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Whitestone International College of Innovation delivers quality-assured, standards-aligned programmes that integrate academic rigour, industry relevance, and digital fluency to develop principled leaders who deliver measurable impact.

Courses

Whitestone International Diploma in Maritime and Port Management

Course Overview

The Whitestone International Diploma in Maritime and Port Management is a 12-month vocational programme designed to provide a structured, practice-oriented foundation in the organisation, operation, and management of seaports, terminals, and maritime logistics systems.

The diploma introduces key dimensions of global shipping and trade awareness, port governance models, terminal operations, cargo and vessel coordination at an awareness level, hinterland and intermodal connections, marine services interfaces, safety and security awareness, environmental and sustainability considerations, commercial frameworks, and performance management. It is designed for individuals working in, or aspiring to work in, ports, terminal operations, shipping agencies, maritime logistics, and related public or private sector roles.

Learners will explore how ports and terminals function as critical nodes in global supply chains, how different stakeholders (port authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines, logistics providers, regulators, and service companies) interact, and how effective port management supports efficiency, safety, compliance, and competitiveness. Emphasis is placed on management awareness, coordination, and process understanding, rather than on ship navigation, marine engineering, pilotage, or any seagoing competency.

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to contribute to planning, supervising, and improving maritime and port-related activities within clearly defined responsibilities and in collaboration with qualified specialists.

This diploma is vocational and non-regulated. It does not qualify learners as shipmasters, officers, marine engineers, pilots, VTS operators, surveyors, or safety/regulatory authorities, and does not replace any STCW, flag state, or statutory certifications. All navigation, vessel operation, pilotage, port state control, hydrographic, legal, and safety-critical functions must be carried out only by appropriately certified and authorised professionals in accordance with applicable laws and conventions.

Why This Course is Important?

The majority of world trade moves by sea. Efficient, safe, and well-managed ports are essential to national economies, supply chains, and industrial development.
Port performance depends on integration of terminal operations, marine services, customs and regulatory authorities, hinterland connectivity, and commercial stakeholders.
Beyond physical infrastructure, ports require capable managers, supervisors, planners, and coordinators who understand processes, risks, and performance levers at a practical, operational level.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

Explain core concepts in maritime transport, port roles, and terminal management at a vocational level.
Describe the main functions and processes of a seaport, including vessel calls, cargo handling, storage, and landside interfaces, at a non-operational awareness level.
Contribute to planning and coordination of port and terminal activities, within established procedures and under appropriate supervision.
Demonstrate awareness of safety, security, environmental, and regulatory considerations affecting maritime and port operations (non-legal, non-certifying).
Support commercial and customer service aspects of port and terminal operations through clear communication, documentation, and performance follow-up.
Interpret and use basic operational and performance information to support decisions and continuous improvement (non-analytical, non-engineering).
Collaborate effectively with internal and external maritime stakeholders to support reliable and efficient port operations.

Target Audience

Individuals in or aspiring to roles such as Port or Terminal Operations Assistant, Maritime Logistics Coordinator, Shipping Agency Staff, Berth Planning Assistant, Yard/Documentation Supervisor (junior), Marine Services Coordinator (non-technical), or Port Administrative Officer.
Staff in port authorities, terminal operating companies, shipping lines, freight forwarders, logistics providers, and maritime-related government or regulatory agencies.
Graduates and career changers seeking a structured entry into maritime and port management.
Managers and entrepreneurs working with port-related services, maritime logistics, or coastal industrial zones, who require a broad understanding of port systems and processes.

Entry Requirements

A recognised higher secondary qualification, diploma, or equivalent
Interest or experience in logistics, transport, maritime activities, trade, or port-related operations
Proficiency in English (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent recommended) to engage with operational documentation, case studies, and professional communication

Programme Structure & Modules

Module 1 – Foundations of Maritime Transport & Port Systems

Role of maritime transport in global trade at a vocational awareness level.
Types of shipping and vessels at conceptual level (e.g. container, bulk, tanker, Ro-Ro, passenger/ferry), without technical design detail.
Functions of seaports and terminals as interfaces between sea and land transport.
Port system components: channel and berths, quays, terminals, yard areas, storage facilities, support buildings, and access routes (high-level).
Overview of port stakeholders: port authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines, agents, pilots, tug operators, customs and immigration, port health, freight forwarders, truckers, and logistics providers.
Introduction to port governance models at awareness level (public authority, landlord port, tool port, private port) in conceptual terms.

Module 2 – Global Trade, Shipping Services & Port Competitiveness (Awareness Level)

High-level overview of global trade routes, port ranges, and hub-and-spoke concepts (non-navigation).
Liner shipping and scheduled services vs tramp and charter-based services at conceptual level.
Port selection factors: location, connectivity, depth and infrastructure, efficiency, reliability, and service offering.
Competitive positioning of ports: cost, time, service quality, and hinterland access.
Impact of alliances, consolidation among shipping lines, and changing trade patterns at awareness level.
Role of ports in national and regional development, industrial clusters, and logistics corridors (conceptual, non-political).

Module 3 – Port & Terminal Operations, Cargo Handling & Marine Interface (Non-Operational Awareness)

Overview of vessel call process at awareness level:
Pre-arrival information, berth planning awareness, pilotage and towage interface, mooring, operations, and departure (non-procedural).
Terminal operations at conceptual level:
Yard and berth planning awareness, gate operations, and coordination between ship, yard, and landside.
Cargo handling concepts (non-technical, non-operational):
Containers, bulk cargo, break-bulk, Ro-Ro units, and general cargo.
Equipment awareness (e.g. quayside cranes, yard equipment) without operational training.
Storage and yard management awareness:
Basic principles of stacking, segregation, dwell time, and space utilisation.
Interface with marine services at awareness level: pilotage, towage, vessel traffic service (VTS) and port control, recognising they require specialist certification and training.

Module 4 – Maritime Logistics, Hinterland Connections & Intermodal Integration

Ports as nodes in multimodal and intermodal transport chains.
Hinterland connectivity awareness:
Road, rail, barge/inland waterways, and feeder services at conceptual level.
The impact of hinterland infrastructure and services on port performance and competitiveness.
Role of freight forwarders, logistics providers, and inland terminals in connecting ports with inland markets.
Coordination of booking, documentation, and information flows supporting cargo movement through the port.
Awareness of time, cost, and reliability trade-offs in maritime logistics (non-quantitative).

Module 5 – Safety, Security, Environment & Regulatory Awareness in Ports (Non-Legal)

Safety awareness in port environments:
Typical risks around cargo operations, traffic flows, equipment, and marine interface at high conceptual level.
Importance of following site safety rules, PPE requirements, and operational procedures set by competent authorities and employers.
Security awareness:
General understanding that ports apply security frameworks and procedures (e.g. international port facility security concepts at awareness level).
The role of access control, monitoring, and incident reporting in maintaining security, with all formal duties performed by authorised personnel.
Environmental awareness:
Impacts of port activities on air, water, noise, and local communities at conceptual level.
Basic awareness of pollution prevention, waste handling, and energy-conscious operations.
Regulatory frameworks at awareness level:
Recognition that international conventions, national laws, and local regulations govern maritime safety, security, labour, and environment (non-legal, non-advisory).
Emphasis on complying with organisational rules and escalating regulatory questions to legal and compliance specialists.

Module 6 – Commercial Management, Customer Service, Technology & Port Performance

Commercial aspects of port and terminal management at vocational level:
Basic awareness of tariffs, services, and contracts between ports, terminal operators, shipping lines, and other customers (non-legal, non-pricing advice).
Customer service in maritime and port contexts:
Communicating clearly with shipping lines, agents, logistics providers, and cargo stakeholders.
Managing expectations regarding berth windows, service levels, and operational constraints.
Technology and digitalisation awareness:
Performance measurement at conceptual level:
Basic KPIs such as ship turnaround time, crane productivity (high-level awareness), yard utilisation, gate efficiency, and schedule reliability.
Using reports and dashboards (where available) to monitor, communicate, and support improvement, without advanced analytics.
Continuous improvement:
Identifying practical opportunities to enhance efficiency, coordination, and service quality within organisational frameworks.

Awarding Body

Whitestone International College of Innovation

United Kingdom

Qualification Type

International Diploma – Vocational Qualification

(Industry-aligned qualification issued by Whitestone International College of Innovation, UK)

Assessment & Certification

Assessment Methods Include:

Written assignments on maritime and port fundamentals, global trade and port competitiveness awareness, port and terminal operations (non-operational), logistics and hinterland connections, safety/security/environmental awareness, and commercial/technology/performance concepts.
Practical/structured tasks such as process descriptions, stakeholder maps, simple flow diagrams, and high-level KPI summaries.
Scenario-based exercises requiring learners to respond to typical port management and coordination situations, demonstrating structured thinking, communication, and respect for safety and regulatory boundaries.
Reflective pieces on professional behaviour, cross-stakeholder collaboration, and continuous improvement in maritime and port roles.
Final Capstone Project: Port & Terminal Operations / Service Improvement Plan, with a structured report and/or presentation.

To obtain the diploma, learners must successfully complete all module assessments and the capstone project in line with Whitestone’s academic standards.

Certification:

On successful completion, participants will be awarded:

Whitestone International Diploma in Maritime and Port Management Issued by Whitestone International College of Innovation, United Kingdom

Benefits of Attending

Provides a strong, practice-based foundation in maritime and port management suitable for operational, coordination, and junior management roles.
Equips learners to understand and support port and terminal processes, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, and contribute to performance and service improvements.
Enhances employability in roles such as Port/Terminal Operations Assistant, Maritime Logistics Coordinator, Shipping Agency Staff, Port Administrative Officer, or Marine/Port Services Coordinator (non-technical).
Helps organisations strengthen operational understanding, communication, and process discipline across port and maritime-related functions.
Creates a robust platform for further study in Port Management, Maritime Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Transport and Trade, subject to institutional entry requirements and sectoral regulations.

Industry Alignment

The programme reflects widely recognised principles of maritime and port management practice, including:

Emphasis on safe, efficient, and coordinated port and terminal operations, within defined responsibilities and regulatory frameworks.
Focus on integration of sea and land logistics, customer service, and performance monitoring.
Recognition that ports operate within complex safety, security, and environmental regimes, requiring strong awareness and collaboration with qualified specialists.

£2000

£ 0

Industry-focused programmes with global standards.
Practical skills for real-world success.
Academic excellence with career-ready outcomes.

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Progression & Academic Pathways

Graduates of the Whitestone International Diploma in Maritime and Port Management may:

Progress to higher-level diplomas or degrees in Maritime Studies, Port Management, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Transport and Trade, or Business Administration, subject to entry criteria.
Enhance their suitability for roles in port authorities, terminal operators, shipping companies, logistics providers, and maritime-related public agencies.
Use this diploma as a structured foundation for professional development programmes and selected sectoral memberships, where they meet the relevant body’s requirements, while continuing to rely on certified professionals for all regulated maritime functions.

Together We Learn, Together We Grow

At Whitestone, we believe in collaborative learning where students and faculty grow together through knowledge and experience. Our supportive community fosters teamwork, innovation, and shared success.

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London, united kingdom

+44 20 3727 6493

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college.org.uk