Diploma in Onboard Hospitality Services
Why this certificate program?
The Diploma in Onboard Hospitality Services
This program prepares you to excel in the demanding maritime hospitality industry, offering comprehensive training in food and beverage management, luxury customer service, and international protocol. Learn to create memorable experiences for passengers and crew, mastering the skills necessary for the efficient and profitable operation of hospitality services on cruise ships, yachts, and other vessels. This program addresses the specific characteristics of the maritime environment, including safety and hygiene regulations, resource management in confined spaces, and adaptation to diverse cultures.
Differentiating Advantages
- Professional Certification: Earn a recognized credential that will boost your career in the maritime sector.
- Hands-on Experience: Participate in real-world simulations and case studies to apply your knowledge in challenging situations.
- Strategic Networking: Connect with leading industry professionals and expand your career opportunities.
- Global Focus: Develop intercultural skills to serve clients worldwide with excellence.
- Flexible Scheduling: Learn at your own pace with our online platform and interactive virtual sessions.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Diplomado
- Hours: 800 H
- Start date: 01-10-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Cruise ship, hotel ship, and ferry crew members looking to refine skills in customer service, food and beverage service, and onboard event management.
- Staff at maritime restaurants, bars, and casinos wanting to delve deeper into signature cocktails, food and beverage pairing, and food safety and hygiene protocols at sea.
- Supervisors and managers in marine hospitality needing to optimize personnel management, cost control, and marketing strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Service providers and consultants in the maritime industry interested in understanding market trends, international regulations, and best practices in onboard hospitality.
- Tourism and hospitality students seeking advanced specialization Value-driven approach focused on the maritime sector, with simulated practices and real-world case studies.
Flexibility for those on board
Adapted to rotating schedules: asynchronous online classes, active discussion forums, and personalized tutoring to answer questions at any time.
Objectives and competencies
Managing the onboard customer experience:
“Anticipating and resolving needs, applying service protocols and effective communication to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty throughout the journey.”
Mastering service and security protocols in mobile hospitality environments:
“Implement food hygiene (HACCP) and occupational safety protocols adapted to confined spaces and transport, guaranteeing traceability and control of specific risks of mobile operations.”
Coordinate the logistics of food and beverages, ensuring quality and freshness:
“Implement food hygiene and safety protocols (HACCP), monitoring the cold chain and proper storage, to prevent risks and ensure safety.”
Monitor and maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards in onboard catering facilities:
“Implement and verify cleaning and disinfection protocols according to current regulations and HACCP, managing product stock and staff training.”
Managing work teams, fostering efficiency and a positive work environment:
Implement agile methodologies, promote effective communication and resolve conflicts constructively, ensuring a climate of trust and mutual respect.
Applying professional culinary techniques in small spaces, optimizing resources and minimizing waste:
“Efficiently, by adapting standard preparations, using multifunctional equipment, and prioritizing food hygiene.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Customer Service: Key Concepts and Their Importance
- Effective Communication: Active Listening, Empathy, and Assertiveness Skills
- Business Protocol: Rules of Courtesy, Professional Image, and Formal Communication
- The Importance of Brand Image: How Customer Service Impacts It
- Types of Customers: Identification and Personalized Service Strategies
- Managing Customer Expectations: Exceeding Their Needs and Building Loyalty
- The Complaint Process: Reception, Analysis, Resolution, and Follow-up
- Tools for Complaint Management: CRM Software, Databases, and Templates
- Conflict Resolution Techniques: Negotiation, mediation, and escalation.
- Measuring Customer Satisfaction: Surveys, metrics, and results analysis.
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- Introduction to VIP Hospitality: Concept, evolution, and trends.
- VIP Client Psychology: Motivations, expectations, and needs.
- Effective Communication: Active listening, verbal and nonverbal language in VIP environments.
- Protocol and Etiquette: Rules of courtesy, precedence, and treatment in formal and informal situations.
- Personal and Professional Image Management: Attire, behavior, and online presence.
- Personalized Attention: Creating unique and memorable experiences for VIP clients.
- Complaint Resolution and Crisis Management: Techniques for handling difficult situations with demanding clients.
- Security and Privacy: Protecting information and ensuring the well-being of VIP clients.
- Knowledge of the Environment: Culture, art, Gastronomy and events relevant to the VIP client.
- Loyalty and Long-Term Relationships: Strategies to maintain the loyalty and trust of VIP clients.
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- Introduction to Maritime Hospitality: Characteristics and particularities of the sector.
- Fundamentals of Event Management: Key concepts, types of events.
- Protocol in Events: Basic regulations, precedence, and treatment of guests.
- Planning and Design of Maritime Events: Objectives, target audience, budget, and timeline.
- Unique Spaces in Maritime Environments: Adaptation and utilization of resources.
- Catering and Gastronomy in Nautical Events: Culinary offerings and pairings.
- Communication and Promotion of Events: Marketing and public relations strategies.
- Logistics and Security in Events
Aquatic Activities: Risk and Emergency Management.
Legal Aspects and Specific Regulations: Permits, Licenses, and Insurance.
Post-Event Evaluation and Analysis: Measuring Results and Continuous Improvement.
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- Fundamentals of Customer Service: importance, types of customers, expectations
- Effective Communication: active listening, empathy, assertiveness, verbal and non-verbal language
- Business Protocol: rules of courtesy, personal image, formal and informal communication
- Managing Brand Image and Online Reputation: social media and digital channels
- Sales and Loyalty Techniques: upselling, cross-selling, loyalty programs
- Managing Complaints and Claims: identification, analysis, resolution, and follow-up
- Types of Difficult Customers: handling conflict situations and negotiation
- Customer Service Tools and Channels: telephone, email, chat, social media, CRM
- Measuring Customer Satisfaction: surveys, performance indicators (KPIs)
- Continuous service improvement: results analysis, feedback, and action plans
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- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Customer Service in Maritime Hospitality: Specifics and Challenges.
- Effective Communication: Active Listening, Empathy, and Assertiveness Skills.
- Customer Typology: Identifying Needs and Expectations.
- Customer Service Protocol: Greeting, Introduction, Farewell, and Follow-up.
- Complaint and Claim Management: Analysis, Resolution, and Continuous Improvement.
- The Service Cycle: Identifying Critical Points and Opportunities for Improvement.
- Conflict Resolution Techniques: Negotiation, Mediation, and Solution-Seeking.
- Managing Frustration and Stress in High-Pressure Situations.
- Communication Tools and Channels: Telephone, Email, Social Media, and Online Platforms.
- Regulations and Legislation Applicable to Protection of the consumer in the maritime sector.
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Career opportunities
- Train Waiter/Waitress: Customer service, food and beverage service on long-distance and short-distance trains.
- Flight Attendant: Onboard service on airlines, passenger and crew safety.
- Cruise Ship Staff: Various positions on cruise ships (waiters, entertainers, cleaning staff, etc.).
- Ferry Ship Staff: Customer service, food and beverage service, safety on passenger and vehicle ferries.
- Onboard Catering Manager: Management and coordination of catering services on different modes of transport.
- Onboard Sommelier: Serving and recommending wines and other beverages on luxury cruise ships and trains.
- Ship or Train Governor: Supervision and management of Cleanliness and order in cabins and common areas.
Onboard social and cultural entertainer: Organization and development of entertainment activities for passengers.
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Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
Documentation:
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Premium Experience: Master the art of providing exceptional hospitality service in exclusive onboard environments.
- Operations Management: Learn to optimize the efficiency and profitability of food, accommodation, and entertainment services.
- Intercultural Skills: Develop the sensitivity and skills necessary to interact with guests and crew members of diverse nationalities.
- Safety and Regulations: Understand the essential maritime safety regulations and protocols for professional and responsible performance.
- Global Opportunities: Prepare for an exciting career on cruise ships, luxury yachts, and other high-end vessels worldwide.
Testimonials
“The Diploma in Onboard Hospitality Services exceeded my expectations. I acquired practical skills in customer service, food and beverage management, protocol, and onboard safety, which allowed me to secure a position as a cabin supervisor on a major cruise line. The comprehensive training and practical approach of the diploma were key to my professional success.”
The Diploma in Tourism & Nautical Services exceeded my expectations. I gained in-depth knowledge of nautical business management, maritime law, and tourism marketing strategies, which enabled me to secure a position as operations manager at a major marina. The onboard training and interaction with industry professionals were key to my professional development.
This diploma program provided me with the necessary tools to excel in my current role. I learned to anticipate passenger needs, efficiently manage onboard resources, and deliver exceptional service, resulting in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction according to post-flight surveys.
This diploma program provided me with the necessary tools to excel in my onboard position. I applied the service techniques I learned, resulting in a significant increase in customer satisfaction and recognition from my superiors for my professionalism and efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
Hospitality sector, specifically in cruises or 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.
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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to Safety and Hygiene in Maritime Hospitality: Legal and Regulatory Framework
- Occupational Risks in the Maritime Environment: Identification and Assessment
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Selection, Use, and Maintenance
- Prevention of Ergonomic Risks: Load Handling, Postures, and Repetitive Movements
- Food Safety on Board: Hygiene, Handling, and Food Preservation
- Pest and Vector Control: Disinfection, Insect Control, and Rodent Control
- Waste Management on Board: Classification, Storage, and Disposal
- First Aid and Emergency Response: First Aid Kit, CPR, and Evacuation
- Fire Prevention and Suppression: Equipment, Detection Systems, and Extinguishing Systems
- Emergency and Evacuation: Drills, Roles, and Responsibilities
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Request information
Complete the Application Form.
Attach your CV/degree certificate (if you have it to hand).
Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you would like the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
An academic advisor will contact you within 24–48 hours to guide you through the admission process, scholarships, and compatibility with your professional schedule.
Faculty
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.