Diploma in Shipping and Logistics (RQF)
Develop Shipping and Logistics Expertise and Career Opportunities with the ABMA Level 4 Diploma in Shipping and Logistics (RQF) for Aspiring Logistics Professionals.
Ofqual Regulated Qualification
Assignment Based Assessment
Flexible Online Learning
UK & International Recognition
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The ABMA Level 4 Diploma in Shipping and Logistics (RQF) is a UK-regulated vocational qualification designed to develop knowledge and understanding of shipping, maritime logistics and related international trade activities. Awarded by ABMA Education, the qualification is regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and benchmarked to the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Level 4. It is listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications under qualification number 603/3421/6.
The qualification provides a structured introduction to the shipping and logistics industry while combining academic understanding with vocational application. Its core learning areas include Introduction to Shipping Practice and Introduction to International Maritime Logistics, supported by optional specialisms covering shipping insurance and salvage, movement of dangerous goods, overseas trade law, environmental issues, and port operations.
For UK and international learners, the qualification provides a recognised framework for understanding how shipping operations, maritime logistics and international commerce interact. Its curriculum has also been mapped against occupational standards including Port Marine Operations Officer, Marine Pilot, and International Freight Forwarding Specialist, reinforcing its focus on industry-relevant knowledge and applied learning.
The ABMA Level 4 Diploma in Shipping and Logistics (RQF) is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1250 hours and 650 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), with 125 credits.
Assessment for the ABMA Level 4 Diploma in Shipping and Logistics (RQF) is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed in accordance with ABMA assessment and quality assurance requirements to ensure that learners demonstrate the required knowledge, understanding and application of shipping and logistics principles.
To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete the two mandatory units and three optional units.
Core Study Units
Mandatory Units
Optional Units
Learners select three of the following five optional units:
The ABMA Level 4 Diploma in Shipping and Logistics (RQF) is designed for learners seeking structured knowledge of shipping, maritime logistics, port operations and international trade. It is suitable for learners preparing to enter, develop within, or broaden their understanding of the shipping and logistics sector.
Entry Requirements
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6 monthly payments
6 monthly payments (Total: £1,200)
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Career Opportunities
The ABMA Level 4 Diploma in Shipping and Logistics (RQF) provides learners with a strong foundation in shipping practice, international maritime logistics and key areas of the global shipping industry. The qualification develops knowledge of shipping operations, maritime logistics, port operations, international trade, shipping insurance, dangerous goods and environmental issues, helping learners build practical and analytical understanding relevant to the shipping and logistics sector. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally seeking to develop their knowledge of shipping and logistics or progress towards related academic and professional pathways.
Shipping Coordinator
Coordinates shipping activities, documentation, cargo movements and communication between carriers, customers, ports and logistics providers.
Logistics Coordinator
Organises transportation, cargo movements, schedules and logistics documentation to support efficient movement of goods.
Freight Forwarding Coordinator
Supports international freight movements by coordinating shipments, transport arrangements, documentation and communication with logistics partners.
Shipping Operations Assistant
Supports daily shipping operations, including vessel activities, cargo documentation, schedules and communication with operational stakeholders.
Port Operations Assistant
Assists with port activities, cargo handling coordination, operational records and communication between vessels, terminal teams and service providers.
Maritime Logistics Assistant
Supports maritime logistics processes involving cargo planning, transportation coordination, documentation and supply chain activities.
Import and Export Coordinator
Coordinates international shipments, trade documentation, customs-related information and communication between exporters, importers and logistics providers.
Cargo Operations Coordinator
Helps organise cargo movements, loading arrangements, transportation schedules and operational documentation within shipping environments.
Future Progression
The ABMA Level 4 Diploma in Shipping and Logistics (RQF) provides learners with a strong foundation for further academic study and entry-level opportunities across the shipping, maritime, logistics and international trade sectors. The qualification develops knowledge of shipping practice, international maritime logistics, port operations, shipping insurance, dangerous goods, overseas trade law and environmental issues, providing a broad understanding that can be relevant across shipping, freight forwarding, logistics, port and supply chain environments.
Academically, learners may progress to higher-level qualifications in shipping, logistics, maritime studies, supply chain management, international trade or related disciplines, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification can also support further study in areas such as logistics management, maritime operations, transport management, international business and supply chain management.
Professionally, this diploma can support progression towards roles such as Shipping Coordinator, Logistics Coordinator, Freight Forwarding Coordinator, Shipping Operations Assistant, Port Operations Assistant, Maritime Logistics Assistant, Import and Export Coordinator, Cargo Operations Coordinator, and Shipping Documentation Officer, depending on the learner’s experience and employer requirements. The knowledge developed through the qualification provides a foundation for understanding shipping operations, coordinating cargo movements, managing logistics documentation, and applying maritime and international trade concepts to practical industry scenarios.
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