Maritime and Logistics Management – University College of Ratmalana

Higher National Diploma in Maritime and Logistics Management

Maritime and logistics management is one of the nine programs offered by university college Ratmalana and is produced industry-oriented graduates to cater the ever-growing demand in maritime and logistics field. Being strategically located in the center of the shipping routes Sri Lanka has become transshipment hub for merchant ships sailing from east to west and vice versa. With the drastic increase in import and export cargo, the necessity for smooth and efficient movements to and from the ports has become vital since the small delay incurs higher cost. In that case logistics plays a crucial role in the entire supply chain. Hence, having learned concepts in maritime and logistics and having exposed to the industry students will be able to contribute to the country’s economy effectively.

Maritime and logistics management is a three-year course in which during first six months all the basic concepts are covered, NVQ 05 is covered in next year time and after that one and half years of their studies, the students are to undergo a six-month industry training, monitored by the national apprenticeship institute and industrial training authority (NAITA). Following this immersion in the professional field, students return to the university to complete their final year of studies and obtain their NVQ level 06 qualification.

Program Structure and Theoretical Foundation

The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Maritime and Logistics Management at the University College of Ratmalana is structured to transition students from foundational theory to advanced industrial application over a three-year period.

Program Structure

The curriculum is divided into specific phases to ensure a progressive mastery of the field:

Foundation (First 3 Months): Introduction to basic maritime concepts, business communication, and essential IT skills.
NVQ Level 5 (1 Year): Focuses on core technical competencies, including port operations, ship handling basics, and management.
Industrial Internship (6 Months): A mandatory field placement monitored by NAITA to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world shipping and logistics environments.
NVQ Level 6 (1 Year): Advanced management modules, strategic supply chain integration, and the completion of the Higher National Diploma requirements.
Industrial Internship (3 Months): A compulsory industrial internship facilitated by NAITA, designed to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications within the maritime and logistics sectors

Theoretical Foundations

The academic framework is built upon four primary pillars:

Maritime Economics & Law: Understanding global shipping routes, international trade agreements, and the legalities of merchant shipping.
Supply Chain Management (SCM): Theoretical models for optimizing the flow of goods, reducing lead times, and managing "Just-in-Time" (JIT) delivery systems.
Multimodal Transport Operations: Exploring the integration of sea, air, and land transport to ensure seamless transshipment at hubs like Sri Lanka.
Logistics Analytics: Using data-driven concepts to minimize operational delays and mitigate the high costs associated with port congestion.

Through academic rigor and structured assessments, students master supply chain analysis, maritime documentation, and load optimization. This theoretical depth ensures graduates transcend basic coordination, evolving into logistics technologists capable of strategic supervision, operational troubleshooting, and systemic thinking to navigate complex, global maritime environments and diverse market conditions.

Practical Training and Industrial Exposure

Practical competence is a foundational pillar of the Higher National Diploma. The program integrates extensive simulation exercises and technical workshops designed to reinforce theoretical frameworks through immersive, hands-on experience.

Students engage in:

Port Operations and Terminal Management: Practical exercises in vessel scheduling and berth planning.
Documentation and Customs Clearing: Hands-on processing of Bills of Lading, manifests, and international trade forms.
Cargo Load Planning and Stowage: Simulation of weight distribution and container stacking for maritime stability.
Multimodal Transport Logistics: Designing integrated sea, air, and land routing under real-world constraints.

A core highlight of the program is the structured On-the-Job Training (OJT), conducted in collaboration with industry leaders. During this phase, students gain vital experience within seaports, shipping agencies, freight forwarding firms, and distribution centers. This exposure effectively bridges the gap between academic study and professional excellence in the maritime sector.

Learning Resources and Facilities

The University College provides modern facilities to support academic and practical learning. These include:

Students gain from industry-integrated training, exposure to contemporary technical standards, and access to relevant resources within a structured learning environment that fosters discipline, precision, and innovation

Academic Staff and Expertise

The Maritime and Logistics Management programme is delivered by academically qualified staff, including two members holding Master’s degrees, with both teaching and industry experience. The academic team possesses strong expertise in shipping operations, port management, supply chain management, and logistics systems. Their practical exposure to the maritime and logistics sector enriches classroom delivery by linking theoretical concepts with real-world applications

Module Code	Technical Module	Notional hours	Number of Credits
NVQ Level 5 Qualification Semester 1
I63C001M01	Introduction to shipping	60	2.4
I63C001M02	Sales and Marketing	250	10
I63C001M03	Introduction to documentation & Customer Service	240	9.6
I63C001M04	Basic Human Resources management and General Office Administration	100	4
EMTM02	Workplace Communication Management	50	2
EMTM03	Planning and Scheduling work at workplace	75	3
NVQ Level 5 Qualification Semester 2
I63C001M05	Vessel Husbanding	170	6.8
I63C001M06	Cargo Operations and Transshipment (Part 1)	250	10
I63C001M07	Equipment Control	190	7.6
I63C001M08	Equipment Inventory Management	90	3.6
EMTM01	Workplace Information Management	75	3
On the Job Training (06 months) 6 Months on the Job Training under the supervision of NAITA.
NVQ Level 6 Qualification Semester 1
I63C001M09	Cargo Operations and Transshipment (Part 2)	175	7
I63C001M10	Elements of Shipping Accounting	80	3.2
I63C001M11	Basic Shipping Law and Conventions	80	3.2
I63C001M12	Ship Operations Management	145	5.8
I63C001M13	Documentation in commercial shipping	120	4.8
EMTM04	Problem Solving and Decision Making	50	2
EMTM05	Teamwork and Leadership	50	2
NVQ Level 6 Qualification Semester 2
I63C001M14	Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers used in Industrial Automation Systems	170	6.8
I63C001M15	Industrial and Commercial Installation Systems	360	14.4
I63C001M16	Electrical Switch Gear and Protection Systems	170	6.8
EMTM06	Creating and maintaining of learning culture	50	2
On the Job Training (06 months) 6 Months on the Job Training under the supervision of NAITA.

Continuous academic guidance, mentoring, and constructive assessment feedback are provided to ensure that students receive individualized support throughout their studies.