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
Ethics and Responsibility Course at Sea
This course prepares you to face the moral and legal challenges of today's maritime environment. Learn to make informed and fair decisions in critical situations, understanding the implications of your actions on safety, the…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts28 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Ethics and Responsibility Course at Sea?
The Ethics and Responsibility at Sea Course
This course prepares you to face the moral and legal challenges of today's maritime environment. Learn to make informed and fair decisions in critical situations, understanding the implications of your actions on safety, the environment, and human well-being. This program will provide you with the necessary tools to exercise ethical leadership and promote a culture of responsibility and transparency in all your activities.
Ethics and Responsibility at Sea
Differential Advantages
- Real-life case studies: Examine complex ethical dilemmas and learn from the experience of other professionals.
- Up-to-date legal framework: Understand the international and national regulations governing conduct at sea.
- Communication skills development: Improve your ability to express your values and defend your principles.
- Promotion of responsible decision-making: Acquire tools to evaluate the consequences of your actions and choose the most ethical option.
- Interactive learning environment: Participate in debates, simulations, and practical exercises to solidify your knowledge.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
11-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Ethical Foundations: Explore the key principles that govern professional conduct in the maritime industry.
- Legal and Moral Responsibility: Understand the legal obligations and ethical imperatives in maritime decision-making.
- Ethical Risk Management: Learn to identify and mitigate common ethical dilemmas in complex maritime environments.
- Culture of Integrity: Foster an organizational culture that prioritizes ethics and accountability in all maritime operations.
- Practical Case Studies: Analyze real-world examples of ethical challenges and learn how to apply responsible solutions. effective.
- Develop ethical leadership and contribute to a safer, more transparent, and sustainable maritime industry.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Maritime Ethics, Personal Responsibility and Safe Conduct in the Marine Environment
- Concept of ethics at sea and differences between legal norm, good practice, moral responsibility and sea culture
- Basic Principles: Prudence, Respect, Solidarity, Honesty, Prevention, Environmental Care and Nautical Coexistence
- Skipper's responsibility, crew, passengers, aquatic athletes, tour operators and recreational users
- Relationship between ethics, security, trust, reputation, sustainability and protection of human life at sea
- Risks of irresponsible behaviour: accidents, pollution, conflicts, sanctions, damage to third parties and deterioration of the environment
02
Respect for the marine environment, sustainability and responsible environmental behaviour
- Protection of marine fauna, coastal birds, sensitive funds, sea grasslands, reefs and vulnerable ecosystems
- Responsible management of waste, plastics, oils, fuels, grey water, sewage and hazardous materials
- Good practices of anchoring, sailing, recreational fishing, snorkeling, diving, excursions and nautical activities
- Prevention of contamination, noise, disturbance of habitats and inconvenience to protected species
- Relationship between maritime tourism, blue economy, conservation, environmental education and user responsibility
03
Coexistence, respect for other users and social responsibility in shared maritime spaces
- Coexistence between boats, bathers, fishermen, aquatic athletes, divers, ports, local communities and tour operators
- Respectful communication, nautical courtesy, signal compliance, safety distances and priority of vulnerable users
- Prevention of conflicts by noise, speed, anchoring, passage near beaches, occupation of spaces and irresponsible use of the material
- Inclusion, dignified treatment, non-discrimination, cultural respect and care for people with specific needs in maritime activities
- Liability to passengers, minors, beginners, guests and groups without nautical experience
04
Ethical security, prudent decision making and duty at sea
- Prudence in departure planning, weather assessment, boat status, group experience and personal limits
- Responsible decisions against bad weather, fatigue, alcohol consumption, group pressure, overconfidence or lack of preparation
- Duty of help, maritime solidarity, emergency warning and safe support for people or boats in difficulty
- Transparency in risk communication, safety regulations, restrictions, cancellations and changes of itinerary
- Incident ethical conduct: Take responsibility, report, document, collabourate, and learn from mistakes
05
Applied project of ethics and responsibility at sea
- Case definition: recreational boat, sea excursion, water activity, marina, nautical school or coastal community
- Diagnosis of ethical, environmental, social, commercial and security risks associated with the selected case
- Design of a Code of Maritime Conduct with principles, rules, responsibilities and good operational practices
- Preparation of protocols for environmental respect, coexistence, communication of risks, duty of help and action in the face of incidents
- Proposal of actions of education, awareness, reputation, monitoring and continuous improvement of maritime responsibility
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
Maritime professionals at all levels seeking to strengthen their understanding and application of ethical principles in the workplace.Officers and crew members aspiring to responsible leadership and integrity-based decision-making.Shipping company managers and administrators interested in promoting an organizational culture of ethics and transparency.Maritime students wishing to acquire a so
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
- 01Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct in all maritime interactions
- 02Comply with maritime regulations and safety standards
- 03Manage resources responsibly and sustainably
- 04Promote a culture of responsibility and transparency in maritime decision-making
- 05Prioritize the safety of human life at sea in all operations and decisions
- 06Act with integrity and honesty in all maritime activities
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Maritime Ethics Consultant: Advising companies and organizations on responsible and sustainable practices in the sector.
02Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Auditor in the Maritime Sector: Verifying compliance with ethical and social standards in shipping companies, ports, and other related entities.
03Compliance Officer in Maritime Companies: Developing and implementing regulatory and ethical compliance programs.
04Trainer in Ethics and Responsibility in Maritime Institutions: Training professionals in the sector on ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility.
05Researcher in Maritime Research Centers: Analyzing the ethical and social challenges facing the maritime sector and proposing solutions.
06Sustainability Manager in Shipping and Port Companies: Managing projects and programs to reduce the environmental and social impact of operations maritime.
07Representative of NGOs and civil society organizations: defense of human rights and environmental protection in the maritime sector.
08Mediator in maritime conflicts: resolution of disputes between companies, workers, and other stakeholders in the sector, from an ethical perspective.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Respect for marine life is crucial to maintaining the health of ocean ecosystems, which are fundamental to the balance of the planet and human well-being.
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.
Our actions and decisions in the marine ecosystem must be guided by ethical principles that recognize the intrinsic value of marine life and the importance of preserving the health of the oceans for future generations, promoting sustainable and responsible practices in fishing, tourism, waste management and other activities that impact marine environments.
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:Maritime professionals (captains, officers, sailors, shore-based personnel), maritime students, or anyone interested in ethics and responsibility in the marine environment.Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of the maritime industry and its operations is recommended.Documentation:Completed registration form, copy of ID/Passport (optional), letter of interest (optional).Commitment:Willingness to actively participate in discussions and reflections on ethical dilemmas and responsibility in the sea.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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