Description
Marine Environmental Awareness (MEA) – 2026 Edition
Protecting the marine environment starts with everyday decisions
From handling waste and preventing fuel spills to recognising the environmental consequences of ballast water and air emissions, every seafarer has a role in protecting the sea.
Marine Pro Academy’s Marine Environmental Awareness – 2026 Edition develops the knowledge and judgement needed to recognise environmental risks, prevent pollution and support responsible maritime operations.
The course follows the themes of IMO Model Course 1.38, connecting environmental awareness with practical shipboard responsibilities and relevant international maritime requirements.
IMO references and regulatory framework
The programme draws on IMO Model Course 1.38 – Marine Environmental Awareness, relevant STCW environmental competence expectations, and the principal international frameworks governing pollution prevention and marine environmental protection, including:
- MARPOL Annexes I–VI
- Ballast Water Management Convention
- Anti-fouling Systems Convention
- Hong Kong Convention on safe and environmentally sound ship recycling
- Relevant IMO guidance on biofouling, energy efficiency and environmental management
Learners explore how international requirements work alongside flag-state instructions, coastal and port requirements, and the vessel’s Safety Management System.
What you will learn
Develop a practical understanding of how to:
- Recognise the importance of marine ecosystems and the consequences of pollution.
- Identify environmental risks arising from routine operations and emergencies.
- Support pollution prevention during fuel transfers, machinery operations and cargo handling.
- Apply responsible sewage, garbage and hazardous-waste management practices.
- Understand the environmental significance of air emissions, fuel use and energy efficiency.
- Recognise invasive-species risks associated with ballast water and hull biofouling.
- Respond appropriately to pollution incidents through safe action, reporting and approved procedures.
- Understand the purpose of environmental records, hazardous-material inventories and responsible ship recycling.
- Contribute to an environmental culture built on accountability, accurate reporting and continual improvement.
Practical maritime learning
The course connects environmental principles with realistic situations encountered at sea and in port.
Scenario exercises explore decisions such as responding to a bunkering alarm, managing a ballast-treatment malfunction, preventing contaminated runoff and reporting an environmental incident.
The emphasis is on recognising risk early, following approved procedures and taking responsible action within the learner’s assigned duties.
Who is this course for?
Suitable for seafarers, cadets, deck and engine personnel, cruise and hospitality crew, supervisors and other maritime professionals who need a stronger understanding of shipboard environmental responsibilities.
Course format and assessment
Duration: 5 hours
Training is delivered online through the Marine Pro Academy Learning Hub, allowing learners to study at their own pace.
The programme includes structured learning, practical scenarios, knowledge checks and a final assessment.
Panama Approved Certification
Upon successful completion of the required training and assessments, and verification of the required learner information and documents, learners receive the applicable Panama-approved Marine Environmental Awareness certificate.
Certificate processing: Please allow up to 48 hours after successful completion and receipt of all required documents, subject to the issuing authority’s verification and approval process. Time zones and office hours apply. Same-day issuance cannot be guaranteed.
Applying your learning onboard
The course supports informed environmental decisions and responsible working practices. Learners must follow their vessel’s approved procedures, Safety Management System and applicable flag, port and coastal-state requirements.







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