CommercialChartering & shipbroking
Vessels, cargoes and markets.
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Commercial work connects freight markets, vessel employment and charter agreements.
Shipping terminology →Maritime careersAn industry beyond
An industry beyond
the horizon.
Explore the commercial, operational and legal professions behind global trade.
A guide to industry pathways. For IIMS enquiries, contact the institute.
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What interests you?
Choose a field to explore. These are industry pathways, rather than vacancies at IIMS.
4 career fields
Commercial
OperationsShipping management
The decisions that keep trade moving.
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Roles involve voyage planning, port calls, documentation and coordination between ships and service providers.
Learning resources →
LegalMaritime law & insurance
Understanding responsibility and risk.
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Work may involve contracts, carriage of goods, marine claims and regulatory obligations. Professional legal practice requires appropriate qualifications.
Maritime law reference →
EnvironmentMarine policy & environment
Shipping within a wider system.
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Explore how maritime activity connects with marine protection, environmental governance and policy. Requirements vary by role.
Explore the theme →Roles across the industry
32 careers in shipping.
Shipping offers far more than life at sea. These are the main professions our material prepares people for, grouped by where the work happens.
9 roles
Shipowner’s office
The departments of a shipping company ashore.
- OperationsPlans voyages and port calls and coordinates the day-to-day running of the fleet.
- CharteringFinds employment for the company’s ships and negotiates charter terms.
- TechnicalLooks after maintenance, dry-docking, repairs and the technical condition of the fleet.
- CrewRecruits, certifies and manages the seafarers on board.
- SupplySources stores, spare parts and provisions for the ships.
- Marine insuranceArranges and manages hull, machinery and liability cover.
- ClaimsHandles cargo, damage, collision and charter-party claims.
- ISM / safetyRuns the safety management system required by the ISM Code.
- AccountingKeeps voyage accounts, budgets and the company’s finances.
7 roles
Trading & brokerage
The people who bring ships and cargoes together.
- CharterersHire ships to carry their own or their clients’ cargo.
- ShipbrokerActs between shipowners and charterers to negotiate fixtures.
- Sale & purchase brokerBrokers the buying and selling of second-hand and new ships.
- Bunker brokerArranges fuel supplies for ships around the world.
- Customs brokerClears cargo and ship’s documents through customs.
- ShipperSends goods by sea under a contract of carriage.
- ReceiverTakes delivery of the cargo at the port of discharge.
5 roles
Insurance & finance
Pricing risk and funding ships.
- Marine insurance brokerPlaces insurance cover for shipowners and cargo interests.
- UnderwritersAssess and price maritime risks for insurers.
- P&I clubsMutual associations covering shipowners’ third-party liabilities.
- Average adjustersCalculate and settle general average and insurance claims.
- Banks (ship finance)Provide loans for buying and building ships.
7 roles
Ports & technical services
The work that keeps ships moving in port and in good order.
- Ship’s agentRepresents the ship and its owners during a port call.
- StevedoresLoad and discharge cargo in port.
- Ship chandlerSupplies ships in port with provisions and stores.
- Classification societiesSet technical standards for ships and check they are met.
- SurveyorsInspect ships, cargo and damage for owners, insurers and buyers.
- ShipyardsBuild, convert and repair ships.
- Marine paints & coatingsTechnical sales of antifouling and protective coatings.
3 roles
Law & public sector
Contracts, disputes and the state’s role in shipping.
- Maritime lawyersAdvise on charter parties, collisions, cargo claims and ship finance.
- ArbitratorsDecide maritime disputes outside the courts.
- ConsulatesDeal with ship registration, documents and seafarers’ affairs abroad.
1 role
Emerging
New kinds of shipping company.
- Autonomous shippingOperating remotely controlled and autonomous vessels from shore.
Your next step
Explore. Understand. Prepare.
Discover the work
Compare what people do in commercial, operational, legal and environmental roles.
Check the requirements
Review the qualifications, experience or professional licences needed for your chosen direction.
Build your understanding
Use relevant references and education to deepen your maritime knowledge.
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