ICTQual International Level 6 Diploma in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations

The ICTQual International Level 6 Diploma in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations is a prestigious, globally recognised qualification tailored for professionals who aspire to senior leadership roles in the maritime and shipping industry. Building on the foundations of Levels 4 and 5, this advanced diploma equips learners with the strategic, legal, financial, and operational expertise required to manage complex shipping transactions and lead within international chartering and vessel operations.

Learners will explore strategic shipbroking and negotiation, advanced vessel operations management, international maritime law and arbitration, shipping finance and investment, sustainability in shipping and logistics, and research methods in maritime studies. The programme balances theoretical insight with applied case studies, ensuring graduates can confidently address the challenges of global trade, compliance, and sustainability.

This qualification is particularly valuable for mid‑career professionals and graduates of Level 5 Diplomas who wish to formalise their expertise with an internationally accredited award. It prepares learners for executive‑level positions in shipbroking firms, chartering desks, shipping agencies, port authorities, marine insurance companies, and logistics providers.

By completing the ICTQual Level 6 Diploma, learners will not only strengthen their technical and managerial capabilities but also gain the professional recognition and credibility needed to thrive in one of the world’s most competitive industries. The diploma also provides a clear progression pathway to Level 7 postgraduate qualifications and professional certifications, making it a powerful stepping stone for long‑term career advancement.

Course overview

International Level 6 Diploma in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations

To enrol in ICTQual International Level 6 Diploma in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations, learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be 19 years or above at the time of enrolment.This ensures readiness for advanced, management‑level study.
  • Educational Background: Successful completion of the ICTQual Level 5 Diploma in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations, or an equivalent Level 5 qualification in shipping, logistics, or international trade.Learners with other recognised maritime or business qualifications at Level 5 may also be considered.In exceptional cases, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may apply for professionals with substantial industry experience but without formal Level 5 qualifications.
  • Professional Experience: While not always mandatory, significant industry experience in shipbroking, chartering, logistics, or maritime operations is strongly recommended.This ensures learners can engage with the advanced strategic, legal, and financial content at Level 6.
  • English Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate English reading, writing, and comprehension skills, as all course materials, assessments, and maritime documentation are delivered in English.Evidence may include prior study in English, workplace use, or recognised English language qualifications.
  • Additional Requirements: Access to a computer or smart device with internet connectivity for online study, research, and assessments.A willingness to engage in independent research, applied case studies, and scenario‑based learning.

This qualification, the ICTQual International Level 6 Diploma in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations, consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. Global Chartering Strategies
  2. Advanced Risk and Compliance in Shipping
  3. Maritime Economics and Trade Policy
  4. Technology and Digitalisation in Shipping
  5. Strategic Leadership in Maritime Operations
  6. Dissertation / Applied Project in Shipbroking

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual International Level 6 Diploma in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations:

Global Chartering Strategies

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

  • Critically evaluate global chartering models and their application in different shipping sectors.
  • Analyse the impact of geopolitical, economic, and environmental factors on chartering strategies.
  • Develop advanced freight forecasting and market positioning strategies.
  • Assess the role of long‑term contracts versus spot market opportunities.
  • Apply negotiation frameworks to high‑value chartering agreements.
  • Evaluate competitive strategies of leading shipbroking firms.
  • Recommend chartering strategies that balance profitability, risk, and client needs.
  • Demonstrate the ability to integrate market intelligence into chartering decisions.

Advanced Risk and Compliance in Shipping

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

  • Critically analyse international regulatory frameworks governing shipping operations.
  • Evaluate compliance requirements under IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL, and ISM codes.
  • Assess the impact of sanctions, trade restrictions, and anti‑corruption laws on shipping.
  • Apply advanced risk assessment tools to vessel operations and chartering.
  • Develop compliance strategies for multinational shipping organisations.
  • Analyse case studies of compliance failures and their financial/legal consequences.
  • Recommend best practices for risk mitigation in shipbroking and vessel operations.
  • Demonstrate professional competence in integrating compliance into strategic planning.

Maritime Economics and Trade Policy

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

  • Critically evaluate the role of maritime economics in shaping global trade flows.
  • Analyse the impact of trade policies, tariffs, and free trade agreements on shipping.
  • Assess the relationship between global economic cycles and freight markets.
  • Apply economic models to forecast shipping demand and supply.
  • Evaluate the role of emerging economies in reshaping maritime trade.
  • Analyse the impact of protectionism and globalisation on shipping strategies.
  • Demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply maritime economic data.
  • Recommend trade policy strategies for shipping firms operating internationally.

Technology and Digitalisation in Shipping

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

  • Evaluate the role of digitalisation in transforming global shipping operations.
  • Analyse the impact of blockchain, AI, and big data on chartering and logistics.
  • Assess the benefits and risks of autonomous vessels and smart ports.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of cybersecurity challenges in maritime operations.
  • Apply digital tools to optimise vessel performance and voyage planning.
  • Critically evaluate case studies of digital transformation in shipping.
  • Recommend strategies for integrating technology into shipbroking practices.
  • Reflect on the future of digitalisation and its implications for maritime careers.

Strategic Leadership in Maritime Operations

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

  • Demonstrate advanced leadership and decision‑making skills in maritime contexts.
  • Critically evaluate leadership theories and their application in shipping organisations.
  • Develop strategies for managing multicultural and geographically dispersed teams.
  • Apply conflict resolution and negotiation skills to complex maritime scenarios.
  • Assess the role of ethics, integrity, and corporate governance in leadership.
  • Recommend leadership strategies for sustainable and resilient maritime operations.
  • Reflect on personal leadership style and areas for professional growth.
  • Demonstrate competence in leading organisational change in shipping firms.

Dissertation / Applied Project in Shipbroking

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

  • Formulate a clear research question or applied project relevant to shipbroking.
  • Design and implement a research methodology appropriate to maritime studies.
  • Collect, analyse, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Critically evaluate academic and industry sources to support findings.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to solve a practical problem in shipbroking or chartering.
  • Present research findings in a structured, professional, and academically rigorous format.
  • Demonstrate independent critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
  • Reflect on the implications of research outcomes for industry practice and policy.

The Level 6 Diploma is a senior qualification that equips learners with advanced strategic, legal, and financial expertise for leadership in shipbroking and vessel operations. It provides a structured pathway to higher vocational diplomas, professional certifications, and senior career opportunities in the maritime industry.

  • Progress to the ICTQual Level 7 Diploma in Maritime Management, Shipping Operations, or International Trade.
  • Pursue specialised higher‑level diplomas or certificates in Maritime Law, Shipping Finance, Port and Terminal Management, or International Trade Policy.
  • Strengthen eligibility for professional recognition with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) and other international maritime associations.
  • Advance into executive and senior management roles such as Senior Shipbroker, Chartering Director, Fleet Manager, Maritime Risk and Compliance Director, or Shipping Finance Strategist.
  • Enhance global career mobility with opportunities in major shipping hubs such as London, Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
  • Continue professional development in sustainability, digitalisation, and maritime economics, aligning with the industry’s transformation.
  • Prepare for thought leadership roles in consultancy, policy development, and applied maritime research.
  • Gain opportunities to contribute to industry advisory boards, trade associations, and regulatory bodies, influencing maritime policy and practice.
  • Build the foundation for entrepreneurship in shipping and logistics, including establishing independent shipbroking or chartering firms.
  • Strengthen capacity for cross‑sector roles in logistics, supply chain management, and international trade, where maritime expertise is highly valued.
  • Position yourself for specialist roles in compliance, arbitration, and risk management, particularly in multinational shipping organisations.
  • Develop the credibility to act as a mentor or trainer for junior professionals entering the shipbroking and chartering field.

FAQs

The programme is ideal for:

  • Learners who have successfully completed the ICTQual Level 5 Diploma or an equivalent maritime qualification.
  • Professionals already working in shipbroking, chartering, logistics, or marine insurance who want to formalise their expertise.
  • Individuals aiming for executive‑level positions in shipbroking firms, shipping agencies, port authorities, or logistics providers.

Graduates are prepared for executive and senior management roles such as:

  • Senior Shipbroker or Chartering Director
  • Head of Vessel Operations or Fleet Manager
  • Maritime Risk and Compliance Director
  • Shipping Finance and Investment Strategist
  • Port and Terminal Operations Executive

The ICTQual International Level 6 Diploma in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations is a 60 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 6 Diploma 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 6 Diploma in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations 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.