Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1500 h · 11 modules
Master's in Port Security and Critical Infrastructure Protection
Offers comprehensive training for professionals seeking to lead the protection of ports and their infrastructure. Learn to design and implement comprehensive security plans, manage risks and threats (terrorism, cyberattacks…
Duration1500 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Port Security and Critical Infrastructure Protection?
The Master's in Port Security and Critical Infrastructure Protection
Offers comprehensive training for professionals seeking to lead the protection of ports and their infrastructure. Learn to design and implement comprehensive security plans, manage risks and threats (terrorism, cyberattacks, natural disasters), and apply the latest international and national regulations. Master surveillance and access control technologies, crisis and emergency management, and coordination with security agencies. This program will train you to effectively protect port assets and ensure business continuity.
Differentiating Advantages
- Advanced Risk Analysis: quantitative and qualitative methodologies applied to port infrastructure.
- Port Cybersecurity: protection of SCADA systems, cyber incident management, and regulatory compliance.
- Crisis and Emergency Management: simulation of critical scenarios and development of contingency plans.
- Regulatory Compliance (ISPS Code, NIS Directive): preparation for audits and certifications.
- Professional Networking: access to a network of experts in port security and protection infrastructures.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,500 hours
Modules
11
Programme highlights
- Comprehensive Security: Master the protection of ports and critical infrastructure against physical and cyber threats.
- Regulatory Compliance: Acquire in-depth knowledge of international and national port security regulations.
- Risk Management: Develop skills for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in complex port environments.
- Cutting-Edge Technologies: Explore the latest security innovations, from surveillance systems to industrial cybersecurity.
- Leadership and Planning: Learn to lead security teams and design contingency and response plans effective.
- Boost your career and become an expert in protecting infrastructure vital to global trade.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Port Security, Comprehensive Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Risk Architecture in Logistics and Maritime Ecosystems of High Complexity
- Concept, scope and evolution of port security and the protection of critical infrastructures in maritime, logistics and energy environments
- Typologies of ports, terminals and strategic facilities: commercial, energy, fishing, military, multipurpose and critical intermodal nodes
- Essential components of the protected port ecosystem: accesses, docks, patios, control centres, energy networks, OT systems and associated supply chains
- Differences between Safety, Security, Resilience, Business Continuity and Comprehensive Protection of Strategic Port Assets
- Contemporary threats on critical port infrastructure: Sabotage, Terrorism, Intrusion, Cyberattacks, Organised Crime, Insider Threat and Hybrid Disruption
- Principles of defence in depth, deterrence, early detection, containment and stepped response in complex port environments
- Relationship between physical security, operational security, cybersecurity, environmental protection and business continuity in high-critical ports
- Human, organisational and technological factors in the vulnerability of critical maritime-port facilities
- Strategic safety and protection indicators: exposure, criticality, resilience, response time and residual risk
- Conceptual framework for the design of integrated port security and protection of critical infrastructure systems
02
Governance, regulation, compliance and institutional models for the protection of ports and strategic infrastructures
- General regulatory framework for port security, maritime protection and critical infrastructure in national and international contexts
- Institutional structure of port protection: port authorities, security forces, customs, operators, dealers and coordination centres
- Responsibilities of the operator, the terminal operator, the dealer and the competent authority in matters of security and critical protection
- Regulatory instruments, protection plans, safety assessments and documentary requirements for strategic port assets
- Multilevel governance and public-private coordination in port ecosystems with multiple actors and critical dependencies
- Compliance models, auditing, document traceability and compliance control in sensitive and high exposure facilities
- Regime of inspections, findings, nonconformities, corrective actions and verification of protection measures
- Management of legal, administrative and contractual responsibilities arising from security incidents in ports
- Integration of critical protection policies with operational continuity, corporate risk management and institutional strategy
- Resilient Governance Framework Design for New Generation Smart, Energy and Logistic Ports
03
Risk analysis, threat intelligence and vulnerability assessment in port environments and critical infrastructure
- Risk analysis methodologies applied to ports, terminals and maritime facilities of strategic value
- Identification of critical assets, essential functions and systemic dependencies within the port ecosystem
- Analysis of deliberate and non-deliberate threats: terrorism, sabotage, organised theft, drones, cyber incidents, supply failures and extreme events
- Evaluation of physical, electronic, procedural and human vulnerabilities in operational zones, accesses and nerve centres
- Security Intelligence and Threat Intelligence Applied to Critical Infrastructure: Sources, Validation, Correlation and Early Alerts
- Criticality, probability and impact models for investment prioritisation and protection layers
- Waterfall scenarios, domino effects and interdependencies between energy, communications, logistics, water, fuels and port operation
- Insider Threat assessment, internal fraud, collusion and weaknesses associated with third parties, contractors and supply chains
- Construction of risk maps, criticality matrices and decision boards for port security direction
- Development of comprehensive risk assessments as a basis for the design of the Protection Master Plan
04
Physical security, access control and perimeter protection in terminals, docks, patios and sensitive port centres
- Physical security architecture design: protection rings, zoning, compartmentalization and hierarchy of critical areas
- Advanced perimeter protection: fencing, barriers, intrusion detection, sensors, lighting and vulnerability analysis
- Control of access of people, vehicles, cargo and contractors: identity, authorizations, credentials and segregation of flows
- Inspection and screening in port accesses - equipment, procedures, randomness, documentary control and anomaly detection
- Protection of docks, berths, dangerous cargo zones, deposits and restricted areas of high operational sensitivity
- Security in yards, gates, intermodal terminals and transfer nodes with large volumes of traffic and goods
- CCTV integration, analytical video, pattern recognition and real-time monitoring for intensive surveillance
- Protection of critical buildings, control centres, substations, servers, workshops and operating rooms of the port
- Design of patrol procedures, tactical response and verification of incidents in complex port facilities
- Physical Security Performance Assessment: Coverage, Detection Times, Interdiction Capacity and Vulnerability Reduction
05
Cybersecurity OT/IT, digital resilience and protection of control systems, supervision and port management
- Cyber threat landscape on connected critical infrastructures and ports: ransomware, espionage, digital sabotage and operational disruption
- Port digital architecture: IT networks, OT networks, SCADA, TOS, PCs, IoT, sensors, CCTV IP and logistics coordination platforms
- Intelligent terminal and port attack surface: access control, cranes, power, fuel, traffic systems and data centres
- Segmentation, hardening, access control and defence in depth in OT-marine-port environments
- Monitoring, anomaly detection and incident response in critical systems with operational continuity requirements
- Operational data protection, order integrity, movement traceability and resilience of digital logistics platforms
- Management of vulnerabilities, patches, firmware, connected assets and change control in mission critical systems
- Recovery plans, digital redundancy, backup, disaster recovery and operational continuity after cyber incident
- Coordination between physical security and cybersecurity against hybrid attacks on critical port infrastructures
- Design of cyber-resilience strategies for automated ports, energy terminals and ecosystems Smart Port
06
Logistics chain protection, cargo security and threat management in maritime, customs and intermodal flows
- Security risks in the port logistics chain: theft, illegal handling, cargo contamination, document fraud and smuggling
- Protection of containerized goods, bulk, cargo, project load and dangerous goods in port transit
- Documentary security and traceability of logistics units: manifestos, seals, custody, digital records and validation of critical events
- Cargo integrity controls, selective inspection and risk profile management in coordination with customs and competent authorities
- Protection of logistics corridors between port, Hinterland, internal terminals and associated multimodal networks
- Threat management on port-linked land transport: sequestration of cargo, diversion, infiltration and collusion in supply chain
- Security in temporary storage, customs warehouses, dry terminals and complementary logistics centres
- Prevention of the use of the port for organised illicit activities: drug trafficking, arms trafficking, counterfeit merchandise and criminal financing
- Logistics Intelligence Integration, Event Analytics and Flow Monitoring for Anomaly Detection and Risk Patterns
- Strategies for the assurance of the port logistics chain with a comprehensive, interoperable and resilient approach
07
Incident response, crisis management, operational continuity and recovery of critical port infrastructures
- Port Security Incident Response Structure: Activation Levels, Command Centres and Functional Roles
- Protocols for action against intrusion, armed threat, suspicious artifact, sabotage, taking of facilities and operational disturbances
- Port Crisis Management: Situational Assessment, Decision Prioritization, Critical Communication and Inter-Institutional Coordination
- Business continuity and operational continuity of essential port functions after physical, digital or combined incidents
- Contingency plans for power failures, communications, control systems, access, supply and intermodal operation
- Recovery of critical infrastructure damaged or degraded: progressive reset, functional prioritisation and post-incident security
- Crisis communication, reputational management and liaison with operators, customers, authorities and port community
- Integration between Emergency Management, Business Continuity and Resilience Engineering in strategic maritime environments
- Lessons learned, after-action review and structural improvement of protection plans after real incidents or major exercises
- Design of organisational capabilities to absorb, adapt and recover from high severity disruptive events
08
Security of people, human factors, culture of protection and management of talent in high exposure port ecosystems
- Human factors in port security: attention, error, complacency, fatigue, operational pressure and decision making in complex environments
- Port Safety and Protection Culture: Leadership, Operational Discipline, Incident Reporting, and Organisational Learning
- Management of own personnel, contractors and third parties from the perspective of critical security and access control
- Vetting, background checks, authorization control and risk management associated with sensitive personnel and critical positions
- Training, recurring training and internal certification in security, crisis and incident response procedures
- Insider Threat prevention and strengthening of human barriers to infiltration, coercion, fraud and internal sabotage
- Effective operational communication, alert management and organisational behaviour in real or simulated threat scenarios
- Design of digital and physical security awareness programmes for expanded port community
- Well-being, psychological resilience and sustainability of the performance of safety equipment in intensive operations
- Security leadership models for port organisations with multiple actors, high risk and technological transformation
09
Advanced surveillance technologies, operational intelligence and integrated protection systems for smart ports
- Integrated port security platforms: PSIM, control centres, event correlation and fusion of heterogeneous sources
- Advanced video surveillance, video analytics, auto recognition and intelligent tracking in critical port areas
- Terrestrial, maritime and air sensors for monitoring of perimetres, water sheet, docks and unconventional access
- Detection and mitigation of drones, hostile minor boats and unauthorized approach threats
- Artificial Intelligence Applied to Risk Prediction, Anomaly Detection and Port Security Decision Support
- Port digital twin and simulation of operational protection, vulnerability and resilience scenarios
- Integration of AIS, radar, CCTV, access control, SCADA and logistics platforms for Unified Awareness
- Automation of alerts, response workflows and intelligent real-time incident management
- Technological selection criteria, interoperability, scalability and governance of intelligent protection solutions
- Technology modernisation roadmaps design for critical ports and infrastructure with focus on convergent security
10
PBIP regulations, audit and certification of port protection
- International Code for the Protection of Vessels and Port Facilities (PBIP)
- European Regulation 725/2004 and Directive 2005/65/EC
- Port installation protection assessment
- Protection Plan and Protection Officer (OPIP)
- Protection levels and associated measures
- Maritime Protection Declaration
- Protection exercises and practices
- Compliance audits and inspections
- ISO 28000 Standards on Supply Chain Safety
- Preparation of a Port Protection Plan
11
Master’s Final Project in Port Security and Critical Infrastructure Protection
- Definition of the case study: port, terminal or critical installation, essential functions, priority threats and protection objectives
- Identification of critical assets, operational dependencies and comprehensive assessment of physical, digital and logistical risks
- Security and protection architecture design: perimeter, accesses, surveillance, cybersecurity, response and continuity
- Development of the Master Plan for the Protection of Critical Infrastructure with Roles, Procedures, Indicators and Audit Criteria
- Integration of advanced technologies, operational intelligence and resilience capabilities adapted to the case context
- Elabouration of the crisis plan, operational continuity and functional recovery in high severity scenarios
- Design of the training program, culture of security and management of the human factor for the port community involved
- Technical-economic evaluation of the proposed solution: investment, prioritisation, maturity, residual risks and implementation viability
- Drafting of the final memory with technical annexes, risk maps, criticality matrices and stepped implementation plan
- Presentation and defence of the Master’s Final Project before Academic Commission with comprehensive justification for the designed protection strategy
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1500 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
Security professionals, both public and private, seeking to specialize in the protection of ports and sensitive infrastructure.Port managers and directors interested in implementing comprehensive security strategies and complying with international regulations.Engineers and architects wishing to acquire specialized knowledge in the design and evaluation of the physical security of port facilit
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
- 01Managing the comprehensive security of port facilities
- 02Assessing and mitigating risks in critical port infrastructure
- 03Design and implement protection plans against threats and emergencies
- 04Leading specialized teams in port security and protection
- 05Audit and certify compliance with port security regulations
- 06Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies in the port sector
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Port Security Specialist: Design, implementation, and management of port security plans.
03Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO): Responsible for the comprehensive security and protection of the facility.
04Port Security Consultant: Risk assessment, security audits, and improvement proposals.
05Critical Infrastructure Manager: Protection of essential infrastructure for the operation of the port and the region.
06Port Company Security Manager: Implementation of security measures in companies operating in the port sector (logistics, transportation, etc.).
07Intelligence and Threat Analyst: Identification and analysis of risks and threats to port security.
08Port Security Systems Technician: Installation, maintenance, and management of video surveillance, access control, and intruder detection systems.
09Maritime and Port Security Auditor: Verification of compliance with national and international security regulations.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Port sector and maritime transport.
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.
port and maritime transport sector, as well as the protection of critical infrastructure in general.
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
```htmlAcademic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate degree in Security, Engineering, Law, Political Science, or a related field; or accredited professional experience in the field of port security or critical infrastructure protection.Specific Knowledge:Additional training in risk management, security, or port regulations is desirable.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree, ID/Passport, cover letter explaining interest in port security and critical infrastructure protection.Skills:Analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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