LICQual UK Level 6 Shipbroking & Vessel Operations Diploma
Shipbroking and chartered vessel operations are the driving forces behind global maritime trade, connecting shipowners, charterers, and international markets. Every negotiation, contract, and vessel assignment directly impacts the movement of goods, energy, and resources across the world. In this highly competitive industry, success depends on professionals who can combine commercial insight with operational expertise, ensuring vessels are deployed efficiently and profitably.
The LICQual UK Level 6 Diploma in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations reflects the growing importance of advanced knowledge and leadership in this field. At this level, learners are expected to master complex contracts, international regulations, and strategic decision‑making while navigating the challenges of global shipping. As the maritime industry evolves with digitalization, sustainability, and shifting trade routes, the demand for skilled shipbrokers and chartering specialists continues to rise. For ambitious professionals, excelling in shipbroking and chartered vessel operations is not just about managing deals—it is about shaping the future of international commerce.
Program Outline
The LICQual UK Level 6 Diploma in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations is an advanced qualification designed to prepare learners for senior responsibilities in maritime commerce. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 120 credits, the program provides a structured pathway to mastering shipbroking practices, vessel chartering, and international shipping operations.
This section of the article explains how the diploma equips learners with the ability to negotiate contracts, manage vessel operations, and ensure compliance with global trade standards. It highlights the type of learners the course is aimed at, the advanced skills they will gain, and the career pathways available upon completion. Readers will also discover how this internationally recognized qualification opens opportunities in shipbroking firms, chartering companies, logistics organizations, and global trade enterprises, making it a valuable credential for professionals seeking to progress into leadership roles in shipbroking and chartered vessel operations.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201290-1 | Advanced Shipbroking and Chartering Strategies | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201290-2 | Global Shipping Markets, Economics, and Trade Policy | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201290-3 | Maritime Law, Risk, and Regulatory Compliance | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201290-4 | Vessel Operations, Voyage Estimation, and Costing | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201290-5 | Strategic Management in Shipping and Logistics | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201290-6 | Research Project in Shipbroking and Vessel Operations | 20 | 80 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual UK Level 6 Diploma in Shipbroking and Chartered Vessel Operations is designed for individuals aiming to advance their careers in the maritime industry by moving into leadership and management roles. This program is especially valuable for professionals who face challenges such as negotiating complex contracts, managing vessel operations, and meeting international compliance standards. It helps learners strengthen their expertise, gain confidence, and prepare for senior positions where shipbroking and chartered vessel operations are central to global trade.
Ideal Learners
- Experienced shipbrokers aiming for supervisory or managerial positions.
- Chartering professionals seeking advanced training in vessel operations and compliance.
- Logistics specialists preparing for leadership roles in maritime trade.
- Shipping company employees who want to expand their knowledge of contracts and negotiations.
- Maritime safety officers looking to enhance regulatory expertise and decision‑making skills.
- Supply chain managers transitioning into global shipping operations.
- Career changers seeking an internationally recognized qualification in shipbroking.
- Ambitious learners who want to build strategic skills for international trade opportunities.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
1. Advanced Shipbroking and Chartering Strategies
Learners will be able to:
- Apply advanced negotiation techniques to secure profitable chartering agreements.
- Evaluate the impact of freight market trends on shipbroking and chartering decisions.
- Analyze complex charter party clauses and recommend risk‑mitigation strategies.
- Demonstrate expertise in voyage, time, and bareboat chartering practices.
- Formulate strategies to maximize vessel utilization and client satisfaction.
- Assess the role of digital platforms and technology in modern shipbroking.
2. Global Shipping Markets, Economics, and Trade Policy
Learners will be able to:
- Analyze the structure and dynamics of global shipping markets.
- Evaluate the influence of international trade policies on shipping demand and freight rates.
- Demonstrate understanding of port economics and their role in global trade.
- Assess the impact of globalization, supply chains, and emerging markets on shipping.
- Apply economic models to forecast freight market fluctuations.
- Critically evaluate the role of shipping in supporting international commerce.
3. Maritime Law, Risk, and Regulatory Compliance
Learners will be able to:
- Interpret international maritime conventions, including SOLAS, MARPOL, and ISPS Code.
- Evaluate the legal responsibilities of shipowners, charterers, and brokers.
- Apply knowledge of marine insurance, liabilities, and dispute resolution.
- Analyze risk management frameworks for vessel safety and compliance.
- Demonstrate understanding of arbitration and legal remedies in shipping disputes.
- Assess the role of compliance in maintaining ethical and sustainable shipping practices.
4. Vessel Operations, Voyage Estimation, and Costing
Learners will be able to:
- Apply advanced methods of voyage estimation and costing for chartering decisions.
- Evaluate operational efficiency in vessel scheduling, routing, and fuel management.
- Demonstrate understanding of laytime, demurrage, and dispatch calculations.
- Analyze the financial implications of voyage planning and operational choices.
- Assess the role of technology in optimizing vessel operations and cost control.
- Formulate strategies to improve profitability and reduce operational risks.
5. Strategic Management in Shipping and Logistics
Learners will be able to:
- Apply strategic management frameworks to shipping and logistics organizations.
- Evaluate leadership approaches for managing global shipping operations.
- Analyze competitive strategies in maritime logistics and supply chain management.
- Demonstrate understanding of sustainability and innovation in shipping strategies.
- Assess the role of digital transformation in shaping logistics competitiveness.
- Formulate long‑term strategies for growth, resilience, and global expansion.
6. Research Project in Shipbroking and Vessel Operations
Learners will be able to:
- Design and conduct independent research on a specialized shipbroking or vessel operations topic.
- Apply advanced research methodologies and data analysis techniques.
- Critically evaluate academic and industry sources to support findings.
- Present evidence‑based solutions to real‑world challenges in shipbroking and chartering.
- Demonstrate project management, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
- Produce a professional research report aligned with international academic standards.
