A while ago, I posed a question on my site “Do you have an educational qualification in Shipping, Freight or Logistics..??” including a poll, asking how many of the readers had a formal education like a degree, diploma or other formal qualifications relating to Shipping, Freight and Logistics ??
- 57% of readers answered with “No, I don’t have a formal education in shipping, freight and logistics”
- 43% of readers answered with “Yes I have a formal education in shipping, freight and logistics”
Education is an important requirement in any field in order for anyone to learn about that field and put that learning to work..
Such education and learning may or may not be formal depending on various circumstances..
Education and learning in the Shipping, Freight and Logistics industry is no different to any other industry and in my opinion, there are not many options for formal education in our industry compared to other industries..
There is, however, one professional body that has been working hard not just to fill this gap but also to set the highest standards of professional service to the shipping industry worldwide through education, example and discipline and that body is the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers..
As a member of the South African Branch Committee and its Johannesburg Chapter Head, I have seen the Institute growing from strength to strength creating a huge difference and impact in the lives of many of its students in their professional life..
Here is what you need to know about the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers..
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is the professional body for all members of the commercial shipping industry worldwide and was founded in 1911 in the UK and awarded a Royal Charter in 1920..
With 24 branches of which 8 are in the United Kingdom, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is the only internationally recognised professional body in the commercial maritime arena representing shipbrokers, ship managers and agents throughout the world..
Twice a year, over 1000 students take the Institute’s examinations in over 100 centres throughout the world..
The Membership of the Institute is accepted in universities worldwide as a first degree for any person wishing to participate in a Masters Degree programme.. The Institute’s qualification is considered as a unique hallmark of professionalism in the world of shipping business..
For industry newcomers, the Institute offers a tailored introduction to the maritime world and for the experienced people, it offers specialist subjects such as:
- Ship operations;
- Tanker chartering;
- Port agency;
- Shipping law and insurance
The route to membership allows individuals to join the Institute’s international network of brokers, forwarders, agents, insurers, lawyers and other shipping service providers..
The Institute offers several choices as below:
This course is based on nine correspondence lessons, with a personal tutor assigned to each student.. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded an Understanding Shipping Certificate..
A good starting point if you are new to the industry.. The Foundation Diploma consists of the compulsory subject Introduction to Shipping and a specialist subject of your choice..
For those with more experience and as a first stepping stone towards membership.. This course consists of two subjects, Shipping Business and a specialist subject of your choice..
Professional Qualifications Examination
The institute offers this course as the gateway to membership.. To be eligible for membership you must pass all four of the compulsory subject examinations, along with any three specialist subjects of your choice..
The courses are all designed with the working professionals in mind and offers the student the flexibility to study according to their schedule around their work and home life.. It is a truly international form of the study that moves and works with the student..
The courses are structured in an easy-to-follow format and is supported personally by many industry experts, who are all specialists in their chosen fields..
So how can you get in to the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers..??
Very simple.. Visit one of the many open days like the one that the South African Branch has organised on the 29th of January 2019, in Durban..
Find a Branch of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers near you and pay them a visit.. It may be the best step yet for you to enhance your shipping and freight career..
For further details in South Africa, feel free to send an email, visit the website or call +27 31 207 2022..
Very nice article. I have liked ICS since I joined University. I am through with my PQE and waiting for results in August.
I am from Kenya and currently looking for an internship or job opportunity in the Maritime industry. Anyone who has an information about such opportunities can inform me.
Thank you in advance.
I am a Shipping Management graduate of the University of Plymouth,England,1983,an MBA (Marketing) graduate of a Nigerian University,2000,and a FCILT(London) 2002. I have more than 20 years hands-on experience in shipping and logistics.
How can I get the institute’s membership?
Best regards
Polly C.Ubechu
Hi Polly, you can contact the West African Chapter here – https://www.ics.org.uk/about-us/international-network/branches/west-africa-branch
It is very true!
Anyone who is in need of expanding horizons in shipping knowledge and experience, let him/her joing the global and reputable world shipping professional body which is THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED SHIPBROKERS.
JUST TO MENTION FEW:
THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED SHIP BROKERS HAS ENABLED ME TO
1. GET RESPECT TO MY FAMILY, THE COMPANY IM WORKING (STURROCK GRINDROD MARITIME) – TANZANIA , AND THE GIVERNMENT.
2. SECONDLY, I HAD BEEN ABLE TO GO TO LONDON WARWICK UNIVERSITY DURING REVISION WEEKEND IN 2017.
3. NOW , THE COMPANY IM WORKING HAS REQUESTED ME TO PROVIDE ON JOB TRAINING TWO TIMES A MONTH TO MY FELLO STAFFS .
4. ICS QUALIFICATION HAS ENABLED ME TO GET ADMISSION TO THE MBA IN SHIPPING IN CYPRUS.
My brand as a professional is shipping is always shinning here in Tanzania because of Ics.
My thanks to The Chairman of East African Branch mr. Robert Watene,
The Director Of ICS, Julieth from London, and the Controlling Council , Im mentioning Mr. Simon from Greece just to represent others because they are many and I cant mention all for thier valuable guidance and mentorship regarding Ics.
Thanks to management of Sturrock for sponsoring my Studies to Ics.
I have my own you tube channel called NGUHULLA TV for shipping guidance in Tanzania, I cant finish my presentation in this channel always without mentioning Institute of Chartered Ship beokers.
For those who like to earn money through quality shipping business knowledge ICS qualification is their answer, you will enhance , communication skills, networking , etc.
JULIUS NGUHULLA +255 719190074 TANZANIA EAST AFRICAN ICS BRANCH
BRAVO TO ICS
Thanks for sharing your experience and success Julius..
Am an ICS student doing my finals this year nd hopefully by the end of August l’ll attain my membership with the institute of chartered shipbrokers….Ur articles really help me through out my career journey …..being updated with the shipping network worldwide was always a must do research to any student studying shipping ..can’t wait to read more … Thankfully for the that ….
Great to hear you are part of the Institute Afnan.. 🙂 Glad my articles are helping you as well.. 🙂
Good article about ICS. I obtained my Fellowship ( FICS) from ICS in 2006. Also a Charged Member of the Institute of Logistics (CMILT). Completed Post Graduate Diploma in Port Management too from London. Currently (retired from active shipping job) engaged in giving classes in Logistics and Supply Chain Management through a private college.
Very pertinent and relevant qualifications to do what you are doing, Manoharan..