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 Aquatic Activities and Marine Sports
Immerse yourself in a world of professional possibilities in the aquatic field. Learn to design, manage, and implement safe and effective aquatic activity programs, from beginner to advanced training. Master the techniques of…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Aquatic Activities and Marine Sports?
The Diploma in Aquatic Activities and Marine Sports
Immerse yourself in a world of professional possibilities in the aquatic field. Learn to design, manage, and implement safe and effective aquatic activity programs, from beginner to advanced training. Master the techniques of swimming, lifesaving, recreational diving, and sailing, with a focus on safety, teaching, and sustainability. This program provides you with the tools to excel as an instructor, guide, or manager in clubs, resorts, and sports organizations.
Differentiating Advantages
- Recognized Certifications: Earn accreditations in aquatic rescue, diving, and other specialties.
- Professional Internships: Apply your knowledge in real-world settings and build your network.
- Focus on Safety: Learn protocols and techniques to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies.
- Skills Development: Improve your communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
- Marine Sustainability: Integrate responsible practices for the conservation of the aquatic environment.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
29-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Explore the Aquatic World: Master swimming, diving, and water rescue techniques, with a focus on safety and responsible enjoyment.
- In-Depth Water Sports: Immerse yourself in surfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing, learning from the fundamentals to advanced strategies.
- Management and Leadership: Develop skills to plan, organize, and lead aquatic activities and sporting events in marine environments.
- Professional Certification: Obtain a recognized accreditation that will open doors to job opportunities in the tourism, sports, and recreation sectors.
- Practical Experience: Participate in practical sessions in the pool and open water, applying the knowledge acquired in real-world situations real.
- Get ready for an exciting and adrenaline-filled race, contributing to the well-being and enjoyment of people on the water.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of aquatic activities, human physiology and safety at sea
- Introduction to Marine Sports: Classification, Historical Evolution and Global Aquatic Recreation Trends
- Physiology of aquatic exercise: cardiovascular, respiratory and thermoregulation response in marine environments
- Marine pathophysiology: prevention and management of hypothermia, heat stroke, dehydration and cramps
- Applied oceanography: tidal analysis, coastal currents, waves, winds and reading of weather parts
- Risk Assessment: Matrix of Hazards in Beach, Breaking Areas, Cliffs and Open Sea
- Protection equipment - selection, adjustment and maintenance of life jackets, wetsuits and hulls
- Communication protocols: hand signals, whistle, beach flags and basic use of marine VHF radio
- Thermoregulation and hydration in water activities
02
Aquatic safety, water rescue and maritime first aid
- Rescue techniques: entrances to the water, approach, garbage and towing of conscious and unconscious victims
- Use of rescue material: Operational handling of rescue cans, tubes (torpedoes), reels and lifesaving tables
- First aid on the beach: primary and secondary assessment, basic life support (SVB) and use of the defibrillator (DEA)
- Drowning care: drowning rescue protocol, rescue ventilation and airway management
- First aid for marine fauna: immediate treatment for jellyfish, hedgehog, manta rays and stone fish
- Evacuation and Emergencies: Coordination with Coast Guard Services, Ambulances and Helicate Extraction Protocols
- Emergency plans: design and implementation of action protocols for sports schools and water events
- Rescue with boats and rescue boards
03
Sliding Sports Teaching and Training Methodology (Surfing, Bodyboarding, SUP)
- Surfing and Bodyboarding: Paddling Didactics, Wave Selection, Take-Off and Wave Wall Reading
- Stand Up Paddle (Sup): Efficient Paleo Technique, position, Buoy twists, Sup waves and crossings in open water
- Biomechanical analysis: posture correction, dynamic balance and weight transfer on tables
- Specific fitness: Core training, paddling power, flexibility and proprioception
- Materials and shaping: types of boards (cork, fibre, epoxy), keels, inventions (leash) and choice according to the student's level
- Organisation of classes: management of groups in the water, ratios of students per instructor and dimensioning of security zones
- Adapted inclusion: adaptation of techniques and equipment for people with disabilities in landslide sports
- Pedagogical progression in wave sports
04
Wind water sports: windsurfing, kitesurfing and wing foil
- Nautical aerodynamics: wind windows, apparent, navigation directions (tight, long, grip) and sailing theory
- Windsurfing: equipment rigged, dripped, browsing position, basic swinging and transluctuated
- Kitesurfing: Security Systems, Ground Comet Piloting, Body Drag in Water and Waterstart
- Wing Foil Fundamentals: Wing Management (Wing), Pumping with Table, Foil Takeoff and Support Control
- Wind-specific safety: self-rescue (self-rescue), kite emergency release and rig pickup
- Material maintenance: kite care, hoses, lines, harnesses, windsurfing candles and hydrofoil wings
- Session planning: evaluation of the direction and force of the wind (Beaufort Scale) and impact on navigation
- Material and safety in wind sports
05
Recreational diving, snorkeling and underwater activities
- Snorkel and recreational apnea: ear compensation techniques, previous ventilation, kidney blow and efficient descent
- Autonomous Diving Basics: Gas Physics (Boyle, Dalton, Henry Laws) and Hyperbaria Physiology
- Diving equipment: bottles, regulators, hydrostatic vest (BCD), diving computer and cutting tools
- Water diving techniques: mask emptying, regulator recovery, neutral buoyancy control and safe ascents
- Dive planning: use of diving boards and computers, non-decompression limits and safety stops
- Decompressive diseases: prevention of barotrauma, pulmonary overexpansion and management of decompression disease
- Underwater guide and leadership: group guidance techniques, air consumption control and pre-dive briefing
- Environment and Responsible Diving
06
Light navigation, sea kayaking and auxiliary boats
- Sea kayak: propulsion shovel technique, turns, props, wave paleo and schimotage manoeuvre
- Light sailing: basic manoeuvres on optimist/laser/catamaran boats, sail trim and straightening after overturning
- Pneumatic and semi-rigid boats (RHIB): handling of outboard motors, port manoeuvres and governance with surge
- Basic coastal navigation: interpretation of nautical charts, maritime beaconing (IALA system) and boarding rules (RIPA)
- Expedition Logistics: Kayak/Candle Cruise Planning, Baggage Stowage in Tambuchos Tambuchos and Overnight
- Basic maintenance of boats: fibreglass repair, plastics (polyethylene), cavalry and sailor knots
- Towing and assistance: Kayak-to-kayak trailer techniques, dump boat assistance, and crew rescue
- Kayak self-rescue techniques
07
Management of nautical centres, sporting events and marine sustainability
- Administration of nautical schools: management models, activity licences, beach concessions and municipal permits
- Fleet and inventory management: stock control of equipment, amortization plans and preventive maintenance protocols
- Organisation of nautical events: regatta logistics, surf/kitesurfing championships, maritime captaincy permits and beaconing
- Marketing and nautical sales: customer acquisition, tour packages, presence on social networks and operating seasons
- Legal Framework and Civil Liability: Rental Contracts, Waivers and Compulsory Insurance Policies
- Sustainability and Ecotourism: Beach Certification (Blue Flag), Environmental Education and Carbon Footprint Reduction
- Nautical customer service: reception protocols, management of expectations, user satisfaction and loyalty
- Insurance and licences for nautical centres
08
Capstone Project for the Management and Operation of Nautical Activities
- Conceptualization of the project: design of a nautical school, aquatic activities centre or marine tourism company
- Location and feasibility study: coastal zone analysis, predominant hydro-meteorological conditions and local demand
- Equipment and Infrastructure Plan - Selection of sports equipment, support boats and design of the beach/base zone
- Safety and Emergency Plan: Development of the Specific Risk Matrix, Evacuation Protocols and Role Assignment
- Organisation chart and staff: definition of professional profiles (instructors, lifeguards, employers) and continuous training plan
- Economic-Financial Plan: Initial Investment Calculation ($CAPEX$), Maintenance/Personal Costs ($OPEX$), Pricing and Break-Even Point
- Presentation of the project
- Final Presentation: Defence of the Operational and Management Project before a Committee of Experts of the Nautical-Sports Sector
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
Swimming instructors and lifeguards looking to expand their expertise in recreational and sporting aquatic activities at sea.Active and sports tourism professionals who wish to certify their knowledge in nautical sports and risk management in the marine environment.Students of Sports Science and Physical Activity aspiring to specialize in the aquatic and maritime sector, with a practical and u
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
- 01Mastering water rescue and salvage techniques
- 02Designing personalized training programs in water sports
- 03Manage and promote safety at aquatic facilities and marine sporting events
- 04Apply current regulations and protocols for action in aquatic activities
- 05Develop skills for teaching and training in various aquatic disciplines
- 06Assess and minimize risks inherent in aquatic activities and marine sports
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Water Activities Monitor/Instructor: teaching swimming, aquagym, surfing, paddle surfing, kayaking, and other water sports.
02Lifeguard: surveillance and rescue at beaches, swimming pools, and aquatic facilities.
03Water Activities Tour Leader: organization and facilitation of leisure and recreational activities in aquatic environments.
04Water Facilities Manager: supervision and maintenance of swimming pools, water parks, and aquatic sports centers.
05Active Tourism Technician: guiding and accompanying participants in activities such as snorkeling, diving, sea kayaking, and boat trips.
06Water Sports Event Promoter: organization and management of competitions, exhibitions, and events related to water sports.
07Personal Trainer Aquatic: Design and implementation of personalized training programs in swimming pools or the sea.
08Aquatic Safety Consultant: Risk assessment, design of safety plans, and training in aquatic accident prevention.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Aquatic and 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.
Primarily salted, with a focus on water sports.
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:Higher Technician Diploma in Physical and Sports Activities (TSAAFD) or equivalent; or Professional Certificate in Aquatic Activities and/or Aquatic Lifeguarding; or accredited professional experience in the field of aquatic activities and/or marine sports.Physical Aptitudes:Pass physical aptitude tests (endurance, strength, basic aquatic skills).Recommended Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics applied to physical activity.Basic knowledge of first aid and aquatic rescue.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of qu
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Frequently Asked Questions
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