CERTIFICATE IN
MARITIME LAW ESSENTIALS

Full Course Outline

Introduction to Maritime Law

• What makes maritime law unique and distinct from commercial and logistics law
• Jurisdiction and legal systems involved in maritime disputes
• Key international conventions (e.g. Hague-Visby, Hamburg, Rotterdam Rules)

Contracts of Carriage by Sea – A Cargo Perspective

• Bills of lading: functions and importance
• Sea waybills and electronic transport documents
• Charterparties: voyage vs. time charters
  • Clauses impacting cargo interests and charterers
  • Allocation of risk between the carrier, charterer, and cargo owner
• Legal responsibilities of shipowners and charterers
• Bills of lading and the role of the master

Cargo Responsibilities, Rights, and Liabilities

• Carrier duties in relation to cargo care, loading, stowage, and discharge
• Shipper obligations: cargo description, packing, dangerous goods, and documentation
• Liability for cargo loss, damage, and delay
• Defences and exemptions under international conventions
• Limitation of liability and its impact on cargo recovery

Marine Insurance and Risk Allocation

• The role of marine insurance for cargo interests
• Cargo insurance:
  • Institute Cargo Clauses (A, B, C)
  • Common coverage gaps and exclusions
• Role of insurers, P&I Clubs, and claims handlers in cargo-related matters
• General Average: legal principles and practical implications for cargo owners
• Subrogation and recovery actions

Cargo Claims, Freight Disputes, and Practical Handling

• Cargo damage, shortage, contamination, and delay claims
• Freight disputes and issues affecting cargo delivery
• Evidence gathering: surveys, documentation, and notices of claim
• Time bars, jurisdiction clauses, and letters of indemnity (LOIs)
• Practical steps in handling claims and protecting cargo interests

Liabilities of Carriers, Charterers, and Third Parties

• Allocation of liability between carriers, charterers, and cargo interests
• Responsibilities of terminal operators, stevedores, and subcontractors
• Himalaya clauses and contractual protections
• Recourse actions and back-to-back contractual arrangements

Ship Arrest, Security, and Enforcement (Cargo Perspective)

• When ship arrest is relevant to cargo claims
• Security options: guarantees, letters of undertaking, and cash security
• Maritime liens and statutory rights affecting cargo claimants
• Commercial considerations and risks for shippers

Dispute Resolution in Maritime Law

• Litigation, arbitration, and mediation in practice
• Case study: resolving a maritime dispute

Practical Case Studies and Interactive Discussion

• End-to-end cargo claim scenarios
• Risk identification and decision-making exercises
• Key lessons for shippers, insurers, and commercial teams

* Please note that changes in the curriculum may occur due to scheduling and other factors.

Who should attend:

This course is ideal for:

• Shippers, cargo owners, beneficial cargo owners (BCOs), and commodity traders involved in containerised and break bulk – dry bulk cargo movements

• Logistics, supply chain, and freight professionals responsible for managing sea freight contracts, risks, and claims

• Freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and logistics service providers working with international maritime transport

• Marine insurers, P&I Club professionals, and claims handlers dealing with cargo-related risks and recoveries

• Charterers and commercial shipping professionals engaged in voyage and time charter arrangements

• Port and terminal operators, including operations, commercial, legal, and risk management teams

• Marine surveyors, cargo inspectors, and loss adjusters involved in cargo condition, damage, and dispute investigations

• Shipping company managers and operators seeking a cargo-focused understanding of legal obligations

• Legal professionals and in-house counsel requiring a practical grounding in maritime and cargo-related law

• Regulators, maritime authorities, and government officers involved in oversight of maritime transport

• Students and early-career professionals preparing for roles in shipping, logistics, insurance, or maritime legal services

Course Directors:

The course is taught by a seasoned maritime lawyer with experience advising global clients in shipping, logistics, and marine insurance. The trainer brings a unique combination of legal expertise and commercial insight from working with shipowners, charterers, and cargo interests, and will use real-life case examples to enrich the sessions.

Registration Information

Early Bird Discount:

Book in advance with our ‘Early Bird Rate –  US$399.

The offer is valid on registrations made at least 21 days in advance. Full payment is needed at the time of registration.

Super Early Bird Discount:

Book in advance with our ‘Early Bird Rate –  US$299.

The offer is valid on registrations made at least 45 days in advance. Full payment is needed at the time of registration.

Kindly complete your registration and submit the course enrollment payment through the provided links below.

Early Bird + Multi Delegate Discount

You can combine the Multi Delegate and Early Bird discount programs, and receive a bigger discount for training courses!

The Early Bird Discount Program is applicable for bookings taken and payment received more than 21 days before the commencement of the training!

• For 2 Delegates, we offer an additional 20% Discount each Delegate (US$319)

Super Early Bird + Multi Delegate Discount

You can combine the Multi Delegate and Super Early Bird discount programs, and receive a bigger discount for training courses!

The Super Early Bird Discount Program is applicable for bookings taken and payment received more than 45 days before the commencement of the training!

• For 2 Delegates, we offer an additional 20% Discount each Delegate (US$239)

Mix & Match Corporate Bundle:

Our Mix & Match Bundle enables you to select any of our training courses in line with your organisation’s needs.

You get 10 courses in this money-saving flexible bundle.

You are able to allocate the courses within the bundle to different individuals.

You have 1 year from initial enrolment to complete the courses in your bundle.

Please get in touch with us for the details.

Self-Funding &  Educational Discounts

We appreciate that funding a training course yourself can represent a significant financial burden. As a result, we offer a discount structure for certificate courses to make your private booking more affordable.

If you are a student, private individual, or self-employed and are funding the course booking yourself, you can claim a self-funding discount with any qualifying Certificate course.

Please fill the Self-Funding Application Form here to apply.

Flexible, on-demand program alternative:

Sign up when you want, study at your own pace, and complete when you’re able.

Study from the comfort of your own home, with no timetable. Please get in touch with us for the details.

Registration:

Should You Wish to Register Multiple Course Delegates, Please Fill in the Information For Each Delegate

Payment:

Please get in touch with us for payment by bank transfer, or you can use the below link for online payments.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Feel free to explore our detailed FAQ section for additional questions or assistance you may require.

Comments and Testimonials:

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