ICTQual AB Level 3 International Diploma in Maritime and Shipping Management
The ICTQual AB Level 3 International Diploma in Maritime and Shipping Management is a globally recognised programme designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the maritime and shipping industry. This course is suitable for both freshers seeking to enter the sector and professionals aiming to advance their careers in shipping operations, logistics, and maritime management. The diploma equips learners with the practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional competencies required to succeed in one of the world’s most dynamic and strategically important industries.
Structured over 6 months with a 60-credit curriculum, the programme combines theoretical learning with practical application, ensuring learners gain a holistic understanding of maritime operations. Key areas of study include port and cargo management, shipping logistics, maritime law and regulations, supply chain coordination, and operational planning. Learners also explore industry best practices, risk management strategies, and international shipping standards, providing them with the expertise to navigate complex shipping environments confidently.
By completing this diploma, learners develop highly sought-after skills such as operational management of shipping activities, effective supply chain coordination, compliance with maritime regulations, and risk assessment for maritime operations. The programme also emphasises leadership, strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making, equipping learners to contribute effectively to organisational growth and efficiency.
The benefits of this programme extend beyond technical knowledge. Learners gain enhanced employability, opening career pathways in roles such as Shipping Coordinator, Logistics Officer, Port Operations Manager, and Maritime Operations Specialist. The diploma also fosters transferable skills that are valuable across logistics, transport management, and supply chain industries, ensuring learners can adapt to evolving global market demands.
With a focus on practical learning, industry relevance, and professional development, the Level 3 International Diploma in Maritime and Shipping Management provides learners with the expertise, credibility, and confidence to excel in the maritime sector. Graduates emerge ready to make an impact in shipping operations, logistics management, and maritime administration on a global scale.
Level 3 International Diploma in Maritime and Shipping Management
To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 3 International Diploma in Maritime and Shipping Management learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 3 International Diploma in Maritime and Shipping Management, consists of 6 mandatory units.
Foundation and Core Knowledge
- Introduction to Maritime and Shipping Management
- Shipping Operations and Port Management
- Logistics and Supply Chain in Shipping
- Maritime Law and Regulatory Compliance
- Risk Management and Safety in Maritime Operations
- Leadership and Professional Practices in Shipping
Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual AB Level 3 International Diploma in Maritime and Shipping Management:
Foundation and Core Knowledge
Introduction to Maritime and Shipping Management
- Understand the fundamental concepts and terminology used in maritime and shipping operations.
- Recognise the structure and functions of the global shipping industry.
- Identify key stakeholders, including shipping companies, ports, regulatory bodies, and logistics providers.
- Appreciate the importance of efficient shipping management in global trade and commerce.
- Develop a foundational knowledge of maritime terminology, processes, and industry standards.
Shipping Operations and Port Management
- Learn the procedures and best practices involved in shipping operations and cargo handling.
- Understand port operations, vessel scheduling, and the coordination of import and export activities.
- Gain insight into inventory management, berth planning, and cargo documentation processes.
- Apply operational strategies to improve efficiency and productivity in shipping activities.
- Evaluate the challenges faced in port management and develop practical solutions.
Logistics and Supply Chain in Shipping
- Understand the role of logistics in maritime operations and global trade.
- Analyse the supply chain processes, including transportation, warehousing, and distribution.
- Develop skills to coordinate multi-modal transport systems efficiently.
- Learn to optimise supply chain operations to reduce costs and improve delivery timelines.
- Apply knowledge of logistics planning to ensure seamless movement of goods across borders.
Maritime Law and Regulatory Compliance
- Gain knowledge of international maritime law, conventions, and regulations.
- Understand the legal responsibilities of shipping companies, crew, and port authorities.
- Learn compliance requirements related to safety, environmental protection, and trade regulations.
- Evaluate case studies to apply maritime law principles to practical situations.
- Develop the ability to ensure adherence to regulatory standards in daily maritime operations.
Risk Management and Safety in Maritime Operations
- Identify potential risks in shipping operations, including environmental, operational, and security risks.
- Develop strategies for mitigating hazards and ensuring the safety of vessels, cargo, and personnel.
- Apply safety management systems and emergency procedures effectively.
- Understand insurance, liability, and risk assessment processes in maritime contexts.
- Evaluate risk management practices to improve overall operational safety and efficiency.
Leadership and Professional Practices in Shipping
- Develop leadership and decision-making skills relevant to maritime operations.
- Learn professional communication and team management techniques in shipping environments.
- Understand ethical responsibilities and professional conduct in maritime management.
- Apply project management skills to coordinate complex shipping and logistics operations.
- Strengthen problem-solving, planning, and organisational skills for career advancement in maritime management.
The Level 3 International Diploma in Maritime and Shipping Management equips learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence required to excel in the global maritime and shipping industry. Upon completing this programme, learners are prepared to take on a wide range of roles, from operational positions to supervisory responsibilities, and can confidently contribute to the efficiency, safety, and strategic development of shipping and logistics operations. This qualification provides a strong foundation for career progression, skill specialisation, and long-term professional growth within maritime organisations, port authorities, logistics companies, and international trade networks.
Enhanced Career Opportunities
- Access operational roles such as Shipping Coordinator, Port Operations Officer, Logistics Supervisor, or Vessel Operations Assistant.
- Explore positions within maritime companies, shipping lines, port authorities, and global supply chain organisations.
- Prepare for supervisory responsibilities, including team leadership, cargo management, and coordination of shipping schedules.
- Gain eligibility for roles in international trade, maritime consultancy, and shipping project management.
- Strengthen employability through an internationally recognised qualification, demonstrating applied knowledge and professional competence in maritime management.
Advanced Skills Development
- Develop expertise in shipping operations, port management, cargo handling, and vessel scheduling.
- Build leadership and decision-making skills applicable to high-pressure maritime and logistics environments.
- Enhance operational planning, strategic problem-solving, and workflow optimisation for efficient shipping processes.
- Gain practical knowledge in regulatory compliance, safety procedures, and risk management in maritime contexts.
- Acquire transferable skills such as professional reporting, project coordination, and effective communication, valuable across shipping, logistics, and global supply chain sectors.
Professional Growth and Specialisation
- Engage in scenario-based projects, case studies, and practical simulations to strengthen applied knowledge.
- Participate in professional development programmes, workshops, and industry seminars to remain updated on maritime best practices.
- Network with industry professionals, including shipping managers, logistics coordinators, and port administrators, to enhance career connections.
- Build a comprehensive professional portfolio showcasing practical experience, achievements, and skills in maritime operations.
- Prepare for specialised roles and increased responsibilities, contributing effectively to organisational planning, efficiency, and strategy.
Long-Term Career Impact
- Develop the ability to influence operational and strategic decisions in shipping and logistics management.
- Prepare for leadership positions that involve planning, managing, and optimising global maritime operations.
- Enhance credibility and professional recognition within the maritime industry through applied expertise and demonstrated competence.
- Strengthen the ability to mentor junior staff, coordinate multi-functional teams, and implement process improvements.
Every centre delivering the Level 3 International Diploma in Maritime and Shipping Management must meet extensive requirements to ensure learners receive high-quality education, practical exposure, and professional support. Centres are expected to provide a structured, safe, and resource-rich environment that upholds the credibility of the programme and enables learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to succeed in the global maritime and shipping industry.
Learning Environment
- Provide classrooms or online platforms equipped with modern teaching technology, including projectors, computers, reliable internet connectivity, and simulation software relevant to maritime management and shipping operations.
- Ensure access to up-to-date industry resources, including maritime databases, shipping management systems, research journals, case studies, and regulatory updates.
- Maintain health, safety, and accessibility standards in all physical training environments, including ports, workshops, or site visits where practical exercises may take place.
- Facilitate collaborative spaces for team projects, group discussions, workshops, and scenario-based learning exercises that reinforce applied knowledge.
- Support independent learning by providing libraries, online resources, study materials, and virtual discussion forums for learners to conduct research and expand understanding.
- Offer opportunities for practical exposure, including simulations, project-based exercises, and interactive workshops that replicate real-world maritime and logistics scenarios.
Teaching Staff
- Employ qualified trainers with recognised experience in shipping operations, port management, maritime logistics, or related sectors. Trainers should have practical exposure to the industry and the ability to convey real-world insights effectively.
- Ensure trainers participate in continuous professional development to stay updated with global shipping regulations, international best practices, and emerging trends in maritime management.
- Maintain trainer-to-learner ratios that allow personalised guidance, mentoring, and consistent feedback throughout the programme.
- Encourage trainers to use diverse instructional methods, including lectures, case studies, role-playing, workshops, and simulations to provide comprehensive learning experiences.
- Require trainers to assess learners’ practical skills, theoretical understanding, and professional behaviour accurately, offering constructive feedback to promote continuous improvement.
- Promote a culture of professionalism, ethical conduct, and safety awareness among teaching staff to model industry standards for learners.
Administrative Support
- Implement an efficient enrolment and registration system, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all learners.
- Provide clear guidance regarding course structure, assessment methods, progression pathways, and programme expectations.
- Maintain accurate and secure records of learner attendance, assessments, results, and achievements, complying with data protection regulations.
- Communicate schedules, deadlines, feedback, and updates to learners promptly to facilitate smooth course delivery.
- Provide administrative assistance to resolve learner queries, technical issues, or other challenges in a timely and effective manner.
- Support learners with access to additional resources, career guidance, and mentoring services as needed to enhance their learning experience.
Assessment and Quality Assurance
- Conduct assessments according to ICTQual AB guidelines, ensuring transparency, consistency, and alignment with the programme’s learning outcomes.
- Offer detailed feedback on assignments, practical exercises, and projects to help learners refine their knowledge and skills.
- Regularly review and update course delivery methods, assessment practices, and learning materials to maintain high educational standards.
- Implement internal audits, moderation, and verification procedures to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements and continuous quality improvement.
- Encourage reflective practice, self-assessment, and professional development among learners to enhance understanding and practical application.
- Maintain a rigorous quality assurance framework that monitors teaching effectiveness, learner satisfaction, and overall programme success.
Centres that fully meet these requirements provide learners with a professional, structured, and supportive environment, enabling them to successfully complete the Level 3 International Diploma in Maritime and Shipping Management. By offering high-quality training, effective assessment systems, and robust learner support, centres ensure participants acquire the practical knowledge, applied skills, and professional confidence required to excel in the maritime and shipping industry globally.
Route for Candidates with No Experience
This pathway is designed for learners who are new to the maritime and shipping industry and do not have prior professional experience in shipping operations, logistics, or port management.
- Admission: Learners enrol at an ICTQual AB approved centre to begin the 6-month, 60-credit programme.
- Training:The programme consists of six structured study units covering Introduction to Maritime and Shipping Management, Shipping Operations and Port Management, Logistics and Supply Chain in Shipping, Maritime Law and Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management and Safety in Maritime Operations, and Leadership and Professional Practices in Shipping. Practical exercises, case studies, and scenario-based projects allow learners to gain foundational knowledge and applied skills essential for professional roles in shipping and maritime operations.
- Assessment:Learners are evaluated through assignments, reports, practical exercises, presentations, and portfolio development. Continuous feedback ensures learners develop problem-solving, decision-making, and operational skills directly relevant to maritime management.
- Certification: On successful completion, learners are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 3 International Diploma in Maritime and Shipping Management. This qualification demonstrates readiness for roles such as Shipping Coordinator, Port Operations Officer, Logistics Supervisor, or Maritime Operations Specialist.
Route for Experienced and Competent Candidates
This pathway is intended for learners who already have professional experience in shipping operations, logistics, port management, or maritime administration.
- Eligibility:Learners must provide evidence of at least three years of verified professional experience in areas such as vessel operations, cargo handling, port management, maritime compliance, or shipping logistics. Evidence may include employer references, project documentation, training records, or verified workplace achievements aligned with the programme’s learning outcomes.
- Assessment of Competence:Experienced learners are not required to complete the full programme. Competence is assessed through structured interviews, professional discussions, evidence-based assessments, and portfolio reviews mapped against the diploma’s learning outcomes.
- Evidence Submission:Learners submit a portfolio demonstrating their professional expertise, including operational reports, project documentation, compliance records, or other evidence of practical achievements. Centres may conduct additional verification to ensure authenticity.
- Knowledge and Understanding:Where minor gaps are identified, learners may complete bridging workshops, targeted modules, or short study sessions to achieve full coverage of the programme’s learning outcomes.
- Certification:Learners who successfully demonstrate competence are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 3 International Diploma in Maritime and Shipping Management. This validates their professional skills, applied knowledge, and achievements in line with international maritime management standards.
This dual-route structure ensures the diploma is accessible to both newcomers and experienced professionals, offering a globally recognised qualification that enhances career opportunities, strengthens professional credibility, and equips learners with the skills needed to succeed in the maritime and shipping industry worldwide.