Services Transport, Operations and Logistics

Demonstrate An Understanding Of Ships And Related Functions Training

SAQA US 119846 | NQF 4 | Credits 7 | Duration 4 Days
From $1,107 per delegate

Description

This course provides learners with a foundational understanding of ships and related functions, including types of vessels, maritime operations, and the roles and responsibilities of crew members. It is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge required to work effectively in maritime environments or support roles within the shipping industry.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and describe the main types of ships and their primary functions.
  • Explain the roles and responsibilities of key crew members aboard a vessel.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic ship terminology and layout.
  • Describe the principles of ship stability and safety procedures.
  • Analyze the relationship between ship operations and port logistics.
  • Apply understanding of maritime regulations and environmental considerations.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for new entrants to the maritime industry, logistics and supply chain professionals, port authority staff, and anyone seeking to understand basic ship functions and operations.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Ships and Maritime Functions

Objectives:
• Understand the historical and economic significance of ships in South Africa and globally.
• Identify the main types of ships and their primary functions.
• Describe the basic structure and terminology of a ship.
• Recognise the roles of key personnel on board a ship.
• Explain the concept of ship classification and registration.

Topics:
• Overview of the maritime industry and its importance to trade and economy.
• Types of ships: cargo vessels, tankers, passenger ships, and specialised vessels.
• Ship anatomy: hull, superstructure, decks, compartments, and propulsion systems.
• Key maritime terminology: port, starboard, bow, stern, draft, displacement.
• Shipboard organisation: captain, deck officers, engineering crew, and support staff.
• Ship registration and flag states: purpose and requirements.
• Introduction to international maritime regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL).
• Case studies: examples of ships in South African ports.

Day 2: Ship Operations and Cargo Handling

Objectives:
• Understand the principles of ship stability and buoyancy.
• Describe cargo handling equipment and procedures for different cargo types.
• Explain navigation and communication systems used on ships.
• Identify safety equipment and emergency procedures.
• Discuss the role of port operations and logistics.

Topics:
• Ship stability: centre of gravity, metacentric height, and stability curves.
• Cargo types: break bulk, containerised, bulk liquid, and hazardous materials.
• Cargo handling gear: cranes, conveyors, pumps, and ramps.
• Navigation basics: charts, GPS, radar, and electronic navigation aids.
• Communication systems: VHF, satellite, and distress signals (GMDSS).
• Safety equipment: lifeboats, life rafts, firefighting systems, and PPE.
• Emergency procedures: abandon ship, fire drills, and man overboard.
• Port operations: pilotage, tugboats, mooring, and berthing.

Day 3: Maritime Law, Safety, and Environmental Protection

Objectives:
• Understand key international maritime conventions and South African maritime law.
• Explain the role of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).
• Identify environmental regulations and pollution prevention measures.
• Describe safety management systems and the ISM Code.
• Recognise the importance of crew welfare and training standards.

Topics:
• International Maritime Organization (IMO) and key conventions.
• SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Marine Pollution).
• South African maritime legislation: Merchant Shipping Act and regulations.
• SAMSA functions: ship registration, inspections, and certification.
• Environmental protection: ballast water management, oil spill response.
• Safety management: ISM Code, safety plans, and audits.
• Crew training: STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping).
• Port state control and flag state responsibilities.

Day 4: Practical Applications and Career Pathways

Objectives:
• Apply knowledge to simulate shipboard operations and decision-making.
• Evaluate case studies of maritime incidents and lessons learned.
• Identify career opportunities in the maritime industry.
• Demonstrate understanding of ship functions through a practical exercise.
• Develop a personal action plan for further learning or career development.

Topics:
• Practical exercise: vessel familiarisation using ship diagrams and models.
• Case study analysis: maritime accidents and their causes (e.g., grounding, collision).
• Career pathways: deck officer, marine engineer, port operator, maritime law.
• Training institutions in South Africa: SAMSA-approved courses and cadetships.
• Emerging trends: automation, green shipping, and digitalisation.
• Group activity: planning a ship's voyage including cargo, route, and safety.
• Assessment: written test and practical demonstration.
• Course review and Q&A session.

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
Online training — attend live sessions from anywhere via our virtual classroom.
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Mon 07 Sep 2026 Thu 10 Sep 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,107 Register
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Tue 28 Dec 2027 Fri 31 Dec 2027 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,107 Register
Mon 17 Jan 2028 Thu 20 Jan 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,107 Register
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Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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