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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 Shipping Logistics

Course Overview

The Whitestone International Diploma in Shipping Logistics is a 12-month vocational programme designed to provide a structured, practice-oriented foundation in international shipping and logistics operations across sea, port, and intermodal supply chains.

The programme introduces the full shipping logistics value chain: global trade and maritime transport fundamentals, liner and tramp shipping concepts, port and terminal operations awareness, freight forwarding processes, cargo handling and storage, shipping and trade documentation, customs and trade-compliance awareness (non-legal), intermodal transport coordination, supply chain risk and performance, and emerging trends in digitalisation and sustainability. It is intended for individuals who support, or aspire to support, shipping, freight forwarding, port logistics, supply chain, and trade operations roles.

Learners will explore how goods move from shipper to consignee via ocean carriers, ports and terminals, inland transport, and distribution centres; how documents and data flows support the movement; and how service providers coordinate time, cost, risk, and service quality. The emphasis is on operational and coordination capability, structured process understanding, and cross- functional collaboration, not on providing legal, customs, tax, or financial advice, nor on master mariner or naval-architecture competencies.

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to contribute effectively to day-to-day shipping logistics operations, documentation flows, basic shipment planning, freight forwarding coordination, risk awareness, and performance reporting, working alongside shipping line representatives, freight forwarders, port operators, carriers, and supply chain managers.

This diploma is vocational and non-regulated. It does not qualify learners as licensed customs brokers, chartered shipbrokers, master mariners, marine surveyors, or legal/tax advisers, and does not authorise them to provide legal interpretations, customs or tariff advice, or sign statutory declarations on behalf of clients. Dangerous goods certification, formal customs representation, and regulated maritime roles must be undertaken only by appropriately qualified and authorised professionals, in line with applicable laws, conventions, and organisational policies.

Why This Course is Important?

The majority of world trade by volume moves by sea. Competent shipping logistics professionals are essential to ensuring reliable, efficient and compliant movement of goods across borders.
Customers expect shorter lead times, visibility, and predictable delivery, even amid disruption. Structured shipping logistics capability helps organisations manage complexity and risk.
Effective performance depends not only on ships and infrastructure, but also on well-trained people who understand documents, processes, responsibilities, and stakeholder coordination.

Learning Outcomes

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

Explain core concepts in global trade, maritime transport, and shipping logistics at a vocational level.
Describe and support key activities in booking, documentation, cargo handling, and shipment coordination along the ocean and intermodal chain.
Assist in preparing, checking, and following up shipping and trade documentation (e.g. bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates) under guidance.
Demonstrate awareness of customs, trade-compliance, Incoterms® and regulatory considerations at a non-legal, operational-support level, and know when to escalate to specialists.
Coordinate with shipping lines, freight forwarders, ports, inland carriers, warehouses, and customers to support on-time, in-full deliveries.
Interpret basic logistics performance indicators (e.g. transit times, dwell times, damage rates, schedule reliability awareness, cost components awareness) and support improvement actions.
Prepare clear shipment updates, exception reports, and logistics summaries for internal and external stakeholders.

Target Audience

Individuals in or aspiring to roles such as Shipping Coordinator, Documentation Executive, Freight Forwarding Assistant, Export/Import Executive, Customer Service Officer (shipping/logistics), Port Logistics Assistant, or Supply Chain Operations Assistant.
Staff in shipping lines, NVOCCs, freight forwarding companies, port and terminal operators, logistics providers, trading houses, manufacturing exporters/importers, and distribution centres.
Graduates and career changers seeking a structured pathway into shipping logistics and international trade operations.
Entrepreneurs and managers in trading and logistics-intensive businesses who wish to strengthen their understanding of shipping, documentation, and logistics coordination.

Entry Requirements

A recognised higher secondary qualification, diploma, or equivalent, preferably with prior exposure to business, trade, logistics, transport, or supply chain
Interest or experience in shipping, freight forwarding, logistics operations, or international trade
Proficiency in English (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent recommended) to engage with shipping terminology, documents, and international communication

Programme Structure & Modules

Module 1 – Global Trade, Maritime Transport & Shipping Logistics Fundamentals

Overview of global trade flows, supply chains, and the role of shipping.
Types of maritime transport at conceptual level:
Liner shipping, tramp shipping, bulk shipping, containerised trade (awareness).
Shipping logistics within the wider supply chain:
Relationship with procurement, production, warehousing, distribution, and customer service.
Key actors in shipping logistics:
Shippers, consignees, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, carriers, port and terminal operators, customs authorities, and inland transport providers.
Basic shipping terminology at vocational level:
Port of loading (POL), port of discharge (POD), transhipment, cut-off time awareness, free time awareness, demurrage and detention awareness.
Introduction to Incoterms® rules at awareness level and their impact on responsibilities, costs, and risk (non-legal, non-advisory).

Module 2 – Shipping Operations, Cargo Flow & Documentation (Operational Support)

End-to-end shipping operations from booking to delivery at vocational level:
Enquiry, quotation awareness, booking confirmation, container release awareness, loading, main carriage, discharge, and delivery.
Types of cargo and units at awareness level:
FCL/LCL, breakbulk awareness, Ro-Ro awareness, reefer basics, hazardous cargo (high-level awareness only; no DG certification).
Core shipping and trade documents (awareness and operational support):
Bill of Lading (B/L), Sea Waybill, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Insurance documents at awareness level, and other supporting certificates as per trade.
Roles and responsibilities in documentation flows between shipper, freight forwarder, carrier, bank (where applicable), and consignee.
Accuracy, completeness, and timeliness in documentation:
Avoiding discrepancies, mis-declarations, and delays.
Use of basic IT systems and platforms for booking, tracking, and documentation at foundational level.

Module 3 – Ports, Terminals, Warehousing & Intermodal Transport

Role of ports and terminals in the shipping logistics chain.
Basic port and terminal operations awareness:
Vessel scheduling awareness, berth allocation awareness, container handling, yard operations, gate processes, and documentation interfaces.
Inland logistics and intermodal transport concepts:
Road, rail, barge, and inland depots at conceptual level; drayage, hub-and-spoke, and corridor movements.
Warehousing and distribution at vocational level:
Receiving, storage, picking, consolidation/deconsolidation (CFS), and dispatch.
Coordination across multiple legs and service providers:
Ensuring handover quality, data consistency, and adherence to time windows.
Operational risk awareness in ports and logistics:
Congestion, delays, weather disruptions, strikes, equipment failures (high-level, non-HSE technical).

Module 4 – Freight Forwarding, Customs & Trade Compliance (Awareness, Non-Legal)

Role of the freight forwarder as integrator and coordinator.
Freight arrangements at conceptual level:
Ocean freight components awareness, surcharges awareness, basic inland charges awareness, and simple quotations under guidance.
Customs and trade-compliance awareness (non-legal, non-broker):
Very high-level understanding of customs declarations, tariffs, classifications awareness, and documentary requirements in principle.
Trade restrictions and controls at awareness level:
Sanctions awareness, export controls awareness, and dual-use goods awareness — with clear emphasis on escalation to specialists.
Interaction with customs brokers, compliance teams, and regulatory agencies; understanding the operational support role vs regulated advisory/broker roles.
Risk of mis-declaration, undervaluation, or incorrect documentation; ethical and professional responsibilities in shipping logistics.

Module 5 – Shipping Logistics Planning, Risk & Performance Management

Shipment planning and coordination at vocational level:
Routing options awareness, transit time considerations, cost-service trade-offs, and scheduling.
Logistics risk awareness:
Delays, damage, loss, disruptions, capacity constraints, and geopolitical or regulatory changes (high-level view).
Basic risk-mitigation options at conceptual level:
Buffer times awareness, alternative routings awareness, diversifying carriers awareness, and communication protocols.
Performance measurement in shipping logistics:
Key indicators such as transit times, dwell times, on-time delivery, damage ratios, claims frequency awareness, container utilisation awareness, and cost awareness.
Continuous improvement:
Analysing trends, identifying bottlenecks, and supporting improvement projects.
Collaboration with procurement, sales, and customers to align logistics performance with service commitments.

Module 6 – Technology, Sustainability & Professional Practice in Shipping Logistics

Digitalisation in shipping logistics at awareness level:
Online booking platforms, track-and-trace tools, EDI/API awareness, documentation platforms, and emerging data-sharing initiatives (conceptual).
Sustainability and ESG issues at conceptual level:
Environmental impacts of maritime transport awareness, decarbonisation initiatives awareness, slow steaming awareness, and green port/logistics practices at high level.
Ethical and professional conduct:
Integrity in documentation, anti-corruption expectations, avoiding facilitation payments, and adherence to organisational codes.
Cross-cultural and international communication skills in shipping environments.
Personal effectiveness and career development in shipping logistics, freight forwarding, and supply chain operations.
Pathways to specialised training (e.g. customs, dangerous goods, chartering, supply chain management) offered by external bodies, subject to their entry criteria.

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 global trade and maritime fundamentals; shipping operations and documentation; ports, warehousing and intermodal transport; freight forwarding and trade-compliance awareness; planning, risk and performance; and technology, sustainability and professional practice.
Practical tasks such as draft booking documents, shipment checklists, simple routing proposals, basic performance summaries, and sample communication templates.
Scenario-based exercises requiring learners to respond to realistic logistics challenges, such as delayed shipments, documentation discrepancies, or port congestion, within their operational-support remit.
Reflective pieces on professional conduct, communication with customers and carriers, and lessons learned from assignments and practical tasks.
Final Capstone Project: End-to-End Shipping Logistics 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 Shipping Logistics Issued by Whitestone International College of Innovation, United Kingdom

Benefits of Attending

Provides a robust, practice-based foundation in international shipping and logistics for early and aspiring logistics professionals.
Equips learners to support day-to-day shipping operations, documentation, coordination, and performance monitoring using recognised concepts and tools.
Enhances employability in roles such as Shipping Coordinator, Export/Import Executive, Freight Forwarding Assistant, Port Logistics Assistant, Customer Service Officer (shipping/logistics), or Supply Chain Operations Assistant, subject to employer and regulatory requirements.
Helps organisations strengthen operational reliability, documentation quality, customer communication, and risk awareness in their shipping logistics activities.
Creates a strong platform for further study in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Maritime Studies, International Trade, or related disciplines, and for progression towards specialist industry qualifications, subject to each body’s criteria.

Industry Alignment

The programme reflects widely recognised principles of contemporary shipping and logistics practice, including:

Emphasis on end-to-end visibility, reliability, and customer service in international transport chains.
Focus on accurate documentation, ethical conduct, and compliance awareness, supporting safe and lawful trade.
Recognition that effective shipping logistics depends on process discipline, cross-functional cooperation, and continuous improvement, not solely on infrastructure or freight rates.

£2000

£ 0

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

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