ICTQual International Level 2 Award in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law
The ICTQual International Level 2 Award in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law is a progression qualification that builds on the foundations established at Level 1. It is designed to provide learners with a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks, conventions, and liabilities that govern the international carriage of goods by sea.
At this level, learners are introduced to the major international conventions such as the Hague Rules, Hague‑Visby Rules, and Hamburg Rules, which standardise carrier obligations and shipper rights across global trade. The programme explores the legal liabilities and immunities of carriers, the responsibilities of shippers, and the remedies available in cases of loss, damage, or delay of cargo. By studying these principles, learners gain the ability to interpret and apply international maritime law to practical shipping scenarios.
The qualification is particularly suitable for junior professionals in shipping, logistics, and freight forwarding, as well as learners seeking to strengthen their legal awareness before progressing to higher‑level maritime law diplomas. It is structured to be accessible yet rigorous, ensuring learners develop both theoretical knowledge and practical insight into how sea transport law operates in real‑world contexts.
By completing this award, learners will be able to critically understand the allocation of risk and responsibility in sea carriage contracts, recognise the role of international conventions in dispute resolution, and apply legal reasoning to basic case studies. The Level 2 Award also provides a clear progression pathway to the ICTQual Level 3 Certificate and Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, supporting learners in building a structured career in shipping, logistics, and maritime law.
International Level 2 Award in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law
To enrol in ICTQual International Level 2 Award in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual International Level 2 Award in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, consists of 3 mandatory units.
- International Conventions Governing Sea Transport (Hague, Hague‑Visby Rules)
- Liabilities and Immunities of Carriers
- Remedies for Loss, Damage, or Delay of Cargo
Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual International Level 2 Award in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law:
International Conventions Governing Sea Transport (Hague, Hague‑Visby Rules)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the purpose and scope of the Hague and Hague‑Visby Rules in regulating sea transport.
- Identify the key obligations of carriers and shippers under international conventions.
- Compare the differences between Hague and Hague‑Visby Rules and their impact on global trade.
- Recognise how conventions create uniformity in international carriage of goods by sea.
- Apply convention principles to basic case scenarios involving cargo carriage.
- Demonstrate awareness of the limitations of liability established by international rules.
- Assess the role of conventions in reducing disputes and promoting fair trade practices.
- Relate the conventions to modern shipping operations and documentation.
Liabilities and Immunities of Carriers
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Define the legal liabilities of carriers in transporting goods by sea.
- Explain the duty of seaworthiness and its importance in carriage contracts.
- Identify the circumstances where carriers are held liable for loss, damage, or delay.
- Describe the immunities and exceptions available to carriers under law and conventions.
- Analyse how liability is allocated between carriers and shippers.
- Recognise the role of due diligence in limiting carrier liability.
- Apply liability principles to practical shipping disputes.
- Demonstrate understanding of how liability rules protect both carriers and cargo owners.
Remedies for Loss, Damage, or Delay of Cargo
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify the legal remedies available to shippers and consignees in cases of cargo loss or damage.
- Explain the process of claiming compensation under carriage contracts and conventions.
- Recognise the role of bills of lading and charter parties in establishing claims.
- Describe the time limits and procedures for bringing claims against carriers.
- Assess the role of insurance in mitigating risks of cargo loss or delay.
- Apply legal reasoning to basic case studies involving cargo disputes.
- Demonstrate awareness of alternative dispute resolution methods (arbitration, mediation).
- Evaluate how remedies contribute to fairness and accountability in maritime trade.
The Level 2 Award in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law is a progression qualification that builds on the foundation of Level 1. It introduces learners to international conventions, liabilities, and remedies, preparing them for more advanced study and professional development in maritime law and shipping. After completing this award, learners can progress in the following ways:
- Progress to the ICTQual Level 3 Certificate in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, focusing on maritime contracts, bills of lading, and marine insurance basics.
- Advance to the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, covering charter parties, dispute resolution, and cargo claims.
- Continue to the ICTQual Level 4 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, which explores advanced conventions, comparative maritime law, and enforcement of remedies.
- Build towards the ICTQual Level 5 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, focusing on specialised areas such as dangerous goods, documentary credits, and advanced dispute resolution.
- Progress to the ICTQual Level 6 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, emphasising strategic application, arbitration, and global frameworks.
- Complete the ICTQual Level 7 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, the highest vocational award, focusing on governance, innovation, sustainability, and strategic consultancy projects.
- Enter junior professional roles in shipping, logistics, and freight forwarding, where knowledge of international conventions and liabilities is essential.
- Strengthen employability in trade compliance, documentation, and maritime operations, demonstrating legal awareness at an international standard.
- Establish a clear academic and professional pathway towards supervisory, management, and executive roles in global shipping and maritime law.