Abstract The significance of global marine education in ocean science and management is critical, especially in regions with weak infrastructure and economies. Therefore, knowledge generation as basis to establish and maintain essential research infrastructure, expertise, and management systems is crucial. In this context, we present the Polarstern Atlantic Transect Training (PSATT) as a versatile and proven shipboard training programme. This training is suitable for medium (50-100 m length, duration of at least5 days) and large (>100 m length, duration of > 14 days) research vessels, by scaling the modular nature of the educational concept. This programme can be adjusted to cater for vessels of various sizes and cruise durations, making it a valuable blueprint for similar marine education initiatives at sea. As a result, this tested concept provides an effective and adaptable framework for training at sea; it hasbeen conducted four times on board the research vessel (RV) Polarstern in 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2022 and trained so far 97 scholars on board. In this paper, we present a straightforward yet efficient framework for training at sea, designed to be inclusive, intercultural and international, as well as transdisciplinary and operational on research vessels. This approach aims to contribute to the development of skilled professionals in the field of ocean science and management.