Postgraduate Diploma in Human Factors and Bridge Procedures
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Human Factors and Bridge Procedures. 8 modules with the STCW Convention (Section A-VIII/2, watchkeeping), SOLAS Chapter V (safety of navigation) and Wärtsilä NTPRO (bridge simulator). Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Analyse the influence of human factors on maritime accidents.
Apply the principles of Bridge Resource Management (BRM).
Organise the navigational watch in accordance with the STCW Convention.
Prepare voyage plans in accordance with IMO Resolution A.893(21).
Draft bridge procedures integrated into the IGS system.
Manage emergencies from the bridge in a coordinated manner.
Design training and assessment programmes using simulators.
Who it's for
- Bridge officer wishing to specialise in Human Factors and Bridge Procedures.
- Merchant navy captain wishing to specialise in Human Factors and Bridge Procedures.
- Navigation simulator instructor wishing to specialise in Human Factors and Bridge Procedures.
- Navigation superintendent wishing to specialise in Human Factors and Bridge Procedures.
- Maritime safety inspector wishing to specialise in Human Factors and Bridge Procedures.
- Maritime human factors specialist wishing to specialise in Human Factors and Bridge Procedures.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter the maritime transport sector.
What you'll work with
- STCW Convention (Section A-VIII/2, watchkeeping)
- SOLAS Chapter V (safety of navigation)
- COLREG 1972 (Collision Regulations)
- IMO Res. A.893(21) (guidelines for voyage planning)
- IGS/ISM Code
- MSC/Circ.982 (bridge ergonomic criteria)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Human error: Reason and SHELL models1.2Analysis of maritime accidents with HFACS1.3Situational awareness and its levels1.4Mental workload and its measurement1.5Fatigue: causes and IMO MSC.1/Circ.1598 guidelines1.6Stress and decision-making under pressure1.7Complacency and overreliance on automation1.8Safety culture and just culture1.9The human dimension of the ISM Code1.10Case study: analysis of a collision using HFACS
2.1Principles of Bridge Resource Management2.2Bridge team: roles and responsibilities2.3Closed-loop communication2.4Assertiveness and challenging authority2.5Authority gradient and leadership2.6Managing team workload2.7Integrating the pilot into the bridge team2.8Effective briefings and debriefings2.9Multicultural teamwork2.10Practice: port entry briefing with the pilot
3.1STCW Convention: Section A-VIII/23.2Watch composition according to conditions3.3Watch handover and information transfer3.4Standing orders of the master3.5Night orders and logbook3.6Navigation in restricted visibility3.7Navigation in restricted waters3.8Anchoring and in-port watchkeeping3.9BNWAS and watch monitoring3.10Workshop: drafting the master's standing orders
4.1IMO Resolution A.893(21): voyage stages4.2Appraisal, planning, execution and monitoring4.3Safety margins and contours4.4No-go areas and points of no return4.5ECDIS planning and verification4.6Tides, currents and meteorology4.7Traffic separation schemes and SOLAS V4.8Voyage contingency plans4.9Monitoring and deviations from the plan4.10Practice: port-to-port voyage plan
5.1Bridge checklists (ICS Bridge Procedures Guide)5.2Departure and arrival preparation5.3Berthing and unberthing manoeuvres5.4Application of the COLREG5.5Use of radar and ARPA in collision avoidance5.6VHF communications and SMCP standard phrases5.7Equipment and steering tests5.8Ice navigation procedures5.9Procedures in high-risk areas5.10Workshop: port arrival checklist
6.1Emergency management on the bridge6.2Steering and propulsion failure6.3Blackout and power recovery6.4Man overboard: Williamson and Anderson manoeuvres6.5Grounding and collision: first actions6.6Fire and coordination with the engine room6.7Search and rescue according to IAMSAR6.8Communication with authorities and the owner6.9Decision-making in crisis6.10Case study: managing a blackout in restricted waters
7.1Bridge simulators and DNV ST-0033 standard7.2Designing simulation scenarios7.3Assessment of non-technical skills (NOTECHS)7.4Behavioural observation and markers7.5Structured debriefing after simulation7.6Onboard mentoring programmes7.7Navigation audits7.8Bridge performance indicators7.9Continuous improvement and lessons learned7.10Practice: BRM simulation scenario
8.1Diagnosis of current practices8.2Human factors risk analysis8.3Design of procedures and checklists8.4Watchkeeping organisation plan8.5BRM training programme8.6Simulation scenarios8.7Indicators and audit8.8Implementation plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Wärtsilä NTPRO (bridge simulator), Kongsberg K-Sim Navigation, advanced Microsoft Excel, training ECDIS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Trials are studied using real manoeuvring and navigation simulator procedures, bridge resource management exercises and analysis of real incidents. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Analyse the influence of human factors on maritime accidents.
Apply the principles of Bridge Resource Management (BRM).
Organise the navigational watch in accordance with the STCW Convention.
Prepare voyage plans in accordance with IMO Resolution A.893(21).
Draft bridge procedures integrated into the IGS system.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with full-time work.
You work with Wärtsilä NTPRO (bridge simulator), Kongsberg K-Sim Navigation, advanced Microsoft Excel and training ECDIS. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit recognition policy when you enrol.
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