ICTQual International Level 1 Award in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law
The ICTQual International Level 1 Award in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law is an entry‑level qualification designed to introduce learners to the fundamental legal principles that govern the transportation of goods by sea. As one of the oldest and most important areas of international trade law, the carriage of goods by sea underpins global commerce, connecting markets and ensuring the safe, lawful, and efficient movement of cargo across borders.
This award provides learners with a clear understanding of the rights, responsibilities, and liabilities of the key parties involved in maritime transport, including carriers, shippers, and consignees. It explores essential legal instruments such as contracts of carriage, bills of lading, and charter parties, while also introducing the role of international conventions like the Hague‑Visby Rules that regulate sea transport.
The qualification is particularly suitable for school leavers, career starters, or professionals in related fields such as logistics, freight forwarding, and supply chain management who wish to gain a legal foundation in shipping operations. It is structured to be accessible, practical, and industry‑relevant, ensuring that learners develop both confidence and competence in applying legal concepts to real‑world shipping scenarios.
By completing this award, learners will not only gain a solid platform for progression to higher‑level ICTQual diplomas in shipping, logistics, and maritime law, but also enhance their employability in the global trade and transport sector. The qualification serves as a gateway to professional growth, equipping learners with the knowledge to understand and navigate the legal framework that governs international sea transport.
International Level 1 Award in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law
To enrol in ICTQual International Level 1 Award in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual International Level 1 Award in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, consists of 3 mandatory units.
- Introduction to Carriage of Goods by Sea
- Rights and Responsibilities of Carriers and Shippers
- Basic Shipping Documents (Bills of Lading, Charter Parties)
Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual International Level 1 Award in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law:
Introduction to Carriage of Goods by Sea
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Define the concept of carriage of goods by sea and its role in international trade.
- Identify the main parties involved in sea transport (carrier, shipper, consignee).
- Describe the basic processes of transporting goods by sea.
- Recognise the importance of maritime law in regulating sea transport.
- Explain the difference between common carriers and private carriers.
- Outline the role of international conventions in standardising sea carriage practices.
- Demonstrate awareness of the economic significance of sea transport in global trade.
- Apply basic terminology used in the law of carriage of goods by sea.
Rights and Responsibilities of Carriers and Shippers
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify the legal obligations of carriers in transporting goods safely and efficiently.
- Explain the duties of shippers, including accurate documentation and cargo preparation.
- Recognise the rights of carriers to freight payment and lien over goods.
- Describe the rights of shippers in relation to delivery and cargo protection.
- Understand the concept of liability for loss, damage, or delay of goods.
- Explain the role of immunities and exceptions available to carriers under law.
- Demonstrate awareness of risk allocation between carriers and shippers.
- Apply simple case examples to illustrate responsibility in shipping contracts.
Basic Shipping Documents (Bills of Lading, Charter Parties)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Define the purpose of a bill of lading in sea transport.
- Explain the functions of a bill of lading (receipt, evidence of contract, document of title).
- Identify the different types of bills of lading (straight, order, bearer).
- Describe the legal significance of charter parties in ship hire agreements.
- Distinguish between voyage charters and time charters.
- Recognise the role of shipping documents in international trade and finance.
- Explain how bills of lading and charter parties allocate rights and liabilities.
- Demonstrate awareness of the risks of misdelivery, fraud, or misrepresentation in shipping documents.
The Level 1 Award is an entry‑level qualification that introduces learners to the basic legal principles of the carriage of goods by sea. It provides a foundation for further study in shipping, logistics, and maritime law, and serves as the first step in a structured progression pathway. After completing this qualification, learners can progress in several directions:
- Progress to the ICTQual Level 2 Award in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, focusing on international conventions, liabilities, and remedies.
- Advance to the ICTQual Level 3 Certificate in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, which develops knowledge of maritime contracts, bills of lading, and marine insurance.
- Continue to the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, covering charter parties, dispute resolution, and cargo claims.
- Build towards the ICTQual Level 4 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, which explores advanced conventions, comparative maritime law, and enforcement of remedies.
- Strengthen career opportunities in entry‑level roles such as shipping clerk, documentation assistant, or logistics support officer.
- Gain a foundation for further professional development in freight forwarding, supply chain management, and international trade.
- Enhance employability by demonstrating basic legal awareness in shipping operations, compliance, and documentation.
- Establish a pathway to higher‑level maritime qualifications (Levels 5–7), leading to senior management, consultancy, and executive roles in global shipping.