SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Shipping Agent 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110934  Occupational Certificate: Shipping Agent 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-TETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2019-10-24  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the required knowledge, practical skills and work experience to prepare a learner to operate as a Shipping Agent. A Shipping Agent liaises and processes transactions of a ship or cargo on behalf of the ship owners, ship managers or ship charterers.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Prepare the disbursement account.
  • Advise all authorities of the ship's arrival.
  • Keep cargo interests updated.
  • Arrange husbandry matters (doctors, dentists, arriving/departing crew, technical services).
  • Arrange for the ship to berth.
  • Tender notice of readiness.
  • Keep a statement of facts.
  • Update all stakeholders daily on progress.
  • Coordinate the bunkers.
  • Arrange surveyors.
  • Authorise signing bills of lading.
  • Keep a record of the port call expenses.
  • Arrange for the sailing of the ship.
  • Send final disbursement account to owners.
  • Send sailing documentation to owners, charterers and next port of call.

    Rationale:
    There is on average a total of between 15 000 to 20 000 commercial ships calling at South African ports annually. The role of a shipping agent is vital in order to ensure that these vessels are expedited through our ports. The Occupational Certificate: Shipping Agents serve to equip qualifying learners with the necessary skills to plan for the port call of a ship and to manage its port operations and post departure activities.

    Typical learners for this qualification would include learners exiting at grade 12, unemployed persons and persons who are working in the shipping environment but without formal qualification.

    South Africa is in the process of developing its blue economy. Skilled and knowledgeable ships agents is a stride in the right direction. The implementation of this qualification is, therefore, in support of the economic objectives of the country. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or by certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for Access to the Qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • NQF Level 4 qualification with English and Mathematics. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 333101-001-00-KM-01, Communication and Stakeholder Management, Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 333101-001-00-KM-02, Maritime Geography, Local and International Trade, Level 5, 25 Credits.
  • 333101-001-00-KM-03, Ships Design and Cargo Operations, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 333101-001-00-KM-04, Shipping Documentation, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • 333101-001-00-KM-05, Port and Terminal Management, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 333101-001-00-KM-06, Ship Agency Services, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 333101-001-00-KM-07, Marine Insurance, Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 333101-001-00-KM-08, Legal Principles, Level 5, 10 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 90.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 333101-001-00-PM-01, Compile Vessels Pre-arrival Plan, Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 333101-001-00-PM-02, Prepare for Husbandry Requirements, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 333101-001-00-PM-03, Manage Ship's Port Operations, Level 5, 20 Credits.
  • 333101-001-00-PM-04, Update and Maintain Shipping Arrival Documentation, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 333101-001-00-PM-05, Manage Ship's Post Departure Activities, Level 5, 5 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 50.

    Work Experience Modules
  • 333101-001-00-WM-01, Pre-arrival Planning Processes and Procedures for Ship's Port Call, Level 5, 25 Credits.
  • 333101-001-00-WM-02, Processes and Procedures for Managing Port Operations, Level 5, 50 Credits.
  • 333101-001-00-WM-03, Processes and Procedures for Managing Ship's Post Departure Requirements, Level 5, 25 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 100. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Plan and prepare for ship's port call.
    2. Manage ship's port operations
    3. Manage post departure requirements of a ship. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Compile pre-arrival plans to ensure berthing for the incoming ship.
  • Compile and communicate plans to all stakeholders and advise them of the vessel's anticipated arrival.
  • Compile the vessel's pre-arrival shipping documents for customs and harbour services.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Prepare notice of readiness and submit to relevant parties.
  • Arrange bunkering requirements.
  • Ascertain and arrange husbandry requirements.
  • Take and communicate relevant suitable steps to and from the vessel's owner/Despondent owner to prevent loss on the Proforma Disbursement Account (PDA) instructions.
  • Organise handling of cargo.
  • Identify and explain the roles and functions of surveyors in the given context.
  • Compile statement of facts, Lay time, despatch and demurrage.
  • Prepare and submit outward clearance documentation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Compile post departure documentation.
  • Prepare and submit final disbursement account.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This Formative Assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) is required to issue this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria.

    The external assessment will consist of a set of written responses (paper or on-line) evaluating theory, practical application and work experience. During the summative assessment, the learner must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of performing the duties of a Shipping Agent.

    The summative assessment will therefore test the learner's ability to plan and prepare for a ship's port call and make the call announcement for the vessel with the port authorities. He will also liaise with various service suppliers for scheduling and delivery of goods and services to the vessel as well as with various authorities for provision of different services to the vessel. He will also liaise in a professional manner, on behalf of ship owners, managers, and charterers, for the handling of freight and cargo and the general interests of their customers at ports and harbours worldwide.

    Learner wishing to be assessed against this qualification must produce; a certificate indicating they have passed the knowledge component, a certificate assessment proving they successfully completed the practical component assessment and all workplace evidence as required.

    The written assessment will be conducted over a period of 3 hours and face-to-face interview will be conducted over a period of 1 hour. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification structure focuses on international best practices as compiled and examined by professional shipping bodies with global coverage such as The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and the American Association of Shipbrokers. These two bodies, in conjunction with the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and the Federation of National Associations of Shipbrokers and Agents (FONASBA), lead the way in developing and promoting the skills in the industry.

    In terms of specific, internationally recognised qualifications, the best known is Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and LLOYD'S Maritime Academy whose programmes are offered internationally (including South Africa)

    London:
    Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.

    The curriculum for this qualification is as follows:

    Qualification 1:
  • Introduction to Shipping.
  • Legal Principles in Shipping Business.
  • Economics of Sea Transport and International Trade.
  • Shipping Business.

    Qualification 2:
  • Dry Cargo Chartering.
  • Ship Operations and Management.
  • Tanker Chartering.
  • Ship Sale and Purchase.
  • Liner Trades.
  • Port Agency Programme 3.
  • Shipping Law.
  • Financial and Management Accounting.
  • Multi-modal Transport and Logistics.
  • Marine Insurance.

    Wales:
    Lloyds Maritime Academy.

    The curriculum for this qualification is as follows:
  • The Ships and the Maritime Environment.
  • The Work of the Ship and Port Agent.
  • Commercial Relationships.
  • Ship Documentation.
  • Cargo Documentation.
  • What Agents Need to Know about Chartering.
  • Port Agency Operations.
  • Legal Aspects of Ship and Port Agency and Insurance.
  • Finance, Accounting, Credit Management.
  • Contemporary Issues.
  • Case Study: Current Issues in Ship and Port Agency.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourable and it covers all aspects of the above qualifications and competence requirements. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has the following articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Clearing and Forwarding Agent; Level 5.
  • National Diploma: Freight Handling and Logistics; Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate: Logistics Management; Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and signed off work experience records.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    A valid Code 8 or above drivers' licence is a specific requirement for entry into the workplace component of the Shipping Agent.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

    The curriculum title and code is:
  • Shipping Agent: 333101-001-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD):
    This is not a trade qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
    Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA).

    Derived Qualifications Registered as Part Qualifications:
    None. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.