This course provides a broad introduction to the many ways the seas are utilized across various sectors. It is open to participants from all backgrounds who are interested in understanding maritime operations and their wider impact. Key themes include maritime economics, sustainability, safety, and selected technical topics. The course emphasizes how responsible and innovative maritime practices can contribute to societal well-being and global progress, with particular attention to the role of marine technology and regulation in advancing sustainable blue growth.

Syllabus

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, the student:

Identifies how trends related to technology, economy, and the environment influence the use of the seas.
Describes how societal needs are connected to the use of the seas and explains how this is reflected in different types of operations and technical solutions, taking into account both economic and technical perspectives.
Explains how and why society regulates the use of the seas and related operations, considering aspects related to freedom, environmental footprint, and safety.

Content and Schedule

The course explores the responsible use of the seas through three main themes: the needs of society, technology and the marine environment, and sustainability, risks, and regulation. Video lectures cover topics such as:

Global Maritime Trade
Maritime Economics
Sustainability
Operations in Ice-Infested Waters
Marine Engineering
Ships and Offshore Assets
Safety and Environmental Impact
Policy and Regulation
Creativity

The content encourages learners to reflect on how different sectors and innovations shape the future use of the seas.

The course includes approximately 27 hours of study, which corresponds to 1 ECTS credit. It consists of 22 video lectures, each lasting between 11 and 27 minutes, along with quizzes and reflection tasks that support learning. The course videos and assignments are in English, and all videos have subtitles in English, Finnish, and Swedish.

You can complete the course at your own pace, either by spreading the content over several weeks or by following a more focused schedule. The license is valid for 90 days after purchase. To finish the course and receive a certificate, you need to watch all videos, complete the quizzes with a minimum score of 75 percent, and submit all reflection tasks.

For Whom?

This course is ideal for individuals who are new to maritime topics or professionals seeking a broader understanding of ocean use and sustainability. It suits early-career professionals, students, and those working in fields such as logistics, environmental management, marine technology, or public policy. It is also relevant for professionals in companies or organizations that are connected to maritime operations, trade, or sustainability goals, regardless of their technical background.