Profession ship planner

Ship planners develop and implement plans for loading and unloading ships, without them becoming unstable.

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Personality Type

• Conventional / Enterprising

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Knowledge

• Maritime telecommunications

  Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting equipment and overall operation of telecommunications systems.

• 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.

• Maritime transportation technology

  Understand 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.

• 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.

• National regulations on handling cargo

  The national regulations governing the loading and unloading of cargo in ports within that country.

• Types of maritime vessels

  Know a large variety of maritime vessels and their characteristics and specifications. Use that knowledge to ensure that all security, technical, and maintenance measures are taken into account in their supply.

• Principles of cargo stowage

  Understand the principles of cargo stowage. Understand procedures by which containers should be efficiently loaded and unloaded, taking into account gravitational forces that are exerted during transportation.

• International Maritime Organisation conventions

  Know International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions in order to maximise the efficiency and safety of international shipping.

• Vessel stability principles

  Thoroughly understand the principles of vessel stability; follow safety requirements during loading and unloading of cargo.

• International regulations for cargo handling

  The body of conventions, guidelines and rules which dictate the activity of loading and unloading cargo in international ports.

Skills

• 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.

• 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.

• Have computer literacy

  Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.

• 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.

• Handle customer requests related to cargo

  Handle requests of port users and customers in the field of containers, shipping arrangements or cargo.

• 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.

• Handle 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; see that containers fit into shipment.

• Ensure customer focus

  Attitude that puts customers at the centre of the business in all cases.

• Recruit employees

  Hire new employees by scoping the job role, advertising, performing interviews and selecting staff in line with company policy and legislation.

• 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.

• Use equipment for safe stowage

  Use tools and equipment to perform safe stowage and ensure proper loading and securing of goods.

• Maximise efficiency of crane operations

  Minimise crane operations, additional crane movements, or 're-stows' by effectively planning the organisation of containers in vessels. Analyse delivery schedules and movements for maximum efficiency, minimum cost, and smooth operations.

• Apply company policies

  Apply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Possess visual literacy

  Interpret charts, maps, graphics, and other pictorial presentations used in place of the written word. The graphics used vary from process to process; therefore, the professional must have sufficient knowledge of the field in order to follow and use the information presented.

• Analyse 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Read stowage plans

  Read and comprehend content of stowage plans; basic knowledge of how to stow various types of cargo.

• Maintain voyage logs

  Maintain written records of events during a ship or aeroplane voyage.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Develop 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Prepare documentation for international shipping

  Understand how to prepare and process official documents for international shipping.

• Operate maritime communication equipment

  Operate and maintain maritime communication devices; conduct periodic inspections of communication equipment.

• 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.

• Measure ship tonnage

  Measure ships to identify cargo hold and storage capacities.

• 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.

• Think analytically

  Produce thoughts using logic and reasoning in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• 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.

• Plan teamwork

  Plan the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements.

• Prepare visual data

  Prepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB