On the basis of the Senate decision from February 25, 2011, the Department is a representative of the lifelong education program called Special Education Program for Seafarers. Similar program was launched at other maritime higher education insitutions (Faculty of Maritime Studies in Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies in Split and the Maritime Department of the University of Dubrovnik). Teachers and external associates of the Department were entrusted with teaching activities within this program.

The program was organized is accordance with the Ordinance amendments to the Ordinance on Vocations and Certificates of Competencies for Seafarers (OG 142/10). Study courses encompass obligatory contents according to the Convention STCW 78/95 i.e. the Ordinance on Vocations and Certificates of Competencies for Seafarers at Merchant Navy Ships of the Republic of Croatia.

After the attendants of the program had passed all exams, they may take an exam with the Department approval for the highest vocations in accordance with the Maritime Law (OG 181/04, 76/07, 146/08, i 61/11) and Ordinance on Amendments to the Ordinance on Vocations and Certificates of Competencies for Seafarers (OG 142/10). At the end of the program the attendant receives a certificate.