ICTQual International Level 3 Certificate in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations

The ICTQual International Level 3 Certificate in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations is a mid‑level qualification designed for learners who wish to deepen their knowledge of the global shipping industry and develop practical skills for professional advancement. Building on the foundations of earlier awards, this certificate introduces more advanced concepts in shipbroking, chartering, and vessel operations, ensuring learners are well‑equipped to contribute effectively to international trade and logistics.

Learners will explore the day‑to‑day practices of shipbrokers, including market analysis, client negotiations, and reporting. The programme also covers essential areas such as freight calculations, voyage estimation, and the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern maritime operations. By engaging with these units, learners will gain the confidence to apply theoretical knowledge to real‑world scenarios, strengthening their ability to support chartering decisions and vessel management.

The qualification is particularly valuable for learners seeking to progress into professional roles within shipbroking firms, chartering desks, shipping agencies, or logistics providers. It also provides a clear pathway to higher‑level diplomas in maritime operations, shipping management, and international trade.

Completing this certificate offers learners a range of benefits, including enhanced employability, international career mobility, and the opportunity to develop specialist expertise in one of the world’s most dynamic industries. Whether learners are based in Pakistan, the UK, the Middle East, or beyond, the ICTQual International Level 3 Certificate in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations provides a globally relevant platform for career growth and professional recognition.

Course overview

International Level 3 Certificate in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations

To enrol in ICTQual International Level 3 Certificate in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations, learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners should normally be at least 16 years old at the time of enrolment.
  • Educational Background: Completion of the ICTQual Level 2 Award in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations (or an equivalent qualification/introductory knowledge) is recommended.Learners should have at least a secondary school education to ensure they can engage with the content effectively.
  • Professional Experience: No mandatory industry experience is required.However, learners with some exposure to shipping, logistics, or trade will benefit from a stronger contextual understanding.
  • English Proficiency: Learners should demonstrate English language proficiency in reading, writing, and comprehension.This ensures they can understand course materials, complete assessments, and communicate effectively in an international maritime context.
  • Additional Requirements: Access to a computer or smart device with internet connectivity for online study and assessments.A willingness to engage in independent study, applied learning activities, and case‑based scenarios.

This qualification, the ICTQual International Level 3 Certificate in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations, consists of 3 mandatory units.

  1. Shipbroking Practice and Procedures
  2. Chartering and Freight Calculations
  3. Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual International Level 3 Certificate in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations:

Shipbroking Practice and Procedures

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

  • Explain the daily functions and responsibilities of a professional shipbroker.
  • Analyse the relationship between shipowners, charterers, and brokers in commercial practice.
  • Interpret and apply market reports to support decision‑making in chartering.
  • Demonstrate effective negotiation techniques in simulated shipbroking scenarios.
  • Prepare and review standard shipping documentation used in broking transactions.
  • Apply ethical and professional standards in client communications and agreements.
  • Evaluate the impact of market fluctuations on shipbroking activities.
  • Identify opportunities for matching cargoes with vessels in different market conditions.
  • Demonstrate practical competence in handling enquiries, offers, and fixtures.

Chartering and Freight Calculations

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

  • Distinguish between voyage, time, and bareboat charters and their commercial implications.
  • Interpret key clauses in charter party agreements relevant to freight and hire.
  • Perform basic voyage estimations, including bunker consumption and port costs.
  • Calculate freight rates and hire charges using industry‑standard methods.
  • Explain the concepts of laytime, demurrage, and despatch with practical examples.
  • Assess the financial impact of different chartering arrangements on owners and charterers.
  • Apply freight calculation techniques to real‑world case studies.
  • Demonstrate awareness of risk allocation in chartering contracts.
  • Use freight calculation tools and templates to support chartering negotiations.

Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

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

  • Identify the main sources of maritime law and their relevance to shipbroking.
  • Explain the role of international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and Hague‑Visby Rules.
  • Interpret the legal obligations of shipowners, charterers, and brokers under charter parties.
  • Recognise the importance of compliance with international trade and shipping regulations.
  • Analyse case studies involving disputes in chartering and vessel operations.
  • Demonstrate understanding of arbitration and dispute resolution in maritime contexts.
  • Apply legal principles to evaluate the validity of shipping contracts and agreements.
  • Explain the role of marine insurance in protecting stakeholders in shipping operations.
  • Appreciate the importance of ethical and lawful practice in global shipbroking.

The ICTQual International Level 3 Certificate in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations equips learners with applied knowledge and practical skills, positioning them for both career entry and further study. Successful completion opens the following progression routes:

  • Advancement to the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations for deeper study and broader unit coverage.
  • Progression to the ICTQual Level 4 Diploma in Shipbroking, Maritime Operations, or related fields.
  • Entry into specialised maritime qualifications in areas such as marine insurance, port and terminal operations, or shipping finance.
  • Development of skills for operational roles in shipbroking firms, chartering desks, shipping agencies, and logistics providers.
  • Opportunities to move into supporting positions in freight forwarding, maritime trade, and cargo management.
  • Eligibility for internships, trainee programmes, or junior analyst roles within global shipping companies.
  • Pathway towards professional certifications in maritime law, chartering practice, or international trade compliance.
  • Foundation for career mobility across international shipping hubs such as London, Dubai, Singapore, and Karachi.
  • Preparation for continuous professional development (CPD) in areas like sustainability, digitalisation, and risk management in shipping.

FAQs

The programme is ideal for:

  • Learners who have completed the Level 2 Award or equivalent.
  • Individuals seeking to strengthen their professional skills in shipbroking and chartering.
  • Career changers aiming to enter the shipping, logistics, or maritime trade sectors.
  • Professionals in related fields (freight forwarding, logistics, trade) who want to formalise their knowledge.

Learners may pursue roles such as:

  • Shipbroking assistant or trainee broker.
  • Chartering support staff.
  • Shipping agency or port operations assistant.
  • Logistics and freight forwarding coordinator.

The ICTQual International Level 3 Certificate in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations is a 15 days 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 3 Certificate in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations 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 3 Certificate in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations, includes assessments consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These assessments evaluate participants’ understanding of the course material and their ability to apply concepts in practical situations. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass the assessments.cal situations. It is mandatory to pass assessments with a minimum score of 75%