Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Introduction to Maritime Transport Course
This course offers you a comprehensive and essential overview of the shipping industry. From the basic concepts of navigation to the complexity of logistics and international trade, this program will provide you with the…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Introduction to Maritime Transport Course?
The Introduction to Maritime Transport Course
This course offers you a comprehensive and essential overview of the shipping industry. From the basic concepts of navigation to the complexity of logistics and international trade, this program will provide you with the necessary tools to understand how the sector operates. You will learn about types of vessels, port operations, maritime law, and supply chain management. An essential course for those looking to start a career or expand their knowledge in the world of maritime transport.
This course provides you with a comprehensive and essential overview of the shipping industry.
Differentiating Advantages
- Solid Foundations: Learn the basic principles of maritime transport clearly and concisely.
- Comprehensive Overview: Explore the different aspects of the industry, from navigation to logistics.
- Practical Applications: Understand how the concepts are applied in the real world of maritime transport.
- Flexibility: Study at your own pace with access to high-quality materials and expert support.
- Career Opportunities: Open the door to a wide range of careers in the maritime sector.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Industry Fundamentals: Discover the basic principles and structure of maritime transport on a global scale.
- Types of Vessels and Cargo: Learn to identify different vessels and the types of goods they carry.
- International Trade Routes and Trade: Analyze the main shipping routes and their impact on the global economy.
- Legal and Regulatory Framework: Understand the laws and regulations that govern the maritime industry at a national and international level.
- Career Opportunities: Explore the diverse career options in the dynamic world of maritime transport.
- Boost your knowledge and open doors to a key sector of global trade.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of shipping, global trade and general operation of the shipping sector
- Concept of maritime transport and differences between international transport, cabotage, port logistics and commercial navigation
- Importance of maritime transport in world trade, supply chains, blue economy and connectivity between markets
- Main Actors: Shipping Companies, Shipowners, Chargers, Freight forwarders, Consignees, Ports, Terminals, Authorities and Insurers
- Types of Maritime Services: Regular Line, Tramp Transport, Feeder, Short Sea Shipping, Cabotage and Specialised Transportation
- Sector risks and challenges: port congestion, climate, fuel costs, delays, environmental regulation and logistics disruptions
02
Types of ships, sea freight and operational characteristics of sea transport
- Vessel typologies: container ships, bulk carriers, oil tankers, gas carriers, RO-RO, multipurpose, reefers and cargo Project
- Types of cargo: Container, solid bulk, liquid bulk, cargo, refrigerated, dangerous, oversized and fragile
- Load characteristics according to weight, volume, value, conservation, handling, packaging and safety requirements
- Cargo unit, containers, TEU, pallets, seals, stowage, lashing and damage control during transport
- Relationship between type of ship, type of merchandise, route, port, cost, transit time and service level
03
Ports, terminals, loading operations and intermodal connectivity
- Function of ports in maritime transport and differences between commercial port, specialised terminal, hub and port feeder
- Basic Port Operations: Docking, Pilotage, Trailer, Mooring, Loading, Unloading, Storage and Inspection
- Port equipment: Cranes, REACH Stackers, RTG, Tractors Terminal, Belts, Pipes and Goods Handling Systems
- Coordination between ship, terminal, land carrier, maritime agent, customs and logistics operators
- Intermodal connectivity with road, railway, barges, logistics centres, free zones and interior platforms
04
Documentation, contracts, incoterms and basic processes of maritime trade
- Essential Documentation: Bill of Lading, Sea Waybill, Booking, Manifesto, Commercial Invoice and Packing List
- Incoterms applied to maritime transport and distribution of costs, risks, delivery, insurance and responsibilities
- Basic maritime contracts: transport, chartering, logistics services, consignment and port operations
- Loader responsibilities, shipping company, freight forwarder, consignee, customs broker and recipient
- Import and export processes: booking, cargo delivery, shipment, transit, arrival, dispatch and final delivery
05
Applied project of introduction to maritime transport
- Case definition: import, export, container shipment, refrigerated cargo, bulk, rolled cargo or coastal transport
- Diagnosis of merchandise, origin, destination, ports, actors, documentary requirements, times and operational restrictions
- Design of the sea route with selection of type of ship, port, terminal, land connection and logistics alternative
- Preparation of the documentary scheme with Incoterm, responsibilities, contract, insurance, reservation and dispatch process
- Basic estimate of costs, risks, times, sustainability, traceability and incident prevention measures
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Students and recent graduates interested in a global overview of the maritime sector and its opportunities.Logistics, international trade, and finance professionals seeking to understand the strategic role of maritime transport in the supply chain.Insurance, law firm, and consultancy staff who need to understand the legal, economic, and operational aspects of maritime transport.Entrepreneurs
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Understanding the terminology and fundamentals of maritime trade
- 02Identify the different types of ships and their function in the transport of goods
- 03Analyze and apply international regulations governing maritime safety and pollution prevention
- 04Manage the documentation and customs processes associated with maritime transport
- 05Evaluate and select the most suitable maritime transport options according to cargo needs and market conditions
- 06Coordinate and supervise the loading and unloading of goods at the ports
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Port Operations Assistant: Support in loading and unloading management, documentation, and service coordination.
02Customer Service Representative in Shipping Companies and Maritime Agencies: Information and assistance to passengers and companies.
03Administrative Assistant in Maritime Transport Companies: Document management, invoicing, and administrative tasks.
04Logistics and Maritime Transport Technician: Route planning, shipment tracking, and warehouse management.
05Port Facility Security Personnel: Surveillance and access control to facilities.
06Customs Agent (Basic Level): Processing customs documentation and tax management.
07Sales Representative in Maritime Transport Companies: Promotion and sale of maritime transport services.
08Support staff in stevedoring companies: Assistance in loading and unloading ships.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Container ships
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Facilitating international trade and the large-scale transport of goods across the oceans.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:No specific degree is required, although prior training in logistics, international trade, or related areas will be valued.Prior Knowledge:Basic familiarity with concepts of geography, economics, and trade is desirable.Skills:Reading comprehension and information analysis skills.Documentation:Completed application form.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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