Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Introduction to Maritime Law Course
A key discipline for understanding the regulations governing activity on the oceans. This course will provide you with an overview of the sources of maritime law, the stakeholders involved, and the areas of application, from…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Introduction to Maritime Law Course?
Discover the fundamentals of Maritime Law
A key discipline for understanding the regulations governing activity on the oceans. This course will provide you with an overview of the sources of maritime law, the stakeholders involved, and the areas of application, from shipping and safety to the protection of the marine environment and dispute resolution. Prepare to analyze practical cases and understand the legal challenges of today's maritime sector.
What will you learn?
- Global Legal Framework: International conventions, national laws, and relevant case law.
- Maritime Contracts: Bills of lading, charter parties, and marine insurance.
- Maritime Liability: Collisions, pollution, and salvage.
- Dispute Resolution: Maritime arbitration and litigation.
- Law of the Sea: Maritime zones, fishing, and resource exploration.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Fundamentals of Maritime Law: Master the legal foundations governing trade, navigation, and maritime activities globally.
- International Regulatory Framework: Analyze key conventions, treaties, and regulations such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and the ISM Code.
- Maritime Liability and Insurance: Understand crucial aspects of claims, P&I insurance, and risk management in the sector.
- Contracts of Transport for Seafarers: Learn to interpret and apply charter parties, bills of lading, and other essential documents.
- Maritime Litigation: Acquire tools for dispute resolution, addressing issues such as collisions, salvage, and marine pollution.
- Boost your career in the maritime sector with a solid legal foundation.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of maritime law, nautical activity and legal framework for the maritime sector
- Concept of maritime law and differences between maritime law, law of the sea, port law, naval law and nautical law
- Regulated activities: Navigation, maritime transport, fishing, recreation, ports, insurance, salvage, pollution and maritime services
- Main Actors: Shipowner, Shipowner, Captain, Skipper, Crew, Loader, Consignee, Insurer, Maritime Authority and Port
- Relationship between boat, flag, registration, ownership, responsibility and safe operation
- Sources of maritime law: national laws, international agreements, regulations, contracts, maritime uses and port regulations
02
Vessels, boats, registration, documentation and basic responsibilities
- Legal ship and boat concept and differences between recreational, commercial, professional, fishing and auxiliary use
- Registration, registration, flag, base port, certificates, navigation permissions and required on-board documentation
- Ownership, sale, lease, charter, transfer of use and changes of ownership of boats
- Responsibilities of owner, shipowner, skipper, captain, operator and authorized user
- Inspections, Certificates of Navigability, Mandatory Equipment, Insurance and Documentary Maintenance
03
Maritime contracts, transport, charter and nautical services
- Fundamentals of Maritime Contracts and Differences between Contract of Transport, Chartering, Charter, Trailer, Pilotage and Port Services
- Maritime transport of goods, bill of lading, carrier responsibilities and charger obligations
- Charter contracts, boat rentals, nautical excursions, passenger transport and maritime tourist services
- Contractual obligations, terms of use, cancellations, damages, delays, force majeure and claims
- Commercial documentation, invoices, reservations, insurance, authorizations, terms of service and consumer protection
04
Maritime Safety, Civil Liability, Accidents and Rescue
- Fundamentals of Maritime Safety and Obligations of Prevention, Prudence, Maintenance and Safe Operation
- Civil liability for damages to persons, boats, port facilities, cargo, environment and third parties
- Maritime accidents: collision, boarding, dry-docking, sinking, fire, man overboard, injury and property damage
- Maritime rescue, assistance, towing, duty of assistance and coordination with competent authorities
- Investigation of incidents, parties, evidence, witnesses, reports, reports, claims and possible sanctions
05
Applied Project of Introduction to Maritime Law
- Case definition: recreational boat, charter, sea excursion, nautical service, transport, marina or maritime incident
- Basic legal diagnosis of the case with actors, documents, permits, contracts, insurance, risks and responsibilities
- Preparation of the legal file with documentation of boats, activity, insurance, authorizations and records necessary
- Analysis of security obligations, civil liability, environmental prevention and operational compliance
- Design of protocol of action in the face of incidents, claims, inspections, accidents or maritime emergencies
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 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
Lawyers and legal advisors who wish to specialize in national and international maritime law.Shipping professionals (shipowners, charterers, insurers, brokers) who need to understand the legal framework of their operations.Law students interested in maritime transport law, marine insurance, accidents, and marine pollution.Public officials (port authorities, coast guards) who require a solid
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
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Student Reviews
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Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Interpret and apply international maritime regulations
- 02Analyze and evaluate charter party contracts and marine insurance
- 03Understanding and managing the legal aspects of maritime freight transport
- 04Resolving disputes and claims in the maritime sector
- 05Applying the legal framework to ship financing and registration operations
- 06Identify and prevent legal risks in maritime activity
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Maritime Lawyer: Legal advice on transport contracts, marine insurance, claims, and litigation.
02Maritime Law Consultant: Preparation of legal reports and opinions for companies in the maritime sector.
03Legal Advisor for Shipping Companies: Contract management, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution.
04Public Official: Work in government institutions related to the regulation and control of maritime traffic.
05Maritime Arbitrator: Resolution of commercial disputes in the maritime sector through arbitration.
06Marine Insurance Manager: Risk assessment, policy management, and claims processing.
07Maritime Court Expert: Preparation of expert reports in related legal proceedings with maritime law.
08Lecturer and Researcher: Teaching maritime law at universities and training centers, as well as conducting research in the field.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
It regulates maritime activities, including navigation, trade, accidents and the protection of the marine environment.
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.
The set of rules and principles that govern maritime activities, including navigation, ships, persons on board, goods transported and liability for damage caused at sea or related to maritime activities.
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 Law, Business Administration, Economics, or related field; or proven professional experience in the maritime and/or legal sector.Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of law and the maritime sector (desirable).Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree (if applicable), ID/Passport, cover letter (optional).Skills:Analytical skills, reading comprehension, and written expression.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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