Maritime Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Communication Masterclass

Emergency response, crisis communication, and regulatory compliance for shipping

Claim 5 CPD Points

Platform:

Online

In-class

Revised and Updated: 23 October 2026

Date	Venue	Duration
07 - 11 December 2026	Sandton, Gauteng	5 Days
08 - 12 March 2027	Sandton, Gauteng	5 Days
03 - 07 May 2027	Sandton, Gauteng	5 Days
12 - 16 July 2027	Sandton, Gauteng	5 Days
06 - 10 September 2027	Sandton, Gauteng	5 Days

Course Introduction

Shipping operates in a demanding environment of fires, collisions, groundings, pollution, piracy, medical emergencies, cyber attacks, and extreme weather. When an incident happens, the speed and quality of the first hours decide how many lives are protected, how much damage is done, and how the company is judged by crews, families, regulators, insurers, customers, and the public.

This five-day masterclass equips shipping leaders and operational teams to plan for emergencies, run an effective response, and communicate clearly in a crisis. It covers the main regulatory frameworks (the ISM Code, ISPS Code, SOLAS, MARPOL, and the Maritime Labour Convention), emergency response plans, incident command systems for ship and shore teams, communication protocols, media management, practical emergency management, drills and lessons learned, the legal, financial, and insurance side of an incident, and business continuity.

Through scenario-based exercises, simulations, role-plays, and real maritime case studies, participants practise leading under pressure and working as one team across ship and shore. The course also looks at human factors, crew welfare, and the use of digital tools and AI in emergency preparedness.

Participants receive a Prospen Africa certificate of completion. This course does not replace statutory safety, security, or STCW training. Regulations and incident patterns change, so examples are updated to current positions at delivery. Legal content is general guidance and is not legal advice.

Course Objectives

By the end of this masterclass, participants will be able to:

Explain the core principles of maritime emergency preparedness and crisis management

Apply international regulations and industry standards to emergency planning

Develop and implement effective shipboard and shore-based emergency response plans

Lead and coordinate a response through an incident command system under pressure

Plan and carry out crisis communication and stakeholder engagement, including with the media and with the families of seafarers

Address the legal, financial, insurance, and reputational challenges of an incident

Plan for business continuity and recovery

Use technology and digital tools to improve situational awareness and training

Plan and run effective drills and exercises, and apply lessons learned

Build a proactive, resilient safety culture with a focus on continuous improvement

Who should attend?

Shipping Company Executives and Owners

Designated Persons Ashore (DPAs) and Company Security Officers (CSOs)

Vessel Masters and Chief Mates

Shore-Based Operations Staff and Marine Superintendents

Emergency Response Team Members (Shore and Shipboard)

Public Relations and Communications Managers

Maritime Legal and Insurance Professionals

Training Methodology

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.
– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.
– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.
– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.
– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.
– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Training Outline

5-Day Programme Outline

Day 1 — Foundations, Regulation and Emergency Response Plans

Module 1: Foundations of Maritime Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management

The maritime risk landscape: trends and threats, including fires (container, vehicle, and battery fires), collisions and groundings, cargo loss, piracy, satellite navigation interference, cyber attack, and extreme weather
The value of preparedness: lessons from real incidents, such as the Wakashio grounding off Mauritius (2020), the X-Press Pearl fire and spill off Sri Lanka (2021), and the Dali bridge strike in Baltimore (2024); examples refreshed at delivery
Definitions: emergencies, crises, and incident response in maritime contexts
Building a safety and resilience culture at sea and ashore
Practical Exercise: analyse a real incident timeline and identify where preparation made or would have made a difference

Module 2: Regulatory and Industry Standards Framework

Overview: the ISM Code (emergency preparedness and the Designated Person Ashore), ISPS Code, SOLAS, MARPOL, OPRC, and the ILO Maritime Labour Convention
Recent changes: SOLAS amendments in force from 1 January 2026, including fire safety in ro-ro and vehicle spaces on new ships and mandatory reporting of lost or drifting containers
Flag state, port state, coastal state, and international agency roles; casualty reporting and investigation requirements
Emerging regulatory trends: cyber, environmental, and social governance
The South African framework, including SAMSA, the maritime rescue coordination centre, and the National Sea Rescue Institute (confirm current detail)
Integrating regulatory compliance with practical preparedness
Practical Exercise: map the emergency-related legal obligations of a sample ship and company, and who must be notified for each type of incident

Module 3: Designing Effective Emergency Response Plans (ERP)

Components of robust shipboard and shore-based ERPs: muster lists, emergency contacts, shipboard oil pollution and security plans, and access to emergency response and salvage support
Scenario-based planning: fire, collision, grounding, pollution, piracy, medical, and security incidents, plus blackout and loss of propulsion, cargo and battery fires, and cyber incidents
Aligning ERPs with Safety Management Systems (SMS)
Document management, updates, and change control
Practical Exercise: tabletop exercise: draft and stress-test an emergency response plan for a sample ship and scenario

Day 2 — Incident Command and Crisis Communication

Module 4: Incident Command System (ICS) and Crisis Team Operations

ICS structure: roles, responsibilities, and communication flows
Forming and training the Incident Management Team (IMT)
Rapid situation assessment and decision-making under pressure
Seamless coordination between shipboard and shore-based response, and with authorities, rescue coordination centres, and responders
Practical Exercise: live simulation: manage a crisis scenario as an incident management team

Module 5: Crisis Communication Excellence

Principles of crisis communication: clarity, consistency, empathy, and timeliness
Stakeholder mapping and priority communications: families, crew, authorities, insurers, customers, and the media
Pre-approved statements and message control
Building a communication tree and notification protocols
Managing internal communications with crew, families, and staff, and handling information on casualties and next of kin with care for privacy law
Practical Exercise: hands-on workshop: draft and deliver crisis messages for different audiences

Day 3 — Media, Reputation and Practical Emergency Management

Module 6: Media Management and Reputational Risk Control

Navigating the media landscape: traditional and social media, and the speed of misinformation, including manipulated and AI-generated content
Spokesperson skills: briefings, press releases, and interviews; avoiding speculation and admissions of liability, and working with legal advisers and the P&I club
Proactive and reactive media strategies
Crisis communication on social media: dos and don'ts
Rebuilding reputation: post-incident media relations and stakeholder engagement
Practical Exercise: role-play: handle a media briefing during a maritime crisis

Module 7: Practical Management of Maritime Emergencies

Action protocols for collisions, groundings, fires, flooding, and pollution; lessons from container, vehicle, and battery fires
Search and rescue (SAR) coordination and mass casualty scenarios
Anti-piracy and maritime security response, including industry best management practices and reporting to regional centres; the current piracy picture, refreshed at delivery
Managing medical emergencies on board, including radio medical advice
Practical Exercise: drill: respond to a complex, multi-faceted maritime incident

Day 4 — Human Factors, Drills and Lessons Learned

Module 8: Human Factors, Leadership and Stress Management in Crisis

Human behaviour in emergencies: leadership and team dynamics
Managing stress and fatigue in high-pressure events
Crew resource management (CRM) in incident response
Psychological first aid and post-incident support, including seafarer welfare and fair treatment of seafarers after an accident
Practical Exercise: practical exercise: lead a team through a high-stress situation and review decision-making

Module 9: Emergency Drills, Exercises and Lessons Learned

Designing realistic drills: tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises; drills required under SOLAS, the ISM Code, and the ISPS Code
Briefing, execution, and debriefing to maximise learning
Capturing and applying lessons learned: the continuous improvement loop
Regulatory requirements for training and documentation
Case study review: successful emergency exercises in shipping
Practical Exercise: plan a year of drills and exercises for a sample ship and shore team, with objectives and debrief format for each

Day 5 — Legal and Financial Impact, Continuity, Technology and Leadership

Module 10: Legal, Financial and Insurance Aspects, and Business Continuity

Legal liabilities: pollution, personal injury, and regulatory breach; criminal liability and the treatment of seafarers
Maritime insurance: the claims process, protection and indemnity (P&I), hull and machinery (H&M), general average, and salvage
Financial impact assessment: direct, indirect, and hidden costs
Preparing for regulatory investigations and audits; protecting organisational value and stakeholder trust
Business continuity plans (BCP) for shipping operations; strategies for fast recovery and service restoration
Long-term reputation and operational recovery; industry case studies of major disruptions
Practical Exercise: estimate the full cost of a sample casualty and draft the first steps of a continuity plan

Module 11: Technology, Digital Tools and Future Trends

Digital solutions for emergency management: real-time tracking and remote monitoring
Simulation, virtual reality (VR), and e-learning for crisis training
Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics for risk management, and their limits
Cyber security as a maritime emergency
The role of autonomous ships and drones in future emergency response
Foresight: the impact of climate change, new fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen, and other evolving risks
Practical Exercise: assess one digital tool for your own emergency response and set out its benefits, risks, and training needs

Module 12: Strategic Crisis Leadership and Organisational Resilience

Leading through crisis: vision, decision-making, and communication
Developing a resilient maritime organisation: culture, systems, and strategy
Self-assessment: evaluating your organisation's emergency preparedness
Review of key learning outcomes, group discussion, and certificate of completion
Practical Exercise: complete a self-assessment of your organisation's preparedness and agree three priority actions

The course instructor may adjust the programme for technical reasons, but the course objectives will always be met. The twelve modules are spread over five days.

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FAQs – Maritime Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Communication Masterclass

Master maritime emergency preparedness and crisis communication, learning emergency response planning, risk assessment, crisis coordination, effective communication strategies, incident management, stakeholder engagement, and practical techniques for managing maritime emergencies and ensuring operational safety.

What topics are covered in the Maritime Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Communication Masterclass?

The course covers maritime incident command systems, search and rescue (SAR) coordination, marine oil spill and environmental emergency response, vessel distress protocol management, media handling under high pressure, crisis communication frameworks, and post-incident reputation management.

Who should attend the Maritime Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Communication Masterclass?

This masterclass is designed for maritime operations directors, designated persons ashore (DPAs), port captains, emergency response coordinators, corporate communications specialists, harbour masters, and offshore health, safety, and environment (HSE) managers.

What skills will delegates develop through the Maritime Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Communication Masterclass?

Delegates develop practical skills in leading emergency response teams, formulating robust incident action plans, conducting media briefings during maritime disasters, managing multi-agency stakeholder communications, and applying the International Safety Management (ISM) Code for crisis readiness.

How long does the Maritime Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Communication Masterclass take to complete?

The course is delivered as an intensive short-course executive programme, with the exact duration determined by the scheduled masterclass calendar and specific client organizational requirements.

Does this course include practical crisis simulation and media interview scenarios?

Yes. The masterclass includes hands-on table-top exercises, live crisis simulation scenarios, and practical media interview training to prepare leaders for real-world maritime emergencies and public scrutiny.

Can Prospen Africa deliver the Maritime Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Communication Masterclass in-house?

Yes. Prospen Africa can deliver this masterclass on-site or in-house, tailoring emergency response scenarios, media protocols, and incident simulation exercises directly to your company's vessel fleet, port operations, or offshore facilities.

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Maritime Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Communication Masterclass

Emergency response, crisis communication, and regulatory compliance for shipping

Course Objectives

Who should attend?

Course Outline

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Course Introduction

Course Objectives

Who should attend?

Training Methodology

Training Outline

5-Day Programme Outline

Course Categories

Course Registration Guide

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FAQs – Maritime Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Communication Masterclass

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