Diploma in Safety on Board Yachts
Why this certificate program?
The Diploma in Onboard Yacht Safety
This program prepares you to face the challenges and responsibilities of safety in recreational boating. Learn about risk prevention, emergency procedures, and the use of essential safety equipment. This program will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect the crew, the vessel, and the marine environment.
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Approach: Emergency simulations and safety exercises.
- Industry Experts: Instructors with extensive experience in maritime safety and yacht navigation.
- Regulatory Compliance: Up-to-date knowledge of safety regulations and standards.
- Comprehensive Training: From fire prevention to sea rescue.
- Recognized Certification: Validates your competence in yacht safety.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Diplomado
- Hours: 800 H
- Start date: 19-06-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Yacht crew members seeking certification in maritime safety, first aid, and fire prevention.
- Yacht owners interested in ensuring the safety of their vessels, passengers, and crew.
- Job seekers on yachts who need comprehensive safety training to excel in the industry.
- Marina and shipyard personnel who wish to expand their knowledge of onboard safety and emergency protocols.
- Sailing enthusiasts looking to acquire essential skills for safe and responsible sailing.
Study flexibility:
Designed to adapt to your pace: online platform 24/7, downloadable material and personalized tutoring.
Objectives and competencies

Effectively manage emergency situations:
“Prioritize the safety of the crew, the vessel, and the environment by applying standardized emergency procedures and communicating effectively with the relevant authorities.”

Apply current maritime regulations and legislation:
“Interpret and apply regulations on maritime safety, pollution prevention and protection of the marine environment, adapting to legislative updates and relevant case law.”

Perform safety inspections and preventive maintenance:
“Identify risks, apply checklists and procedures, and accurately document findings to ensure the safe and continuous operation of equipment.”

Coordinate the safety of the crew and passengers:
“Manage emergencies, applying safety and evacuation procedures, coordinating internal and external communication.”

Operate advanced communication and navigation systems:
Interpret and act on radar/ARPA/ECDIS information efficiently and safely, integrating it with information from other sources (AIS, NAVTEX, etc.) and communicating it to the bridge.

Implement fire and breakdown safety protocols:
“Following maritime safety procedures and company standards, acting quickly and efficiently in emergency communication and activation of fire suppression systems.”
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 Maritime Security: Threats and Vulnerabilities
- International and National Legal Framework: Conventions, Codes, and Relevant Legislation
- Risk Assessment in the Maritime Environment: Identification, Analysis, and Evaluation
- Ship Security Plans (ISPS): Development, Implementation, and Maintenance
- Access Control and Perimeter Security: Procedures and Technologies
- Onboard Emergencies: Types, Response Plans, and Drills
- Safety and Security Equipment: Use, Maintenance, and Regulations
- Onboard Fire Prevention: Detection Systems, Extinguishing Systems, and Procedures
- First Aid and Medical Assistance in Emergency Situations
- Emergency Communication: Protocols, Equipment, and Coordination with authorities.
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- Legal Framework and Regulations: International conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW), national and international legislation.
- Risk Assessment: Hazard identification, vulnerability analysis, and consequence assessment.
- Preventive Measures: Access controls, surveillance, lighting, and physical and electronic barriers.
- Maritime Security Plans: Development, implementation, and maintenance of security plans on board and in port facilities.
- Emergency Response: Contingency plans, evacuation procedures, and emergency communication.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Selection, use, maintenance, and proper storage.
- Firefighting: Prevention, detection, and suppression of fires on board and in port facilities.
- First Aid and Rescue: First aid techniques, water rescue, and sea survival.
- Crisis Management: Communication in crisis situations, information management, and coordination with authorities.
- Drills and Exercises: Planning, execution, and evaluation of drills to improve emergency response and maritime security.
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- Introduction to Maritime Security: International and National Legal Framework
- The ISPS Code: Objectives, Requirements, and Responsibilities
- Maritime Security Assessment: Identifying Threats and Vulnerabilities
- Levels of Maritime Security: Implementing Proportional Security Measures
- Development and Implementation of the Ship Security Plan (ISPS)
- Ship Security Officer (SSO): Roles and Training
- Company Security Officer (CSO): Responsibilities and Coordination
- Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO): Collaboration and Liaison
- Access Control and Surveillance in Port Facilities and Vessels
- Response to Threats and Illicit Acts: Emergency Procedures and Coordination with Authorities
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- Introduction to Comprehensive Security: Concepts, Principles, and Evolution
- International and National Maritime Legislation: Conventions, Codes, and Regulations
- Risk Analysis in the Maritime Environment: Identification, Assessment, and Management
- Threats to Maritime Security: Piracy, Terrorism, Organized Crime, Stowaways
- Protection of Ships and Port Facilities: Preventive and Reactive Measures
- Contingency Plans and Emergency Drills: Organization, Implementation, and Evaluation
- Personal and Collective Protective Equipment: Selection, Use, and Maintenance
- First Aid and Basic Life Support in the Maritime Environment: Protocols and Procedures
- Communication in Emergency Situations: Systems, Protocols, and coordination
- Investigation of maritime incidents and accidents: methodology and report writing
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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.
- International and national legal framework for maritime security
- Threats to maritime security: piracy, terrorism, stowaways, illicit trafficking
- Protection of port facilities: risk assessment, protection plans
- Emergency management on board: fires, floods, abandonment of ship
- Crowd control and crisis management: communication, leadership, persuasion techniques
- First aid and basic life support: action protocols, necessary materials
- Marine firefighting: strategies, equipment, extinguishing techniques
- Maritime salvage: search and rescue, coordination, procedures
- Marine pollution: prevention, response, contingency plans
- Occupational health and safety on board: risks, preventive measures, regulations
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Career opportunities
- Safety Deck Crew Member: Responsible for onboard safety, emergency response, fire control, and first aid.
- Safety Officer (SSO) onboard: Responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the Yacht Safety Plan (SSP), as well as crew safety training.
- Yacht Skipper/Captain (Skills Development): Expanding knowledge in risk management, safety, and emergency response to improve navigational safety.
- Maritime Safety Instructor: Qualified to teach courses on onboard safety, first aid, firefighting, and survival at sea.
- Yacht Safety Consultant: Risk assessment, development of safety plans, and recommendations to improve yacht safety.
- Safety Equipment Maintenance Technician: Responsible for the maintenance and inspection of safety equipment such as life rafts, fire extinguishers, and communication equipment.
Yacht charter company personnel: responsible for yacht safety and training clients on safety procedures.
Maritime safety inspector: conducts safety inspections on yachts to ensure compliance with current regulations.
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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
- Comprehensive Safety Mastery: Learn to identify and mitigate specific risks on recreational yachts.
- Emergency Protocols: Acquire the skills to respond effectively to fires, shipwrecks, and other critical situations.
- Maritime Legislation: Understand the international and local regulations governing yacht safety.
- Safety Management: Implement proactive safety systems to protect the crew, passengers, and vessel.
- Advanced First Aid: Obtain certification to provide emergency medical care in remote maritime environments.
Testimonials
This course exceeded my expectations. I gained essential practical and theoretical knowledge for onboard safety, from first aid and fire prevention to navigation in adverse conditions and emergency management. I feel much more confident and prepared to navigate responsibly and handle any situation at sea.
This diploma provided me with the skills and knowledge necessary to operate yachts and recreational vessels safely and efficiently. I mastered navigation, mechanics, meteorology, and maritime regulations, which allowed me to obtain my certification and secure a job as a yacht captain in the Mediterranean.
This course exceeded my expectations. I not only acquired solid theoretical knowledge about maritime safety, navigation, and first aid, but the practical exercises on the yacht allowed me to apply what I learned in real-life situations. Now I feel much more confident and prepared to sail and handle any eventuality on board.
This diploma program exceeded my expectations. I gained solid theoretical and practical knowledge of maritime safety, navigation, first aid, and emergency management, which allowed me to obtain my certification and feel fully prepared to handle any situation on board. The quality of the instructors and the practical exercises at sea were exceptional.
Frequently asked questions
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.
It depends on the specific diploma program, but it generally does include a module on first aid and basic medical care at sea.
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.
- Security Fundamentals: Key concepts, principles, and regulations.
- Threat Identification: Types of threats (physical, logical, human), vulnerability analysis, and risk assessment.
- Physical Access Control: Identification systems, perimeter barriers, surveillance, visitor management.
- Logical Access Control: Authentication, authorization, identity and privilege management, password policies.
- Perimeter Security: Intrusion detection, alarm systems, lighting, CCTV.
- Emergency Response: Emergency plans, evacuation, first aid, communication.
- Basic Cybersecurity: Protection against malware, phishing, social engineering, network security.
- Information Security: Information classification, security policies, data protection.
- Awareness and Training: Employee awareness programs, drills, and exercises.
- Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Regulatory compliance regarding security and data protection.
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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
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor