LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Maritime Law UK
Maritime law is the backbone of international trade, governing the movement of goods, vessels, and people across the world’s oceans. Every contract signed, every shipment delivered, and every dispute resolved relies on the principles of maritime law to ensure fairness, accountability, and compliance. In a global economy where over 90% of goods are transported by sea, understanding maritime law is not just a legal necessity—it is a strategic advantage.
The LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Maritime Law highlights the importance of building foundational knowledge in this critical discipline. Maritime law covers areas such as contracts, liability, insurance, and international conventions, all of which directly impact the efficiency and safety of global shipping. Without skilled professionals in this field, disputes over cargo, accidents, or compliance could disrupt supply chains and damage international relations. For learners, mastering maritime law is more than an academic pursuit—it is an opportunity to contribute to the integrity of global trade and play a vital role in shaping the future of international commerce.
Program Outline
The LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Maritime Law is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with essential knowledge of legal frameworks governing international shipping. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 60 credits, the program introduces learners to the fundamentals of contracts, liability, dispute resolution, and compliance with international conventions.
This section of the article explains how the diploma equips learners with the ability to interpret maritime agreements, manage legal responsibilities, and apply international standards effectively. It highlights the type of learners the course is aimed at, the skills they will gain, and the career pathways available upon completion. Readers will also discover how this internationally recognized qualification opens opportunities in shipping companies, logistics firms, law practices, and trade organizations, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in maritime law.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201305-1 | Introduction to Maritime Law and Legal Systems | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201305-2 | Carriage of Goods by Sea | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201305-3 | Admiralty Jurisdiction and Ship Ownership | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201305-4 | Marine Insurance Principles | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201305-5 | International Conventions in Maritime Law | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201305-6 | Dispute Resolution in Maritime Law | 10 | 40 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Maritime Law is designed for individuals who want to enter or progress in the maritime and legal industries. This program is especially valuable for those who face challenges such as interpreting contracts, resolving disputes, or ensuring compliance with international conventions. It helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where maritime law is central to global trade.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to start a career in maritime law.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in shipping contracts and liability.
- Logistics staff who want to strengthen their knowledge of legal compliance.
- Shipping company employees preparing for roles in documentation and dispute resolution.
- Trade and transport professionals transitioning into legal aspects of shipping.
- Law graduates interested in specializing in maritime law.
- Career changers looking for an internationally recognized qualification in maritime law.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for global trade and shipping
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Introduction to Maritime Law and Legal Systems
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the foundations of maritime law and its role in international trade and shipping.
- Identify the structure and functions of national and international legal systems governing maritime activities.
- Demonstrate understanding of key legal principles such as jurisdiction, liability, and contractual obligations.
- Compare common law and civil law approaches to maritime disputes.
- Apply basic legal terminology and concepts to real-world maritime scenarios.
- Evaluate the importance of maritime law in ensuring safe and lawful global commerce.
Unit 2: Carriage of Goods by Sea
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Describe the legal framework governing contracts of carriage and bills of lading.
- Analyze the rights and responsibilities of carriers, shippers, and consignees.
- Interpret international conventions such as Hague-Visby and Hamburg Rules in relation to carriage of goods.
- Assess liability issues arising from loss, damage, or delay of cargo.
- Apply legal principles to case studies involving multimodal transport and shipping contracts.
- Evaluate the impact of carriage of goods law on international trade efficiency.
Unit 3: Admiralty Jurisdiction and Ship Ownership
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the scope of admiralty jurisdiction and its significance in maritime disputes.
- Identify legal processes for ship registration, ownership, and flag state control.
- Analyze the rights and obligations of shipowners under international law.
- Evaluate the procedures for ship arrest, salvage, and maritime liens.
- Apply admiralty principles to case studies involving ownership disputes.
- Assess the role of admiralty courts in enforcing maritime claims globally.
Unit 4: Marine Insurance Principles
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the purpose and scope of marine insurance in international shipping.
- Identify different types of marine insurance policies and their applications.
- Analyze the principles of insurable interest, utmost good faith, and indemnity.
- Evaluate claims processes and settlement procedures in marine insurance.
- Apply legal principles to case studies involving cargo loss, hull damage, or liability claims.
- Assess the role of marine insurance in managing risk and ensuring trade security.
Unit 5: International Conventions in Maritime Law
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify key international conventions such as UNCLOS, SOLAS, MARPOL, and Rotterdam Rules.
- Explain the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in global maritime governance.
- Analyze the impact of conventions on safety, environmental protection, and trade regulation.
- Apply convention principles to case studies involving compliance and enforcement.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of international conventions in harmonizing maritime law.
- Demonstrate awareness of emerging global challenges and regulatory responses in maritime law.
Unit 6: Dispute Resolution in Maritime Law
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the different methods of dispute resolution including arbitration, mediation, and litigation.
- Analyze the advantages and limitations of alternative dispute resolution in maritime cases.
- Apply legal principles to case studies involving shipping disputes and contractual conflicts.
- Evaluate the role of international arbitration centers in resolving maritime claims.
- Demonstrate understanding of enforcement of awards and judgments across jurisdictions.
- Assess the importance of effective dispute resolution in maintaining global trade stability.
