ICTQual International Level 3 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law

The ICTQual International Level 3 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law is a comprehensive qualification designed to provide learners with a solid grounding in the legal frameworks, contracts, and dispute mechanisms that govern the international carriage of goods by sea. Building on the knowledge gained at Level 3 Certificate, this diploma takes learners further into the practical and analytical aspects of maritime law, preparing them for both professional roles and advanced study.

At this level, learners explore the legal nature and functions of charter parties, the complexities of cargo claims, and the procedures for dispute resolution in maritime trade. The programme also deepens understanding of bills of lading, marine insurance, and international conventions, ensuring learners can interpret, apply, and critically evaluate the rules that shape global shipping operations.

The qualification is particularly suited for individuals seeking to advance within the shipping, logistics, freight forwarding, and marine insurance sectors, as well as those aiming to build a career in maritime law and trade compliance. It is structured to be accessible yet rigorous, combining theoretical study with case‑based learning to ensure learners can apply legal reasoning to real‑world shipping disputes.

Completion of the Level 3 Diploma provides a clear progression pathway to higher‑level qualifications, including the ICTQual Level 4 Diploma and beyond. It also enhances employability by equipping learners with specialist knowledge of contracts, liabilities, and remedies, making them valuable assets in international trade and maritime operations.

Course overview

International Level 3 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law

To enrol in ICTQual International Level 3 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: Completion of the ICTQual Level 3 Certificate in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law (or an equivalent maritime law qualification) is strongly recommended.Alternatively, learners with a secondary school qualification plus relevant knowledge of shipping, logistics, or trade law may be admitted.
  • Professional Experience: Prior work experience in shipping, logistics, freight forwarding, or marine insurance is not mandatory but will provide valuable context.Learners without industry experience are still eligible if they have completed the Certificate or equivalent studies.
  • 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: Learners should have access to a computer or smart device with internet connectivity for online study, research, and assessments.A willingness to engage with case studies, legal documents, and dispute scenarios.

This qualification, the ICTQual International Level 3 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. Carriage of Goods by Sea: Legal Framework and Conventions
  2. Charter Parties: Voyage and Time Charters
  3. Bills of Lading and Multimodal Transport Documents
  4. Rights and Liabilities of Shippers, Carriers, and Consignees
  5. Dispute Resolution in Maritime Law (Arbitration, Mediation, Litigation)
  6. Marine Insurance and Cargo Claims

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual International Level 3 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law:

Carriage of Goods by Sea: Legal Framework and Conventions

  • Explain the scope and purpose of international conventions governing sea transport.
  • Identify the key provisions of the Hague, Hague‑Visby, and Hamburg Rules.
  • Compare the differences between these conventions and their impact on global trade.
  • Analyse how conventions allocate responsibilities between carriers and shippers.
  • Evaluate the role of conventions in promoting uniformity and reducing disputes.
  • Apply convention principles to case studies involving cargo carriage.
  • Recognise the limitations of liability established under international rules.
  • Assess the continuing relevance of conventions in modern shipping operations.
  • Demonstrate awareness of how conventions interact with national maritime laws.

Charter Parties: Voyage and Time Charters

  • Define the legal nature of voyage and time charter parties.
  • Distinguish between the obligations of shipowners and charterers under each type.
  • Interpret key clauses in voyage and time charter agreements.
  • Analyse disputes arising from non‑performance, delay, or deviation.
  • Apply charter party principles to practical shipping scenarios.
  • Evaluate the allocation of risk and responsibility in charter agreements.
  • Recognise the role of laytime and demurrage in voyage charters.
  • Assess the remedies available to parties in cases of breach of charter.
  • Demonstrate awareness of how charter parties support international trade.

Bills of Lading and Multimodal Transport Documents

  • Explain the legal functions of a bill of lading as receipt, contract evidence, and document of title.
  • Differentiate between types of bills of lading (straight, order, bearer).
  • Analyse the liabilities of carriers and shippers under bills of lading.
  • Recognise the role of bills of lading in international trade and finance.
  • Apply legal reasoning to disputes involving misdelivery, fraud, or misrepresentation.
  • Evaluate the evidentiary value of bills of lading in court proceedings.
  • Explain the role of multimodal transport documents in global supply chains.
  • Assess the risks and protections associated with electronic bills of lading.
  • Demonstrate awareness of how bills of lading interact with charter parties.

Rights and Liabilities of Shippers, Carriers, and Consignees

  • Identify the rights and obligations of shippers, carriers, and consignees in sea transport.
  • Explain the duty of seaworthiness and its impact on liability.
  • Analyse how risks are allocated among parties in carriage contracts.
  • Evaluate remedies available to each party in cases of loss, damage, or delay.
  • Apply liability principles to real‑world maritime disputes.
  • Recognise the role of due diligence in limiting carrier liability.
  • Assess the impact of international conventions on party rights and liabilities.
  • Demonstrate awareness of how liabilities shift under different contractual arrangements.
  • Explain the role of consignees in enforcing rights under bills of lading.

Dispute Resolution in Maritime Law (Arbitration, Mediation, Litigation)

  • Explain the main methods of dispute resolution in maritime law.
  • Compare arbitration, mediation, and litigation in terms of process, cost, and enforceability.
  • Analyse the role of arbitration centres such as the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA).
  • Apply dispute resolution principles to case studies involving cargo claims or charter disputes.
  • Evaluate the advantages and limitations of alternative dispute resolution in shipping.
  • Recognise the importance of jurisdiction and choice of law clauses in contracts.
  • Assess the enforceability of arbitration awards under the New York Convention.
  • Demonstrate awareness of mediation as a tool for preserving commercial relationships.
  • Explain the role of litigation in resolving complex maritime disputes.

Marine Insurance and Cargo Claims

  • Explain the principles of marine insurance, including insurable interest and utmost good faith.
  • Identify the main types of marine insurance policies (hull, cargo, freight).
  • Analyse how risks are transferred and allocated through insurance contracts.
  • Describe the process of making and settling cargo claims.
  • Apply insurance principles to disputes involving cargo loss, damage, or delay.
  • Evaluate the importance of marine insurance in supporting global trade stability.
  • Recognise the role of subrogation in marine insurance claims.
  • Assess the impact of exclusions and warranties on insurance coverage.
  • Demonstrate awareness of international frameworks governing marine insurance.

The Level 3 Diploma provides learners with a solid grounding in contracts, liabilities, dispute resolution, and marine insurance, making it a strong platform for both academic advancement and career development. Future progression includes:

  • Progress to the ICTQual Level 4 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, focusing on advanced conventions, comparative maritime law, and enforcement of remedies.
  • Advance to the ICTQual Level 5 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, covering specialised areas such as dangerous goods, documentary credits, and advanced dispute resolution.
  • Continue 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 consultancy projects.
  • Transition into specialist professional certifications in shipping, logistics, and international trade law.
  • Enter junior to mid‑level professional roles such as shipping operations officer, chartering assistant, marine insurance executive, or trade compliance analyst.
  • Strengthen employability in freight forwarding, port operations, marine insurance, and cargo claims handling.
  • Build a foundation for supervisory and management roles in shipping companies, logistics firms, and maritime law practices.
  • Gain eligibility for higher education programmes in maritime studies, logistics management, or international business law.
  • Position yourself for career mobility in global shipping hubs such as London, Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
  • Develop transferable skills in contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and risk management, applicable across international trade sectors.
  • Establish a clear academic and professional pathway toward senior management, consultancy, and executive leadership in maritime law and logistics.

FAQs

The programme is ideal for:

  • Learners who have completed the Level 3 Certificate or equivalent.
  • Professionals in shipping, logistics, freight forwarding, or marine insurance seeking formal recognition of their skills.
  • Individuals aiming to progress toward supervisory or management roles in maritime law and trade compliance.
  • Students interested in building a clear academic pathway to Levels 4–7 qualifications.
  • Roles such as chartering assistant, shipping operations officer, marine insurance executive, or trade compliance analyst.
  • Opportunities in freight forwarding, port operations, cargo claims handling, and logistics management.
  • A stepping stone to supervisory and management positions in global shipping and maritime law.

The ICTQual International Level 3 Diploma in Carriage of Goods by Sea Law is a 30 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 3 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 3 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.