IMPA Online Foundation Course for Marine Purchasing and Supply

The online entry-level programme designed by industry experts to educate active and aspiring marine purchasers and suppliers who are new, or relatively new, to the maritime industry.

Why is the maritime industry essential for global trade and who are its main actors? What types of vessels are out there and what does one mean by logistics? What do maritime purchasers and suppliers do in the great scheme of things and how do they assist the supply chain process? What role do various international organisations play in the shaping and operation of international shipping?

In an increasingly more complex industry, IMPA and its wide network of industry experts are delighted to bring a new education programme that will offer students a basic-level understanding of the maritime industry and its main players, the key roles in the marine supply chain, the various elements of marine purchasing, procurement and logistics, as well as the more recent developments in technology and sustainability. Our foundation course offers the opportunity to study across a wide range of modules in the areas of Marine Purchasing and Procurement, Marine Logistics, Supply Chain and Technology, and Sustainability and Procurement.

Our foundation course will develop your understanding of the shipping industry and the job of maritime purchasers and suppliers, improve you intellectual and critical faculties, encourage you to think independently and teach you to present rational, coherent and accurate arguments orally and in writing. It will provide you with an excellent foundation for a career in maritime procurement and supply.

Start Date

15 Sept 2025 (or anytime after that)

Duration

Minimum 12 weeks

Study Time

4 - 6 hours per week

Study Mode

Online

Download Prospectus

What we look for

As this is an entry-level course delivered in English, our entry requirements are minimal, but include:

The student must be new to or largely unfamiliar with the maritime industry and either strongly considering or has recently taken up an entry-level position as a junior marine buyer or supplier;

The student must have a satisfactory level of English, equivalent to upper-intermediate across writing, listening, speaking and reading bands.

The student must have a stable internet connection and a suitable device at home, such as a computer, laptop or tablet, that can access the online platform we use for the course delivery.

The student must show enthusiasm, commitment and eagerness to learn the basics of the maritime industry and supply chain.

Structure

Delivered online with no time limits, the IMPA Foundation Course for Marine Purchasing and Supply is the perfect choice for professionals or students with busy daily schedules who prefer to take the course in time, at their own pace, and ensures their smoother integration into the maritime world.

Module

Day

FOU01 - Introduction to the Maritime Industry

Gain a comprehensive overview of the global maritime industry, the critical role it plays in international trade, and the key components that make up its structure. Lessons include:

The Role of Maritime Shipping in Global Trade
Key Actors in the Industry: Vessels, Cargo, Ports, Companies
Understanding Vessel Types, Cargo Categories, and Trade Routes
Primary vs Secondary Port Locations
Ship-Owners, Ship-Managers, Third-Party Managers, and Suppliers
Marine Purchasing and Supply 101
Maritime Logistics Fundamentals
Key Regulatory Bodies: IMO, Class Societies, Flag States
Marine Insurance Basics: Risk, Coverage, and Legal Considerations

Module

Day

FOU02 - Key Roles in the Marine Supply Chain

Explore the people behind maritime operations, both on land and at sea, and understand how each role contributes to the supply chain’s effectiveness. Lessons include:

Key Players and Functions in the Supply Chain
Onshore Personnel: Superintendents, Fleet and HR Managers, Charterers
Offshore Crew Structure: Deck, Engine and Catering Departments
Port Personnel: Pilots, Bunker Staff, Inspectors, Port Authorities
Case Studies: A Day in the Life of Maritime Professionals

Module

Day

FOU03 - Marine Purchasing & Procurement

Understand the lifecycle of procurement in the maritime industry and explore the strategic and operational aspects of purchasing goods and services for vessels. Lessons include:

The Procurement Cycle and Supply Chain Overview
Category and Contract Management Fundamentals
Identifying Needs and Specifying Requirements (Consumables, Provisions, Spare Parts)
Life-Cycle Costing (LCC) Basics
Understanding, Sourcing, and Managing Ship Suppliers
Supplier Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills for Buyers
The Genuine vs Non-Genuine Spare Parts Market

Module

Day

FOU04 - Marine Logistics

Dive into the essential logistics knowledge needed for managing maritime supply movements effectively, including transport modes, supply models, and regulatory practices. Lessons include:

Choosing the Right Transport Mode (Air, Sea, Courier, Land, Hand-Carry)
Just-in-Time, Consolidation, Local vs Global Supply Chain Models
First- and Last-Mile Logistics
Understanding and Managing Dangerous Goods
Incoterms Explained

Module

Day

FOU05 - Marine Supply Chain and Technology

Technology is transforming the maritime world. This module introduces students to key systems, platforms, and tools that enhance supply chain operations. Lessons include:

Marine Purchasing IT Systems: ERP, PMS, Dock Modules, Vetting Tools
Marine Marketplaces
Specifying Goods with the Marine Stores Guide

Module

Day

FOU06 - Sustainability and Procurement

Learn how procurement can directly support sustainability goals and gain an understanding of the frameworks and tools available to make responsible purchasing decisions. Lessons include:

Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) Legislation
Greener Purchasing Decisions and Industry Sustainability Initiatives
Supply Chain Transparency and Ethical Procurement

Teaching & assessment

All students will be given 24/7 access to our online learning platform for a duration of 12 months in which they must take the course and pass the final examination.

Teaching will be carried out through a mixture of video seminars that can be watched at your convenience, written lessons and additional reading materials.

During our programmes, students learn as much from each other as they learn from the lecturers; as a result, it is expected of you to display commitment and continually get involved in online group discussions.

Assessment will be by a final multiple-question exam.

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

Fees

Course fees are currently set at GBP 349.00 per student. The fee will include:

Full one-year access to the online course platform, course content, additional resources and two attempts at the final assessment. Access will run from 15th September 2025 (for those joining before that date) or from the date of payment (if joining after that date).
A one-year IMPA Student Membership entitling students to (almost) all the benefits that full members have, including regular access to the digital version of the IMPA Supply Chain and Sustainability Magazine, entry in the Directory, and access to the Resource Centre and the full version of the IMPA BLOG.
Free visitor access to the IMPA London and Singapore annual events while enroled in the programme, where you can explore a bustling exhibition featuring top maritime suppliers and manufacturers, meet visiting purchasers representing shipowners and ship managers from around the world, and attend informative, topical sessions focused on procurement and supply.
Access to the IMPA Mentorship Scheme, which will attempt to pair students with more experienced professionals part of the IMPA network, in order to foster career development and personal growth. This is something we are currently working towards and will become available before the end of 2025.

Companies registering groups of junior professionals are entitled to discounts:

Those registering between 3 and 9 students will be offered 10% discount;
Those registering 10 or more students will be offered 15% discount.

Funding

One scholarship opportunity every year - The Jan Johannessen bursary

As always with each IMPA course, IMPA is delighted to offer, once per year, one lucky applicant a scholarship opportunity to undertake the course at no cost. Potential applicants to this programme are being asked to write a 500-word application paper on ‘the importance of education in maritime procurement’.

Applications are now open for a 15th September 2025 start. Please go to the following link to complete your application ahead of Friday, 22nd August 2025. Please note we do not accept entries by email.

https://forms.impa-education.com/scholarship-application