The College has been approved to run the ABMA devised shipping and Logistics course which provides students with an in-depth knowledge of the maritime industry and its interface with associated industries particularly sea ports and supply chain management and logistics transport. The course fully takes account of new legislation and the changing pattern of maritime industry.

Shipping goes through periods of dramatic change and has become the efficient supply chain network globally in the accelerating growth of international trade. The Maritime Industry and its interface with business is complex and very professional. This program breaks new ground in examining objectively the salient points of Ship Management, Shipping Practice, Marine Insurance, International Shipping Law and Maritime Marketing. It will enable the student to fully comprehend the international environment in which modern ship owners operate and the professional ship management skills used in a competitive environment.

No such integrated program exists elsewhere at sub-degree level and such a pragmatic professional based course will open up excellent employment opportunities as well as providing possibilities for university third year top up. Possibilities exist for direct progression to Portsmouth University through the Marine Learning Alliance 

This is the third selected course of three that make up the series for the group diploma entitled the International Diploma in International Trade and Maritime Management.

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS
Students must normally be aged 18 years or over.
They must possess four GCSE's or their equivalent qualification including English and Maths at grade C or above, or a BTEC first Diploma, plus at least one GCE A level and a level of English language equivalent to B2 of the CEFR - 5.5 IELTS with a minimum of 5.0 in all sections. Mature students (over 21 years of age) may be exempt from some of the above requirements on grounds of experience but where English is not the first language students must provide recent certification of having reached at least IELTS 5.5 as stated above.

DURATION OF COURSE
The duration of the course is 12 weeks. There is only one intake of students per year in April and finishing in July.

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Shipping and Logistics - Level 5 Diploma

Assessment and Grading Criteria

Unit 1 - Management of Shipping Operations

Unit 2 - International Marine Cargo Management

Unit 3 - Management of the International Supply Chain and Logistics

Unit 4 - Financial Aspects of Shipping

Unit 5 - International Transport geography

Shipping and Logistics - Level 5 Diploma

Assessment and Grading Criteria

The units for this qualification are assessed via examination.

In order to pass each of the units, learners are required to demonstrate that they can meet the stated learning outcomes outlined in the syllabus. Learners must study and understand the full unit content as any part of this could be tested during the examination.

Each question in an examination is weighted at 20% of the total marks. It is the accumulated total of marks for each question which will determine if a learner has achieved a Pass, Merit or Distinction for the unit. Marks of 39% or less will be graded as a Fail. A learner must achieve a minimum mark of:

 40% to achieve a Pass

 60% to achieve a Merit

 75% to achieve a Distinction

Unit 1: Management of Shipping Operations

Unit Aim

The unit aims to introduce the learner to the management of shipping operations. It covers the principles of the management of shipping operations, and gives learners an insight into how the various elements of shipping operations relate to the shipping business as a whole.

Unit Overview

This unit is for those considering a career in shipping and logistics, and who wish to gain an understanding of the different elements of the management of shipping operations. Learners will study various aspects of the management of shipping operations and its application to the overall framework of shipping and international trade.

Unit Content

Learning Outcome 1: Analyse the role of port authorities in managing seaports

a. Complying with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code

b. Purpose of a Ship Security Plan (SSP)

c. Documentation required before entering and clearing a port

d. Potential issues (e.g. refusal of access of the vessel by the port, boarding by Customs or port authority personnel, requests for further information, etc.)

e. Controls, activities and powers of port authorities

f. Structure and operations of port terminals

Learning Outcome 2: Apply the principles of the carriage of goods by sea

a. Container cargoes

b. Bulk cargoes

c. Outsize and Heavylift cargoes

d. Project and Specialist cargoes

e. Vehicles/wheeled items

f. International Rules and Conventions relating to the carriage of goods by sea

Learning Outcome 3: Apply the principles of establishing voyage requirements

a. Voyage planning, navigation and routeing, port clearance and arrival

b. Documents required for inspection on arrival at port

c. Crewing

d. Ship’s stores and victualling

e. Bunkering

f. Requirements for vessel suitability

Learning Outcome 4: Analyse vessel design and construction

a. Different passenger vessel types

b. Different cargo vessel types

c. Typical specifications of each type of vessel

d. Additional features of passenger vessels

e. Additional features of cargo vessels

f. Impact of Panama and Suez canals on the dimensions of the vessels that use them

Learning Outcome 5: Evaluate the activities of contractors used in the shipping industry

a. Stevedores

b. Freight forwarders

c. Bunker suppliers

d. Pilotage and towage

e. Vessel dry-docking and maintenance

f. Dredging and port maintenance

Unit 2: International Marine Cargo Management

Unit Aim

The unit aims to introduce learners to international marine cargo management. It covers the globalisation of shipping trends and the container market, the principle commodities carried in ships and the construction and features of dry bulk carriers and tankers.

Unit Overview

This unit is for those considering careers in shipping and logistics, and who wish to gain an understanding of the different elements of international marine cargo management. Learners will study various aspects of globalisation of shipping markets and the management of marine cargo and its application to the overall framework of shipping and international trade.

Unit Content

Learning Outcome 1: Analyse the influence of globalisation on shipping trends

a. Liner trades

b. Dry bulk and liquid bulk trades

c. Liner container trades and their routes

d. System and structure of the container freight indices

e. Liner conferences and their abolition

f. Groupings and alliances

Learning Outcome 2: Apply information about vessel types to select vessels to different cargo trades

a. Container ships

b. Dry bulk carriers

c. Liquid bulk carriers/tankers

d. Vessel tonnage and capacity measurement

e. Load lines

f. Cargo stowage

Learning Outcome 3: Evaluate technical developments and market changes as they impact on the global container market

a. Primary import and export markets of containerised goods

b. Container load rates

c. Types of container vessels

d. Typical container vessel specifications

e. Trends in vessel specification and how this affects the container market

f. Challenges faced by container lines and responses to those challenges

Learning Outcome 4: Analyse the characteristics of the principal commodities carried in ships and the impact these have on the selection of vessels and shipping routes to get them to market

a. Major dry bulks

b. Minor dry bulks

c. Liquid bulks

d. Liquefied gases

e. Routes and vessels used for the main commodities

f. Markets for the main commodities

Learning Outcome 5: Analyse the specific features of dry bulk carriers and bulk tankers

a. Types and specifications of dry bulk carriers

b. Cargoes carried by dry bulk carriers

c. Loading and unloading of dry bulk vessels

d. Types and specifications of bulk tankers

e. Types and specifications of LPG/LNG carriers

f. Transfer of liquid goods to/from vessels by pipeline

Unit 3: Management of the International Supply Chain and Logistics

Unit Aim

The unit aims to provide learners with an understanding of the management of the international supply chain and logistics. Learners are taught the structure of the international logistics function as well as the movement process of the supply chain. The unit covers the various elements of management of the international supply chain and logistics relating to the international business process as a whole.

Unit Overview

This unit is for those considering a career in shipping and logistics, and who wish to gain an understanding of the different elements of the management of the international supply chain and logistics. Learners will study different aspects of the management of the international supply chain as well as its application to the overall framework of shipping and international trade.

Unit Content

In order for the learner to meet each learning outcome, they need to be taught the following:

Learning Outcome 1: Analyse the concepts, structures and processes of international supply chains and logistics management

a. Management processes and functions in the international supply chain

b. The relationship between different sellers and buyers in the supply chain

c. Horizontal and vertical integration in international supply chains

d. Movement planning and transport modes

e. International documentary procedures, customs declaration and customs clearance

f. Cost of international goods movement

Learning Outcome 2: Apply the concepts of materials management to the supply chain

a. Planning the procurement process

b. Storage and distribution of materials

c. Work in progress

d. Raw materials and components

e. Semi-finished materials

f. Finished products

Learning Outcome 3: Analyse the components of the international supply chain

a. Type(s) of transport required

b. Distance of movement

c. Movement costs

d. Frequency of movement

e. Modes of transport and multi-modalism

f. Hub-and-spoke systems

Learning Outcome 4: Analyse the role of the logistics provider in the supply chain

a. Function of the logistics provider in the supply chain

b. Logistics providers and interaction between different logistics providers

c. Freight forwarders

d. Consolidators

e. Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs)

f. Third Party Logistics (3PL) carriers

Learning Outcome 5: Evaluate the management and function of warehousing and storage

a. Types and methods of warehousing and storage

b. Selection and operation of warehousing or storage facilities

c. Racking and handling systems

d. Methods of inventory control

e. Lean systems

f. Materials management techniques

Unit 4: Financial Aspects of Shipping

Unit Aim

The unit aims to introduce learners to the financial aspects of shipping. Learners will understand how to use profit and loss accounts and balance sheets, as well as know the types of costs associated with voyages. Additionally, learners will be taught the various costs associated with shipping.

Unit Overview

This unit is for learners considering a career in shipping and logistics, and who wish to gain an understanding of the different elements of finance in the shipping industry. Learners will study various aspects of the financial control of the shipping business and its application to the overall framework of shipping and international trade.

Unit Content

In order for the learner to meet each learning outcome, they need to be taught the following:

Learning Outcome 1: Analyse the basic financial aspects of shipping

a. Costs associated with shipping

b. Tonnage tax

c. Shipping and freight revenue

d. Profit and loss (P&L) accounting

e. Balance sheet

f. Return on Capital Invested (ROIC)

Learning Outcome 2: Apply accountancy principles and methods in the shipping industry

a. Principles of profit and loss accounting in the context of shipping

b. Shipping revenue

c. Shipping expenditure

d. Function of the balance sheet in the context of shipping

e. Owners/shareholders’ equity

f. Depreciation

Learning Outcome 3: Apply the principles and structure of freight rates to the calculation of voyage costs

a. Principles of freight rates

b. Costs incurred in moving cargo

c. Basis for calculating freight rates

d. Full Container Load (FCL)

e. Less-than Container Load (LCL)

f. Container markets

Learning Outcome 4: Evaluate different types of information used to calculate voyage costs

a. Crewing costs

b. Bunkering costs

c. Vessel stores and victualling

d. Towage/pilotage charges and harbour and port dues

e. Terminal charges and cargo loading/unloading charges and canal dues in context

f. Agency fees, commissions disbursements

Learning Outcome 5: Analyse the function of dues, levies and taxes

a. The charges levied against ships for the use of a variety of facilities

b. Different types of dues

c. Consequences for not paying the dues

d. In Rem action and Mareva Injunction

e. Levies issued by revenue authorities

f. Tonnage tax

Unit 5: International Transport Geography

Unit Aim

The unit aims to introduce learners to international transport geography. It covers the major principles of the geography of international transport including safety and security, and learners will analyse the various elements of international transport geography relating to the shipping business as a whole.

Unit Overview

This unit is for those considering a career in shipping and logistics and who wish to gain an understanding of the different elements of international transport geography. Learners will study the different modes of international transport available for transporting passengers and cargoes and the impact that the development of international transport links has had on the world and on global economies. Additionally, learners will learn how globalisation has influenced the infrastructure of international transport geography as well as the development of international legislation, conventions and codes which address, amongst others, security, safety and the environment.

Unit Content

Learning Outcome 1: Analyse the modes, systems and economic impact of international transport

a. Modes of passenger and cargo transport (sea, inland waterway, air, road and rail)

b. Impact of regulations and conventions

c. Major liner shipping routes

d. Major international rail networks

e. The benefits, disadvantages and impact of international transport

f. Global routes and markets and the economic importance of international transport

Learning Outcome 2: Apply information regarding modes of transport and the function of transport terminals to the planning of international maritime transport

a. Movement by sea/inland waterways

b. The short-sea container market

c. The market structure of international transport

d. Multi-modalism

e. Transport terminals for freight and passengers

f. Terminal owners and terminal operators

Learning Outcome 3: Analyse the economic and market trends in international trade and freight distribution

a. Effects of globalisation and international trade on international transport

b. Nature of the expansion of international transport services to meet increased demand

c. Processing and manufacturing of raw materials into finished products

d. Stages of the commodity chain

e. Global patterns of commodity chains and the influences of global markets

f. Multi-modal transportation in commodity chains

Learning Outcome 4: Evaluate the relationship between international transport, energy and the environment

a. Factors determining type of fuel used during transportation

b. The efficiency of different types of fuel

c. The environmental challenges posed by the use of specific types of fuel

d. Legislation imposed to clean up the environment and limit the effects of sea and air pollution caused by vessel emissions and waste

e. Fuel efficiency for different modes of transport

f. Regulations and conventions relating to international transport and the environment

Learning Outcome 5: Apply the principles of risk assessment, safety and security in the planning of international maritime transport

a. Information required for the planning of international transport

b. Risk assessment

c. Contingency planning

d. Implications of failing to plan or inadequate planning

e. Security issues in planning international transport

f. Regulations, conventions and codes regarding safety and security in international transport