This self-led online course introduces the principles and practical application of potable water safety on passenger ships, based on the 3rd Edition of the European Manual for Hygiene Standards and Communicable Disease Surveillance on Passenger Ships (EU SHIPSAN ACT).

On cruise ships, thousands of passengers and crew rely on a shared water supply for drinking, food preparation, bathing, and cleaning. Because ships are enclosed environments, even minor lapses in water system control can allow waterborne diseases to spread rapidly. Maintaining safe, compliant potable water systems is therefore a critical public health responsibility.

In this module, you will explore how potable water is produced, treated, bunkered, stored, monitored, and distributed, from source to tap, in line with EU SHIPSAN standards. The course focuses on practical understanding and operational awareness, including:

• Core capacities required for potable water safety (e.g. basic water chemistry)
• Control measures across receiving, production, storage, and distribution systems
• Effective operational monitoring
• The role of potable water testing and inspections in verifying compliance

By completing this module, you will strengthen your ability to identify risks, apply effective controls, and contribute to the continuous protection of public health on board