ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law

The ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law is an advanced qualification designed for learners who wish to deepen their expertise in the legal frameworks that govern international shipping and maritime trade. Building on foundational knowledge, this programme equips learners with the ability to critically analyse complex legal issues surrounding the carriage of goods by sea, while also addressing the challenges of global trade, multimodal transport, and dispute resolution.

Learners will explore advanced topics such as charter party agreements, bills of lading, international conventions, and enforcement mechanisms. The course also examines the impact of fraud, misdelivery, and liability allocation, ensuring learners develop the skills to interpret, apply, and advise on maritime law in both national and international contexts.

By completing this diploma, learners gain a strategic advantage in the shipping and logistics sector, positioning themselves for senior roles in shipping companies, freight forwarding firms, port authorities, and international trade organisations. The qualification also supports learners in developing specialist advisory and compliance skills, enabling them to contribute effectively to risk management, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance in maritime operations.

This programme is tailored for an international audience, combining academic rigour with practical application. Learners benefit from a curriculum that is industry‑relevant, future‑focused, and adaptable across global shipping markets, ensuring they are prepared for leadership and consultancy roles in a sector that underpins the world’s economy.

Course overview

International Level 5 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law

To enrol in ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners should normally be at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment.
  • Educational Background: A Level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in shipping, logistics, business, law, or a related discipline.Alternatively, learners with a strong academic background in commerce, trade, or transport law may also be considered.
  • Professional Experience: Relevant industry experience in shipping, freight forwarding, logistics, or maritime operations is highly valued.Learners without direct experience may still apply if they can demonstrate strong academic ability and motivation to progress in maritime law.
  • English Proficiency: As the programme is delivered in English, learners should demonstrate competence in English reading, writing, and comprehension.This ensures they can understand course materials, engage with case studies, and complete assessments effectively.
  • Additional Requirements: Access to a reliable internet connection and digital learning tools for online or blended delivery.A professional interest in advanced maritime law, shipping operations, and international trade compliance.

This qualification, the ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. International Maritime Conventions and Their Application
  2. Advanced Charter Party Law and Case Studies
  3. Bills of Lading and Documentary Credits in Trade Finance
  4. Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Special Cargo Regulations
  5. Dispute Resolution: Arbitration, Mediation, and Enforcement of Awards
  6. Marine Insurance Law and Risk Management

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law:

International Maritime Conventions and Their Application

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Analyse the scope and purpose of major conventions such as Hague‑Visby, Hamburg, and Rotterdam Rules.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of international conventions in harmonising maritime law.
  • Interpret carrier and shipper obligations under different legal regimes.
  • Assess the impact of conventions on liability, risk allocation, and dispute resolution.
  • Compare the adoption and enforcement of conventions across jurisdictions.
  • Apply convention principles to real‑world shipping and logistics case studies.
  • Critically examine the challenges of implementing conventions in global trade.
  • Demonstrate the ability to advise stakeholders on compliance with international maritime frameworks.
  • Explore emerging trends in international maritime governance.

Advanced Charter Party Law and Case Studies

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Distinguish between voyage, time, and bareboat charter parties.
  • Analyse complex clauses such as laytime, demurrage, and off‑hire provisions.
  • Evaluate case law and precedents shaping charter party disputes.
  • Apply legal reasoning to real‑world charter party case studies.
  • Assess the role of arbitration and litigation in resolving charter disputes.
  • Develop strategies for drafting and negotiating risk‑balanced charter agreements.
  • Compare the rights and obligations of shipowners and charterers.
  • Examine the impact of commercial practices on charter party law.
  • Demonstrate advanced problem‑solving skills in charter party disputes.

Bills of Lading and Documentary Credits in Trade Finance

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the dual role of bills of lading as transport documents and trade finance instruments.
  • Analyse the relationship between bills of lading and letters of credit.
  • Evaluate risks of fraud, forgery, and misdelivery in documentary trade.
  • Interpret the rights of holders to sue under bills of lading.
  • Apply UCP 600 and other international rules governing documentary credits.
  • Assess the role of banks in trade finance and cargo release.
  • Examine the transition to electronic bills of lading and digital trade finance.
  • Develop strategies to mitigate risks in documentary credit transactions.
  • Demonstrate the ability to advise stakeholders on secure trade finance practices.

Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Special Cargo Regulations

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Identify international regulations governing the carriage of dangerous goods (e.g., IMDG Code).
  • Analyse the responsibilities of carriers, shippers, and port authorities.
  • Evaluate risk management strategies for hazardous and special cargo.
  • Apply legal principles to incidents involving dangerous goods.
  • Assess the impact of non‑compliance on liability and insurance.
  • Examine case studies of accidents involving hazardous cargo.
  • Develop compliance strategies for multimodal transport of dangerous goods.
  • Interpret documentation and labelling requirements for special cargo.
  • Demonstrate the ability to advise on safe and compliant cargo handling.

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration, Mediation, and Enforcement of Awards

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Compare arbitration, mediation, and litigation as dispute resolution methods.
  • Analyse the role of maritime arbitration centres such as LMAA and SIAC.
  • Evaluate the enforceability of arbitral awards under the New York Convention.
  • Apply mediation techniques to resolve shipping and logistics disputes.
  • Assess the advantages and limitations of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
  • Interpret case law relating to enforcement of maritime awards.
  • Develop strategies for drafting effective arbitration clauses in contracts.
  • Examine cross‑border challenges in enforcing judgments and awards.
  • Demonstrate the ability to advise stakeholders on dispute resolution options.

Marine Insurance Law and Risk Management

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the principles of marine insurance, including insurable interest and utmost good faith.
  • Analyse the scope of cover under hull, cargo, and liability policies.
  • Evaluate the role of P&I Clubs in maritime risk management.
  • Apply legal principles to claims handling and settlement.
  • Assess the impact of exclusions, warranties, and conditions in marine policies.
  • Examine case studies of marine insurance disputes.
  • Develop strategies for risk assessment and loss prevention in shipping.
  • Interpret international conventions affecting marine insurance.
  • Demonstrate the ability to advise stakeholders on insurance and risk management solutions.

Completing this advanced diploma provides learners with a strong platform to progress into senior roles, specialist pathways, and international opportunities within the shipping, logistics, and maritime law sectors. It enhances both legal expertise and practical skills, ensuring learners are well‑equipped for long‑term professional growth in a global industry.

  • Progress into senior advisory roles such as maritime legal consultant, compliance manager, or shipping law specialist.
  • Take on leadership positions in shipping companies, freight forwarding firms, and port authorities.
  • Work with international trade organisations, arbitration centres, and maritime insurers.
  • Specialise in charter party law, bills of lading, and international conventions at an advanced level.
  • Develop expertise in marine insurance, arbitration, and enforcement of awards.
  • Contribute to policy development and regulatory frameworks in maritime law.
  • Enhance employability in multimodal transport, dangerous goods carriage, and trade finance.
  • Strengthen ability to interpret and apply complex international maritime conventions.
  • Build advanced skills in negotiation, contract drafting, and dispute resolution.
  • Gain credibility to advise stakeholders on high‑value shipping contracts and risk management.
  • Position yourself as a specialist professional in global maritime law and logistics operations.
  • Increase opportunities for cross‑border career mobility in the international shipping sector.

FAQs

This diploma is ideal for:

  • Learners aiming for senior positions in shipping law, logistics, or maritime operations.
  • Professionals already working in ports, freight forwarding, or shipping companies who want to strengthen their legal and compliance expertise.
  • Individuals seeking to specialise in international trade law, dispute resolution, and marine insurance.

Graduates can progress into roles such as:

  • Maritime legal consultant
  • Compliance and risk manager
  • Senior shipping operations coordinator
  • Freight forwarding and logistics specialist
  • Marine insurance advisor
  • Arbitration and dispute resolution specialist

The ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law is a 50 Credit hours training programme designed to be completed in full-time study over this period, with a focus on both theoretical learning and practical application.

ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law consist of 6 mandatory assessments. These assessments are designed to evaluate participants’ comprehension of course material and their capacity to apply concepts in practical situations. It is mandatory to pass all assessments to achieve this qualification.