24 Credits | 10 Weeks | Instructor-Led Online Program

The Foundation Certificate in Global Shipping & Maritime Trade (PCGM) is a structured introductory program designed to help participants understand how the global shipping industry functions as a business ecosystem supporting international trade.

Global shipping forms the backbone of the world economy, transporting the majority of global commodities, manufactured goods, and energy resources between continents. Behind this massive movement of trade is a complex network of shipping companies, charterers, ports, financial institutions, insurers, and maritime service providers working together to ensure that goods move efficiently across the globe.

This program provides a clear and practical introduction to the commercial and organizational foundations of the maritime industry, enabling participants to understand how shipping companies operate, how maritime trade is structured, and how business decisions influence global shipping operations.

Delivered through live instructor-led online sessions over 10 weeks, the course offers a focused learning experience designed for individuals who want to build foundational knowledge of the shipping industry and strengthen their professional profile for opportunities within maritime organizations.

Upon successful completion of the course and the final assessment, participants will be awarded the Foundation Certificate in Global Shipping & Maritime Trade (PCGM) from Marex Academy.

Who Should Enrol

This program is designed for individuals who want to gain industry knowledge and explore career opportunities within the maritime sector.

The course is particularly suitable for:

• University students interested in maritime careers

• Graduates seeking opportunities in shipping companies

• Professionals working in logistics, international trade, or supply chain management

• Individuals planning to transition into maritime-related industries

• Anyone interested in understanding how global shipping businesses operate

The program does not require any prior maritime knowledge or shipping experience, making it accessible to participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

Why This Course Matters

Shipping companies and maritime organizations increasingly seek professionals who understand how the maritime business ecosystem operates and how global trade flows through shipping networks.

This program helps participants:

• Develop foundational knowledge of the global maritime business environment

• Understand the structure and operations of shipping companies

• Gain exposure to shipping economics and market dynamics

• Learn about international trade documentation and maritime business practices

• Strengthen their professional profile when applying for roles in maritime organizations

For many participants, this course serves as an important first step toward building a long-term career in the global maritime industry.

Course Duration and Learning Structure

The Foundation Certificate in Global Shipping & Maritime Trade is a 24-credit program delivered over 10 weeks through instructor-led online learning.

Each credit represents approximately 45 to 60 minutes of guided learning, delivered through structured virtual sessions that combine conceptual learning with practical industry insights.

The program focuses on the commercial, organizational, and strategic aspects of shipping businesses, helping participants develop a clear understanding of how maritime companies operate within the global trade system.

Topics Covered

The course explores key areas that define modern maritime business operations and global shipping enterprises.

Participants will study:

• Structure of Commercial Enterprises in Shipping

• Internal Organisation of Shipping Companies

• Maritime Trade Ecosystem

• Shipping Economics and Market Dynamics

• International Trade Systems and Documentation

• Strategic Management in Shipping

• Innovation and Competitive Advantage

• Financial Management and Ship Finance

• Ethics, Governance and Maritime Institutions

• Business Communications in Shipping

Through these topics, learners gain a holistic perspective of the maritime industry, including how shipping companies make strategic decisions, manage commercial operations, and operate within international trade systems.

Learning Experience

The program is delivered through live instructor-led virtual sessions led by experienced maritime professionals, ensuring that participants gain insights drawn from real industry practices.

Key learning features include:

• Instructor-led online classes

• Industry-relevant discussions and examples

• Structured weekly learning progression

• Practical insights into maritime business operations

• Exposure to real-world industry perspectives

This approach ensures participants gain practical awareness of the industry rather than purely theoretical knowledge.

Certification

Participants who complete the program and successfully pass the final course assessment will be awarded the:

Foundation Certificate in Global Shipping & Maritime Trade (PCGM)
Issued by Marex Academy

This certification demonstrates that the participant has acquired foundational knowledge of the global shipping industry, maritime business structures, and commercial shipping operations.

Credit Recognition and Career Progression

The 24 credits earned through this program form part of Marex Academy’s professional learning framework, allowing participants to progress into advanced maritime programs without repeating the same coursework.

These credits are fully recognized and counted toward higher-level programs, including:

Professional Diploma in Ship Management (PDSM) – 120 Credits Marex Academy’s flagship professional program designed to develop comprehensive expertise in technical ship management, commercial shipping operations, and maritime business management.

Professional Certificate in Maritime Business Management (PCMB) - 60 Credits specialized program focused on commercial strategy, maritime business operations, and management practices within shipping enterprises.

This structured pathway allows learners to start with a short foundation program and progressively build advanced professional qualifications in the maritime industry.

Your First Step into the Global Maritime Industry

The Foundation Certificate in Global Shipping & Maritime Trade (FCGM) is designed to provide a clear and structured entry point into one of the world’s most essential industries.

Whether you are a student exploring career opportunities, a graduate preparing to enter the workforce, or a professional considering a transition into maritime, this program provides the knowledge foundation needed to understand the shipping industry and position yourself for opportunities within global maritime organizations.

For many participants, this program becomes the starting point of a long-term professional journey within the global shipping and maritime sector.