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 Open Ocean Survival
This program prepares you to face critical situations in remote maritime environments, from preparation and prevention to the application of advanced survival techniques. You will learn to manage limited resources, build…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts14 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Open Ocean Survival?
The Diploma in Open Ocean Survival
This program prepares you to face critical situations in remote maritime environments, from preparation and prevention to the application of advanced survival techniques. You will learn to manage limited resources, build emergency shelters, navigate without conventional technology, and master vital rescue skills. This program combines fundamental theoretical knowledge with realistic simulated exercises to maximize your ability to respond to any adversity.
Differentiating Advantages
- Immersive Simulations: Experience shipwreck scenarios, extreme weather conditions, and rescue challenges.
- Survival Experts: Learn from instructors with experience in navigation, maritime rescue, and emergency medicine.
- Specialized Equipment: Familiarize yourself with life rafts, signaling equipment, communication systems, and survival tools.
- Emergency Protocols: Master standardized procedures to optimize rescue chances and ensure team safety.
- Recognized Certification: Earn a credential that validates your maritime survival skills and knowledge.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
27-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Essential Techniques: Master navigation without instruments, water purification, and the construction of improvised shelters.
- First Aid: Learn to treat wounds, sunburn, dehydration, and other emergencies at sea.
- Mental Survival: Strengthen your resilience, manage stress, and stay calm in extreme situations.
- Dangerous Marine Life: Identify and avoid encounters with sharks, jellyfish, and other harmful species.
- Signaling and Rescue: Use flares, mirrors, and emergency radios to maximize your chances of being found.
- Prepare to face the challenges of the ocean and return home alive.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Basics of survival at sea
- Main Threats: Cold, Dehydration and Drowning
- Survival Psychology
- Willingness to live
- Shipwreck Statistics
- STCW regulations
- Survival in tropical waters
- Cold Water Survival
- Survivor Lessons
02
Preparation before abandonment
- Individual Survival Teams
- Abandonment bag
- Immersion suits and vests
- Prior Distress Communication
- Decision of abandonment
- ABANDONMENT EXERCISES
- Outerwear and protection
- Crew organisation
03
Survival in the water
- FLOATING TECHNIQUES
- HELP POSITION AND GROUP TRAINING
- Hypothermia and cold shock
- Swimming towards the raft
- Dangers of the marine environment
- Night survival
- Sharks and Dangerous Fauna
- Moral maintenance
04
The life raft
- Boarding and straightening
- Raft team
- Organisation on board
- Raft maintenance
- Protection against the elements
- Layer Anchor and Stability
- Raft repair
- Surveillance shifts
05
Water, Food and Health
- Water and food rationing
- Obtaining water
- Dizziness and dehydration
- First aid on the raft
- Skin and eye care
- Survival Fishing
- Rain and Solar Distillers
- Wound care
06
Signage and location
- EPIRB, SART and AIS-SART
- Pyrotechnics and visual cues
- Signal Mirror
- Media Rescue Communications
- Basic navigation on the raft
- Signs with light and smoke
- Star orientation
- Battery Management
07
Rescue
- Helicopter Rescue
- Ship Rescue
- Collection Procedures
- Attention after the rescue
- SAR Coordination
- Hoisted with sling
- Rescue in the thick sea
- First aid after the rescue
08
Practices and real cases
- Swimming Pool Exercises
- Historical shipwreck analysis
- Leadership in extreme situations
- psychological resilience
- Drills in the open sea
- Equipment Evaluation
- Training of instructors
- Final Project: Open Ocean Survival Protocol
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
Crew members of recreational and fishing vessels who wish to acquire essential knowledge and skills to face emergency situations at sea.Participants in ocean races and long-distance crossings seeking comprehensive training in survival techniques, equipment use, and rescue strategies.Personnel from offshore platforms and marine wind farms who require certification and specific training in survi
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
- 01Master maritime orientation and navigation techniques
- 02Implement rescue and assistance protocols in emergency situations
- 03Building and maintaining life support systems in extreme conditions
- 04Effectively manage limited resources and optimize energy consumption
- 05Developing psychological resilience and maintaining composure under extreme stress
- 06Identify and mitigate maritime hazards inherent to survival
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Recreational/Sports Craft Crew Member: Preparation and response to emergencies at sea.
02Oil Platform/Offshore Wind Farm Personnel: Acquisition of survival skills in case of evacuation.
03Marine Researcher/Scientist: Safety on ocean expeditions and self-protection skills in extreme conditions.
04Maritime Search and Rescue Personnel: Improvement of rescue techniques and protocols in challenging ocean environments.
05Maritime Safety Consultant: Advising on contingency plans and preparedness for emergencies at sea.
06Maritime Survival Instructor: Training other professionals and the general public in survival techniques.
07NGO/Humanitarian Organization Member: Support in rescue and relief missions during maritime crises.
08Journalist/Documentary Filmmaker specializing in maritime issues: Safety and ability to report in remote and dangerous ocean environments.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Open oceans.
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.
Open oceans.
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:No specific qualification is required; however, prior experience in maritime or aquatic activities is recommended.Physical Aptitudes:Good general health and ability to swim. A basic medical certificate will be required.Documentation:ID/Passport, basic medical certificate (if applicable), completed registration form.Equipment (Recommended):Appropriate clothing for aquatic activities (swimsuit, wetsuit), sunscreen, towel.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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