practice of shipping
main aims of the unit
The main aim of this unit is to introduce learners to the operation of shipping lines with particular emphasis on shipping and port procedures. The unit will also introduce the requirements of different types of vessels and the approaches to be considered in order to discharge cargoes.
learning outcomes for the unit
Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to:
- Describe the different types of trading ships and their work.
- Explain the significance of tonnages
- Describe the composition of a ship’s crew and the methods adopted to ensure their safety.
- Describe the fundamental concepts of stability, buoyancy, centre of gravity and flotation
- Describe and account for the procedures adopted for ships entering and leaving port.
- Explain the principles of communication on board ship.
- Give an account of the nature and purpose of classification societies.
- Describe the services of shipping organisations
Learning and teaching methods/strategies used to enable the achievement of learning outcomes:
Learning takes place on a number of levels through lectures, class discussion including problem review and analysis. Formal lectures provide a foundation of information on which the student builds through directed learning and self managed learning outside of the class. The students are actively encouraged to form study groups to discuss course material which fosters a greater depth learning experience.
entry requirements
- Three GCSE’s / GCE`O’ levels and one `A’ level or equivalent qualification, or,
- An approved Foundation Certificate
Relevant experience is taken into consideration for students 21 years of age and over who have not completed any formal qualifications.
main topics of study
Terminology relating to the practice of shipping
- Nautical words and phrases in common use
- Abbreviations
- Documentation
Concepts Relating to a Vessel
- Stability
- Buoyancy
- Centre of gravity
- Flotation
Ship Types and their Trades
- Passenger vessels
- General cargo ships
- Bulk carriers
- Tankers parcel carriers
- Container ships
- Ore carriers, and chemical tankers
- Liquefied gas carriers
Tonnages and Load lines
- Tonnages
- Load lines
- Free board loading scales
- Calibration tables
- Stowage of cargo
- Load line zones
- Fresh water allowance
- Stowage factors
- Stowage plans.
Loading, Stowage and Discharge of Cargo
- Appliances in common use; contamination risks and their avoidance
- Tallying and measuring cargo
- Dry bulk carrier
- Arrival and departure of ships
- Custom procedure; documentation; names and duties of various port officials.
Personnel
- Appliances in common use; contamination risks and their avoidance
- Tallying and measuring cargo
- Dry bulk carrier
- Arrival and departure of ships
- Custom procedure; documentation; names and duties of various port officials.
- Loading, Stowage and Discharge of Cargo
Services performed by Shipping Organisations
- International Association of Classification Societies
- International Chamber of Shipping
- International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations
- Lloyd’s Register of Shipping
- Nautical Institute
- World Trade Organisation
- Baltic Exchange
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
Safety of Life at Sea
- I.M.O, D.T. documents and regulations
- Government and shipping organisations
- MSC
- MEPC
Ports and their Facilities
- Procedures followed by vessel entering and leaving port
- Infra- structure of ports
Classification Societies and Communications
- Function and background
- INMARSAT
- Inward/outward clearance
indicative reading for this unit
main text
Elements of Shipping A. Branch, M. Robarts (Routledge)
alternative text and further reading
Sea Transport P.M. Alderton (Thomas Reed Publications)
guideline for teaching and learning time
(10 HOURS PER CREDIT)
50 hours - lectures / seminars / tutorials / workshops:
Tutorial support includes feedback on assignments and may vary by college according to local needs and wishes.
50 hours - directed learning:
Advance reading and preparation / Class preparation / Background reading / Group study / Portfolio / Diary etc
100 hours - self managed learning:
Working through the course text and completing assignments as required will take up the bulk of the learning time. In addition students are expected to engage with the tutor and other students and to undertake further reading using the web and/or libraries.
assessment methods
Final Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
