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
Safety course for recreational excursions
This course provides you with the essential tools and knowledge to plan and carry out outdoor activities safely and responsibly. You will learn about risk assessment, wilderness first aid, orienteering and navigation, basic…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
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Programme overview
What is the Safety course for recreational excursions?
The Recreational Hiking Safety course
This course provides you with the essential tools and knowledge to plan and carry out outdoor activities safely and responsibly. You will learn about risk assessment, wilderness first aid, orienteering and navigation, basic survival, and emergency management in natural environments. Prepare yourself to enjoy nature while minimizing risks and protecting the environment.
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Approach: simulation exercises and real-life case studies to apply your knowledge.
- Expert Instructors: professionals with extensive experience in safety and outdoor activities.
- Up-to-date Content: latest trends and best practices in nature safety.
- Recognized Certification: validate your skills and knowledge in hiking safety.
- Networking: connect with other nature lovers and industry professionals.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Safety Expert Planning: Master risk assessment techniques and the creation of effective contingency plans.
- First Aid: Learn to respond to medical emergencies in natural environments, including common injuries and evacuation protocols.
- Orientation and Navigation: Hone your map reading, compass, and GPS skills to lead safe and efficient expeditions.
- Basic Survival: Acquire essential knowledge about shelter, fire, water, and Food in nature.
- Group Leadership: Develop your skills to motivate, communicate, and manage groups in challenging environments, promoting the safety and well-being of all participants.
- Prepare to lead safe and memorable recreational excursions with our comprehensive program.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of safety in recreational excursions, prevention and organisational responsibility
- Safety concept in recreational excursions and differences between prevention, self-protection, risk management and emergency response
- Typologies of excursions: Terrestrial, Aquatic, Maritime, Cultural, Sports, Educational and Mixed
- Frequent risks: Falls, disorientation, adverse weather conditions, fatigue, injuries, medical incidents and organisational failures
- Responsibilities of the organiser, guide, monitor, participant, companion and promoter entity
- Relationship between planning, communication, logistics, environment, group and level of risk of the activity
02
Risk Assessment, Planning and Safe Design of the Excursion
- Identification of hazards according to environment, activity, duration, group profile and external conditions
- Evaluation of probability, impact, criticality and preventive measures for each type of risk
- Design of itineraries, routes, checkpoints, safe zones, alternatives and cancellation criteria
- Time planning, breaks, hydration, feeding, transportation, access and emergency exits
- Preparation of the group: information, recommendations, necessary equipment, rules and conditions of participation
03
Group organisation, communication and control during the activity
- Management of small and large groups, ratios, distribution of participants, roles and constant supervision
- Effective communication before, during and after the excursion through clear and accessible instructions
- Attendance control, participant count, meeting points, waiting times and travel coordination
- Adaptation of the rhythm, care for people with special needs and prevention of separation of the group
- Use of communication tools: phones, radios, visual signals, applications and points of contact
04
Equipment, technical preparation and preventive measures according to the type of excursion
- Personal equipment - suitable clothing, footwear, sun protection, water, food, basic kit and safety elements
- Organiser Equipment: Maps, GPS, Participant List, Emergency Phones, Signaling and First Aid
- Specific equipment according to activity: vests, hulls, ropes, lanterns, aquatic or mountain material
- Review of material status, adaptation to the environment and check before starting the activity
- Environmental Hazard Prevention: Heat, Cold, Rain, Wind, Humidity, Irregular Ground, Fauna and Changing Conditions
05
Applied safety project in recreational excursions
- Case definition: land tour, water activity, guided route, educational outing, recreational event or tourist experience
- Risk diagnosis, environment, group profile, external conditions and available resources
- Design of the safety plan with itinerary, standards, equipment, communication and cancellation criteria
- Preparation of the protocol of action in the face of emergencies with roles, steps and external coordination
- Definition of tracking system, participant control, incident logging and continuous improvement
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
Mountain, hiking, and outdoor activity guides seeking to certify their knowledge, update protocols, and minimize risks in natural environments.Leisure activity monitors and environmental educators who need practical tools to manage groups, plan safe routes, and interpret the environment.Managers of camps, hostels, and active tourism companies who wish to implement safety standards, train their
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
- 01Responding effectively to emergencies
- 02Assessing and mitigating risks in natural environments
- 03Apply land navigation and orientation techniques
- 04Implement effective communication protocols
- 05Managing groups of hikers safely and responsibly
- 06Adapt the excursion to the abilities of the group
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Recreational Excursion Guide: Leading groups in outdoor activities, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of participants.
02Recreational Activity Monitor: Designing and implementing recreational and educational activities in natural environments, with an emphasis on safety.
03Risk Prevention Technician in Recreational Activities: Assessing and mitigating risks in excursions and outdoor activities.
04Lifeguard in Natural Environments: Responding to emergencies and providing first aid in recreational areas, such as trails, lakes, or parks.
05Safety-Specialized Tourist Entertainer: Integrating safety protocols into tourist entertainment in natural environments.
06Safety Manager in Active Tourism Companies: Planning and supervising safety in companies that offer adventure and recreational activities.
07Safety Consultant for Recreational Activities: Advising companies and organizations on best practices in safety for excursions and outdoor activities.
08Safety Trainer for Recreational Activities: Instructor in courses on safety, first aid, and risk prevention in natural environments.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
It depends on the excursion, but one crucial element that is often overlooked is a first aid manual; knowing how to use the supplies is just as important as the supplies themselves.
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.
Plan the route and communicate it to someone.
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
Profile:Demonstrable experience in mountain activities, knowledge of the natural environment, and survival techniques.Training:Wildlife First Aid (WFA/WFR) certification, navigation and map reading course, basic rescue techniques.Skills:Leadership skills, effective communication, decision-making under pressure, group management.Equipment:Must have appropriate personal equipment (technical clothing, mountaineering boots, backpack, personal first-aid kit).```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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