cargo industry
Thoroughly understand the cargo industry and its stakeholders, the structure of the industry and common challenges, and the operations of freight forwarders, airline cargo units, and others.
Ship planners manage the performance of a vessel. They ensure the safety of the vessel and its cargo, its operationality and link available vessels to available cargos in order to maximise the profitability of the voyages. They ensure that each container ship is loaded to its optimal capacity, while keeping berth times and handling costs to a minimum. They also plan the maintenance and overhaul of the ship, as well as the crew needed.
Competences and skills
62 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 9 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
7 competencesInternational Maritime Organisation conventions
The fundamental principles and requirements laid in the different conventions issued by the International Maritime Organisation.
maritime law
The collection of domestic and international laws and treaties that govern behaviour on the sea.
maritime telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting equipment and overall operation of telecommunications systems.
digital
principles of cargo stowage
The principles of cargo stowage. The procedures by which containers should be efficiently loaded and unloaded, taking into account gravitational forces that are exerted during transportation.
types of maritime vessels
Various types of maritime vessels such as container ships, passenger ships and fishing vessels, and their characteristics and specifications, security, technical, and maintenance requirements.
vessel stability principles
Thoroughly understand the principles of vessel stability; follow safety requirements during loading and unloading of cargo.
Cross-sector
2 competencesinternational regulations for cargo handling
The body of conventions, guidelines and rules which dictate the activity of loading and unloading cargo in international ports.
national regulations on handling cargo
The national regulations governing the loading and unloading of cargo in ports within that country.
Essential skills and competences 42 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencesdevelop shipping itineraries
Develop a total journey scenario using equipment and specialised software. Plot multiple port voyages while optimising utilisation of cargo space and ship capacity throughout the entire voyage.
digital
handle customer requests related to cargo
Handle requests of port users and customers in the field of containers, shipping arrangements or cargo.
Sector-specific
24 competencesanalyse ship operations
Provide a snapshot of ship operations and the manner in which systems are operated and maintained. Provide information for action that could be taken to improve performance, or to correct weaknesses.
apply regulations on cargo transport operations
Display knowledge of relevant local, national, European and international regulations, standards, and codes concerning the operation of freight transport.
calculate the amount of cargo on a vessel
Determine the weight of cargo on tanker ships and cargo vessels. Calculate the exact amount of loaded cargo or cargo to be discharged.
compose stowage plans
Compose stowage plans; knowledge of ballast systems and cargo loading process.
consider constraints in maritime shipping
Consider multiple constraints specific to maritime shipping such as: the maximum draught of ships; the depth of channels and canals; tide measures; and the respective impact on load capacity. Create detailed scenarios and integrate them into shipping planning.
ensure safe loading of goods according to stowage plan
Monitor and ensure the safe and secure loading of materials and goods, as specified in the stowage plan.
follow ethical code of conduct in transport services
Carry out transport services according to accepted principles of right and wrong. This includes principles of fairness, transparency, and impartiality.
implement cost-effective cargo handling strategies on ships
Implement cost-effective strategies for loading and unloading of cargo on ships with the aim of maximising efficiency, reducing the resources expended, and assuring sufficient operations while increasing profit.
maintain voyage logs
Maintain a written records of events during a ship or aeroplane voyage.
manage ocean-going oil tankers
Manage lightering operations of ocean-going oil tankers and ensure that procedures throughout the operations are safe and environmentally sound.
green
manage safety standards for inland water transport
Manage and maintain safety standards and procedures in the field of inland water transport. Ensure that before dispatching any vessel, all regulations and standards are met. May also be required to act as a member of an Emergency Response Team.
manage shipment risks
Handle risky or dangerous cargo. Ensure that that every shipment operation is executed in an appropriate manner. Calculate cargo weight, ensure that cranes are correctly positioned and see that containers fit into shipment.
match vessels to shipping routes
Understand how particular types of ships are transport different kinds of cargo and operate on different shipping routes. Know the current maritime routes to plan and schedule the arrival and departure of ships from ports.
maximise efficiency of crane operations
Minimise crane operations, additional crane movements, or 're-stows' by effectively planning the organisations of containers in vessels. Analyse delivery schedules and movements for maximum efficiency, minimum cost, and smooth operations.
measure ship tonnage
Measure ships to identify cargo hold and storage capacities.
operate maritime communication equipment
Operate and maintain maritime communication devices. Conduct periodic inspections of communication equipment.
digital
operate stowage programmes
Operate stowage programmes used for controlling stability in vessels, loading operations, and cargo planning processes. Interpret graphical interfaces, stowage data and scenario variables.
digital
plan transport operations
Plan mobility and transport for different departments, in order to obtain the best possible movement of equipment and materials. Negotiate the best possible delivery rates; compare different bids and select the most reliable and cost-effective bid.
prepare documentation for international shipping
Prepare and process official documents for international shipping.
read stowage plans
Read and comprehend content of stowage plans to stow various types of cargo.
stay up-to-date with maritime transportation technology
Gather information about the current trends in maritime transportation technology and stay up-to-date with the latest findings in the field. Apply this knowledge in operations and decision-making while on-board.
supervise loading of cargo
Supervise the process of loading equipment, cargo, goods and other Items. Ensure that all cargo is handled and stored properly in accordance with regulations and standards.
supervise unloading of cargo
Supervise unloading processes for equipment, cargo, goods and other items. Ensure that everything is handled and stored correctly in accordance with regulations and standards.
use equipment for safe stowage
Use tools and equipment to perform safe stowage and ensure proper loading and securing of goods.
Cross-sector
16 competencesapply company policies
Apply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.
communicate with customers
Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.
comply with legal regulations
Ensure you are properly informed of the legal regulations that govern a specific activity and adhere to its rules, policies and laws.
ensure client orientation
Take actions which support business activities by considering client needs and satisfaction. This involves understanding what customers want, providing advices, selling products and services or processing complaints, while adopting a positive attitude.
have computer literacy
Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
digital
implement strategic planning
Take action on the goals and procedures defined at a strategic level in order to mobilise resources and pursue the established strategies.
interpret graphical communication interfaces
Have the capacity to understand the various shapes and representations used in the schematics and 3D isometric model presented by communication programmes.
digital
interpret visual literacy
Interpret charts, maps, graphics, and other pictorial presentations used in place of the written word.
monitor the discharge of cargo
Develop cargo discharge plan and monitor the performance of the cranes that offload cargo from the vessel; ensure that relevant occupational safety requirements are met at all times.
operate radio equipment
Set up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones. Understand the basics of radio operator language and, when necessary, provide instruction in handling radio equipment correctly.
digital
operate scientific measuring equipment
Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.
oversee shipment routing
Organise the distribution of the cargo, also known as 'forwarding'. Take into account the instructions of the client and determine where regular routing or various routings may be required.
prepare visual data
Prepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.
digital
recruit employees
Hire new employees by scoping the job role, advertising, performing interviews and selecting staff in line with company policy and legislation.
- Scope note
- It may include recruiting volunteers.
use different communication channels
Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
write work-related reports
Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
Optional knowledge 2 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
2 competencescontinuous improvement philosophies
Underlying ideas of quality management systems. Implementation process of lean manufacturing, Kanban, Kaizen, Total Quality Management (TQM) and other continuous improvement systems.
electronic communication
Data communication performed through digital means such as computers, telephone or e-mail.
digital
Optional skills and competences 9 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceanticipate potential deficiencies
Assess scenarios in order to anticipate and pinpoint potential deficiencies. Rely on experience combined with statistical probability to mitigate the risk of encountering setbacks.
Sector-specific
3 competencesmanage teamwork
Plan the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements. Supervise, support and instruct members of a team. Provide feedback to teams and individuals on work carried out.
negotiate logistics services
Reach an agreement on the planning and control of the movement of goods, and all related logistical supporting activities without losing sight of one's own or others' goals.
respond to changing navigation circumstances
Respond decisively and in sufficient time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations while navigating.
Cross-sector
5 competencesact reliably
Proceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.
operate marine communication systems
Operate on board marine communication systems. Communicate with other ships or with on-shore control centre e.g. to send urgent messages concerning safety. Transmit or receive alerts, etc.
perform data analysis
Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.
digital
show intercultural awareness
Show sensibility towards cultural differences by taking actions which facilitate positive interaction between international organisations, between groups or individuals of different cultures, and to promote integration in a community.
use maritime English
Communicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.
- Scope note
- Interpret information received in English by any means to perform technical functions on board or respond to contingencies: written and oral information (face to face or radio among others). Complete writen information in English for the release of the vessel and the management of vessel activity. Express in English to steer the boat, transmit orders safely and to solve relief and emergency situations. Use seaspeak according to the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases.