LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Shipping Supply Chain Management

The LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Shipping Supply Chain Management is a UK-accredited qualification designed for professionals, beginners, and career changers who want to excel in maritime logistics and global shipping operations. This diploma provides learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to manage shipping supply chains, coordinate freight operations, and ensure efficient logistics planning across international trade routes.

Through the LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Shipping Supply Chain Management, participants gain a thorough understanding of maritime transport workflows, shipping documentation, cargo handling, and compliance with global shipping regulations. The course also explores key aspects of supply chain management, including risk assessment, operational planning, and optimization of logistics processes. By combining theoretical insights with practical applications, learners are equipped to handle real-world challenges in shipping and maritime logistics.

This Level 3 diploma emphasizes hands-on skills alongside strategic knowledge. Participants learn to evaluate shipping operations, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, and ensure smooth flow of goods through global supply chains. The program prepares learners for roles where decision-making, organization, and efficiency are critical, making them highly valuable to shipping companies, logistics firms, and maritime consultancy services.

Designed to enhance career prospects, the LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Shipping Supply Chain Management is ideal for those entering the maritime industry or seeking to advance their current roles. Graduates are prepared for positions such as Shipping Operations Coordinator, Supply Chain Analyst, Freight Forwarding Specialist, or Maritime Logistics Officer. Additionally, the diploma provides a strong foundation for further studies in advanced shipping, supply chain management, or maritime logistics programs.

By completing this UK-accredited qualification, learners not only gain a recognized credential but also develop the confidence and competence to manage complex shipping supply chains effectively. The LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Shipping Supply Chain Management equips professionals and career changers alike with the knowledge, practical skills, and industry insight needed to succeed in a dynamic and competitive global maritime logistics environment.

Course Overview


Qualification Title

LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Shipping Supply Chain Management

Total Units

6

Total Credits

60

GLH

240

Qualification #

LICQ2201313


Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Shipping Supply Chain Management, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Educational Requirements: A secondary school qualification or equivalent is recommended for entry. Candidates with prior exposure to business, trade, or logistics will benefit most.
  • Experience: No formal work experience is required for admission. However, professionals already working in shipping, logistics, or supply chain roles may gain immediate practical value.
  • English Language Proficiency: Applicants must have a good command of the English language. Non-native English speakers should demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0 or CEFR Level B1 to ensure effective participation and comprehension.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2201313-1

Fundamentals of Shipping and Supply Chain

10

40

LICQ2201313-2

Shipping Documentation and Trade Compliance

10

40

LICQ2201313-3

Cargo Handling and Port Operations Basics

10

40

LICQ2201313-4

Introduction to Marine Insurance and Risk

10

40

LICQ2201313-5

Supply Chain Logistics and Inventory Management

10

40

LICQ2201313-6

Professional Communication in Shipping Operations

10

40

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

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Shipping and Supply Chain

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

  • Explain the role of shipping and supply chains in supporting global trade.
  • Identify key stakeholders in international shipping and logistics networks.
  • Demonstrate understanding of Incoterms and their impact on trade contracts.
  • Apply basic supply chain concepts to real‑world shipping operations.
  • Evaluate how shipping supports efficiency and competitiveness in global commerce.
  • Recognize the importance of sustainability in modern supply chain practices.

Unit 2: Shipping Documentation and Trade Compliance

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

  • Demonstrate knowledge of essential shipping documents such as bills of lading and letters of credit.
  • Apply compliance standards to ensure accuracy in trade documentation.
  • Explain the role of customs regulations and international trade laws.
  • Evaluate the importance of documentation in reducing trade disputes.
  • Recognize risks associated with incomplete or inaccurate shipping paperwork.
  • Strengthen practical skills in preparing and reviewing trade documents.

Unit 3: Cargo Handling and Port Operations Basics

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

  • Identify the main processes in port operations and cargo handling.
  • Apply basic logistics principles to improve cargo flow efficiency.
  • Demonstrate understanding of multimodal transport systems in shipping.
  • Evaluate the impact of cargo handling on supply chain performance.
  • Recognize international safety standards in cargo operations.
  • Recommend strategies to improve efficiency in shipping operations.

Unit 4: Introduction to Marine Insurance and Risk

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

  • Explain the principles of marine insurance and its role in trade.
  • Identify different types of marine insurance policies and coverage.
  • Apply risk assessment techniques to shipping and cargo operations.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of claims handling and settlement procedures.
  • Evaluate the importance of insurance in protecting shipping assets.
  • Recognize international conventions governing marine insurance practices.

Unit 5: Supply Chain Logistics and Inventory Management

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

  • Explain the role of logistics in global shipping and supply chain management.
  • Apply inventory management techniques to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of warehousing, distribution, and stock control systems.
  • Evaluate the impact of logistics decisions on supply chain performance.
  • Recognize the importance of technology in modern logistics and inventory control.
  • Recommend strategies for sustainable and cost‑effective supply chain management.

Unit 6: Professional Communication in Shipping Operations

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

  • Demonstrate effective communication with clients, customs, and trade partners.
  • Apply professional writing skills to shipping and trade documentation.
  • Use negotiation and problem‑solving skills in trade and shipping contexts.
  • Evaluate the importance of cultural awareness in international communication.
  • Develop strategies to build trust and credibility in global trade.
  • Recognize the role of communication in supporting trade and shipping decisions.

The LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Shipping Supply Chain Management is designed for professionals and career changers who want to strengthen their expertise in global shipping, logistics, and supply chain operations. This qualification is especially valuable for individuals working in ports, trade compliance, logistics, or cargo handling who want to expand their knowledge and gain a UK accredited credential. It provides practical, workplace‑ready skills that can be applied immediately in shipping, logistics, and international trade roles.

Shipping and Logistics Professionals

  • Strengthen knowledge of supply chain fundamentals and shipping operations.
  • Improve efficiency in logistics, warehousing, and distribution systems.
  • Apply compliance standards to international shipping documentation.
  • Gain practical skills in cargo handling and port operations.
  • Enhance career prospects in global logistics and maritime trade.

Port and Cargo Handling Staff

  • Build structured knowledge of port operations and cargo flow management.
  • Learn best practices in safety, compliance, and cargo documentation.
  • Improve coordination between shipping companies and port authorities.
  • Strengthen operational efficiency in cargo handling processes.
  • Position yourself for supervisory roles in port and shipping operations.

Trade Compliance and Customs Officers

  • Gain expertise in international trade regulations and shipping compliance.
  • Apply Incoterms and customs procedures to real‑world trade scenarios.
  • Strengthen accuracy in preparing and reviewing shipping documents.
  • Reduce risks of penalties, disputes, and trade delays.
  • Support organizations in meeting global compliance standards.

Marine Insurance and Risk Assistants

  • Understand the basics of marine insurance and liability coverage.
  • Apply risk assessment techniques to shipping and cargo operations.
  • Strengthen knowledge of claims handling and settlement procedures.
  • Support compliance with international insurance frameworks.
  • Build confidence in managing shipping‑related risks.

Supply Chain and Inventory Coordinators

  • Apply inventory management techniques to reduce costs and delays.
  • Strengthen knowledge of warehousing, stock control, and distribution.
  • Improve decision‑making in supply chain logistics.
  • Recognize the role of technology in modern inventory management.
  • Contribute to sustainable and efficient supply chain operations.

Career Changers Entering Shipping and Supply Chain

  • Transition into the shipping and logistics sector with a UK accredited diploma.
  • Gain practical knowledge of supply chain, logistics, and trade compliance.
  • Build confidence in applying international shipping standards.
  • Strengthen employability in logistics, ports, and maritime trade.
  • Position yourself for new opportunities in global supply chain management.

Professional Communication Roles in Trade and Shipping

  • Develop effective communication with clients, customs, and trade partners.
  • Apply professional writing skills to shipping and logistics documentation.
  • Strengthen negotiation and problem‑solving skills in trade contexts.
  • Improve cultural awareness in international business communication.
  • Build trust and credibility in global shipping and supply chain operations.

Assessment and Verification

All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.

Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.