Diploma for the Ship Management 2012

As of the 1st January 2010, ship’s agents arranging the shipment of hazardous cargo were required to show competence in understanding the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) and some flag states have gone as far as insisting on agents obtaining a certificate that they have completed a course on this subject. This course provides an essential explanation of the IMDG Code and the requirements of the ship`s agents knowledge and competence within it.
During the last few years there has been an incredible change in how the world’s commerce is conducted. Internet technology now enables electronic commercial relationships to be established between shippers, freight forwarders and carriers as well as the other elements in the transport chain. Most of the world’s ports are now accessible via the internet, and shipping managers can be in direct contact with the port authorities.
Despite the development of this new technology, the need for ship’s agents has not declined. The personal presence of competent ship’s agents is as important today as at any time during the last two centuries. Most ship owners have improved the efficiency of their operation by reducing both their own management resources ashore and manning levels on board ship. They are therefore even more dependent on having competent agents in each port where they trade.
Unfortunately, the reduction in operational maritime staff has also cut back the natural recruitment of experienced mariners into the ship agency profession. Therefore the need for a deeper knowledge of shipping operations and how it integrates with modern communication technology is very important for anyone wishing to make a career in ship agency.
This course leading to a Diploma for the Ship Agent is designed to equip potential ship agents with the relevant skills associated with this specialised and complex profession. It explores these complex roles in depth and looks at the commercial, legal and financial skills required as well as the new communications technology needed to be competent in today’s market.
This course is recognised by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) as contributing to the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) needs of its members. Successful students can obtain credits to go towards further work-based learning qualification at Middlesex University if desired.