- Coping strategies: problem-focused, emotion-focused, and meaning-focused
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: practical application in life on board
- Assertive communication and conflict management: key skills for teamwork
- Social support and safety networks: Promoting solidarity among crew members
- Holistic well-being: nutrition, sleep, exercise, and work-life balance at sea
‘
- Introduction to the offshore environment: characteristics and demands of the work
- Work stress: definition, types, and sources of stress in the offshore industry
- Fatigue: causes and consequences for safety and performance
- Circadian rhythms and shift work: impact on health and well-being
- Ergonomics in offshore work: design of spaces and tools
- Psychosocial factors: isolation, communication, and interpersonal relationships
- Burnout: symptoms, prevention, and coping strategies
- Mental health: anxiety, depression, and available support resources
- Stress coping strategies: relaxation techniques and mindfulness
- Promoting well-being: healthy habits, physical activity, and nutrition
‘
- Introduction to work-related stress in the maritime industry: prevalence and costs
- Physiology of stress: hormonal response, nervous system, and cardiovascular health
- Psychosocial risk factors: workload, autonomy, social relationships, and support
- Fatigue: definition, causes, consequences, and objective/subjective measurement
- Sleep: phases, circadian rhythms, sleep hygiene, and related disorders
- Maritime work cycles: shifts, watches, rest periods, and cumulative effects
- Individual coping strategies: time management, mindfulness, exercise, and nutrition
- Organizational interventions: task design, communication, leadership, and well-being policies
- Legislation and regulations: international conventions, codes of good practices and responsibilities
- Prevention and promotion of mental health in the fleet: resources, training and psychological support
‘
- 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.
Plan de estudio - MĂłdulos
- 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 Mental Health in the Offshore Industry: Challenges and Peculiarities.
- Work Stress: Causes, Symptoms, and Consequences in the Offshore Environment.
- Isolation and Loneliness: Coping Strategies and Social Support.
- Managing Fatigue and Sleep: Circadian Rhythms and Mental Health.
- Effective Communication: Tools for Improving Interpersonal Relationships Offshore.
- Preventing Burnout: Identifying Signs and Self-Care Strategies.
- Resilience: Developing Skills to Cope with Adversity and Change.
- Addictions: Risks and Support Resources in the Offshore Industry.
- Psychological First Aid: How to Offer Support to Colleagues in crisis.
- Resources and legislation: support programs and regulations on mental health in the offshore sector.
‘
- Introduction to work-related stress at sea: nature, prevalence, and costs
- Specific stressors of navigation: isolation, weather, risks, schedules
- Physiology of stress: nervous system, hormones, impact on health
- Stress assessment: questionnaires, biological indicators, and observation
- Resilience: definition, components, and its importance in the maritime environment
- Coping strategies: problem-focused, emotion-focused, and meaning-focused
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: practical application in life on board
- Assertive communication and conflict management: key skills for teamwork
- Social support and safety networks: Promoting solidarity among crew members
- Holistic well-being: nutrition, sleep, exercise, and work-life balance at sea
‘
- Introduction to the offshore environment: characteristics and demands of the work
- Work stress: definition, types, and sources of stress in the offshore industry
- Fatigue: causes and consequences for safety and performance
- Circadian rhythms and shift work: impact on health and well-being
- Ergonomics in offshore work: design of spaces and tools
- Psychosocial factors: isolation, communication, and interpersonal relationships
- Burnout: symptoms, prevention, and coping strategies
- Mental health: anxiety, depression, and available support resources
- Stress coping strategies: relaxation techniques and mindfulness
- Promoting well-being: healthy habits, physical activity, and nutrition
‘
- Introduction to work-related stress in the maritime industry: prevalence and costs
- Physiology of stress: hormonal response, nervous system, and cardiovascular health
- Psychosocial risk factors: workload, autonomy, social relationships, and support
- Fatigue: definition, causes, consequences, and objective/subjective measurement
- Sleep: phases, circadian rhythms, sleep hygiene, and related disorders
- Maritime work cycles: shifts, watches, rest periods, and cumulative effects
- Individual coping strategies: time management, mindfulness, exercise, and nutrition
- Organizational interventions: task design, communication, leadership, and well-being policies
- Legislation and regulations: international conventions, codes of good practices and responsibilities
- Prevention and promotion of mental health in the fleet: resources, training and psychological support
‘
- 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 Mental Wellbeing in Offshore Environments: Challenges and Opportunities
- Stress and Resilience: Identifying Stressors, Coping Techniques
- Social Isolation: Connection Strategies and Effective Communication
- Circadian Rhythms and Sleep: Optimizing Rest in Rotating Shifts
- Psychological First Aid: Detecting Mental Health Problems, Basic Support
- Assertive Communication: Expressing Needs and Conflict Resolution
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Managing Anxiety and Stress
- Adapting to Offshore Culture: Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Psychological Safety: Fostering an Environment of Trust and Mutual Support
- Resources and support services: access to professionals and wellness programs
‘
- Introduction to work-related stress in the maritime environment: Definition, causes, and consequences.
- Psychosocial risk factors on board: Isolation, monotony, rotating shifts, distance from family.
- Stress and mental health: Anxiety, depression, burnout, and other associated disorders.
- Individual coping strategies: Relaxation techniques, mindfulness, time management.
- Effective communication on board: Assertiveness, active listening, and conflict resolution.
- Leadership and social support: The role of the captain and officers in promoting well-being.
- Regulations and legislation on psychosocial risks in the maritime sector.
- Prevention of workplace harassment and mobbing: Protocols and procedures on board.
- Emergency and crisis management: Impact on crew mental health.
- Promoting well-being on board: Recreational activities, psychological support, and promotion of physical health.
‘
- Introduction to offshore platforms: types, operations, and work environments.
- Occupational psychology at sea: selection, well-being, and performance.
- Stress and coping: stressors on platforms and management strategies.
- Isolation and loneliness: psychological impact and coping mechanisms.
- Interpersonal communication: effective communication skills in multicultural environments.
- Conflict and resolution: managing interpersonal and group conflicts.
- Teamwork: group dynamics, leadership, and cohesion on platforms.
- Mental health and well-being: promoting mental health and preventing psychological problems.
- Cultural adaptation: cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity on platforms.
- Social support and resources: access to psychological support and well-being services on board and ashore.
‘
- Introduction to mental well-being at sea: challenges and opportunities
- Stress in maritime environments: risk factors, symptoms, and consequences
- Resilience: definition, components, and its importance in maritime life
- Stress coping strategies: relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and exercise
- Effective communication: active listening, assertiveness, and conflict resolution
- Social support and teamwork: creating a positive work environment
- Time management and organization: planning, prioritization, and boundaries
- Sleep hygiene and nutrition: impact on mental well-being
- Preventing burnout: identifying warning signs and recovery strategies
- Resources and professional support: access to mental health services at sea sea
‘
Career opportunities
- Human Resources Management Consultant: personnel selection, team development, and occupational risk prevention in offshore environments.
- Occupational Health and Safety Technician: implementation of wellness programs, and stress and fatigue management in extreme conditions.
- Conflict Resolution Mediator: crisis and interpersonal conflict management on platforms and vessels.
- Psychosocial Skills Trainer: leadership development, effective communication, and teamwork in the maritime sector.
- Human Factors Researcher: accident and incident analysis, and design of safe and efficient work systems.
- Work Psychologist in Engineering and Shipbuilding Companies: personnel selection and development for offshore projects.
- Ergonomics and Design Consultant Workplace Adaptation: Adapting work environments to the physical and psychological needs of workers.
Executive Coach: Developing leadership and management skills for executives in the offshore sector.
“`
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.
5. Induction
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
- Understand: the unique psychological dynamics of the maritime work environment.
- Learn: strategies for managing stress, isolation, and group cohesion at sea.
- Develop: effective communication and leadership skills in high-pressure environments.
- Apply: techniques to improve crew mental well-being and productivity.
- Promote: a positive and safe work environment on board ships and platforms.
Testimonials
During my training in Offshore Work Psychology, I developed crucial skills for addressing the unique psychosocial challenges of this environment. I successfully applied my knowledge to a research project on the impact of isolation on the mental health of oil platform workers, resulting in the implementation of intervention strategies that significantly improved crew well-being and reduced stress-related incident rates.
This Psychology, Leadership, and Wellbeing course provided me with practical tools and in-depth knowledge to manage teams more effectively. I learned to identify and leverage the individual strengths of each team member, to communicate assertively even in high-pressure situations, and to foster a positive and productive work environment. As a result, my team’s motivation and performance have improved significantly, exceeding the goals set for the last quarter.
“Applying the principles of offshore work psychology learned in this training transformed our team dynamics. The improvement in communication, stress management, and conflict resolution was evident, resulting in a 15% increase in productivity and a significant decrease in safety incidents. I highly recommend this training to anyone working in this challenging environment.”
Applying the principles of offshore work psychology transformed our team dynamics. Turnover decreased by 15% in six months, productivity increased by 12%, and stress-related incident reports were cut in half. The improvement in communication and stress management was palpable, creating a safer and more efficient work environment.
Frequently asked questions
Isolation, long working shifts, dangerous conditions, separation from family and friends, and confinement in small spaces.
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.
Anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and exhaustion.
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 mental well-being at sea: challenges and opportunities
- Stress in maritime environments: risk factors, symptoms, and consequences
- Resilience: definition, components, and its importance in maritime life
- Stress coping strategies: relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and exercise
- Effective communication: active listening, assertiveness, and conflict resolution
- Social support and teamwork: creating a positive work environment
- Time management and organization: planning, prioritization, and boundaries
- Sleep hygiene and nutrition: impact on mental well-being
- Preventing burnout: identifying warning signs and recovery strategies
- Resources and professional support: access to mental health services at sea sea
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
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.