Ship Planner Numerical & Material Recording Clerks
SaveWhat Does a Ship Planner Do?
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.
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Where Do I Start?
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.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Ship Planner
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialPrinciples Of Cargo Stowage knowledge
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.
Recommended Books
3 books -
EssentialInternational Maritime Organisation Conventions knowledge
Know International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions in order to maximise the efficiency and safety of international shipping.
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EssentialMaritime Transportation Technology knowledge
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.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialVessel Stability Principles knowledge
Thoroughly understand the principles of vessel stability; follow safety requirements during loading and unloading of cargo.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialTypes Of Maritime Vessels knowledge
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 …
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialCargo Industry knowledge
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.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMaritime Telecommunications knowledge
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting equipment and overall operation of telecommunications systems.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialInternational Regulations For Cargo Handling knowledge
The body of conventions, guidelines and rules which dictate the activity of loading and unloading cargo in international ports.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMatch Vessels To Shipping Routes knowledge
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 …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialNational Regulations On Handling Cargo knowledge
The national regulations governing the loading and unloading of cargo in ports within that country.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialApply Company Policies skill
Apply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCommunicate With Customers skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialComply With Legal Regulations skill
Ensure you are properly informed of the legal regulations that govern a specific activity and adhere to its rules, policies and laws.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Customer Focus skill
Attitude that puts customers at the centre of the business in all cases.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow Ethical Code Of Conduct In Transport Services skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialHave Computer Literacy skill
Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialImplement Strategic Planning skill
Take action on the goals and procedures defined at a strategic level in order to mobilise resources and pursue the established strategies.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Radio Equipment skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Scientific Measuring Equipment skill
Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPlan Teamwork skill
Plan the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPlan Transport Operations skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPossess Visual Literacy skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPrepare Visual Data skill
Prepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRead Stowage Plans skill
Read and comprehend content of stowage plans; basic knowledge of how to stow various types of cargo.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRecruit Employees skill
Hire new employees by scoping the job role, advertising, performing interviews and selecting staff in line with company policy and legislation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSupervise Loading Of Cargo skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSupervise Unloading Of Cargo skill
Supervise unloading processes for equipment, cargo, goods and other items. Ensure that everything is handled and stored correctly in accordance with regulations and standards.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialThink Analytically skill
Produce thoughts using logic and reasoning in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Different Communication Channels skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWrite Work-related Reports skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAnalyse Ship Operations skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Regulations On Cargo Transport Operations skill
Display knowledge of relevant local, national, European and international regulations, standards, and codes concerning the operation of freight transport.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCalculate The Amount Of Cargo On A Vessel skill
Determine the weight of cargo on tanker ships and cargo vessels. Calculate the exact amount of loaded cargo or cargo to be discharged.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCompose Stowage Plans skill
Compose stowage plans; knowledge of ballast systems and cargo loading process.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialConsider Constraints In Maritime Shipping skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDevelop Shipping Itineraries skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Safe Loading Of Goods According To Stowage Plan skill
Monitor and ensure the safe and secure loading of materials and goods, as specified in the stowage plan.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialHandle Customer Requests Related To Cargo skill
Handle requests of port users and customers in the field of containers, shipping arrangements or cargo.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialHandle Shipment Risks skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialImplement Cost-effective Cargo Handling Strategies On Ships skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialInterpret Graphical Communication Interfaces skill
Have the capacity to understand the various shapes and representations used in the schematics and 3D isometric model presented by communication programmes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMaintain Voyage Logs skill
Maintain written records of events during a ship or aeroplane voyage.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Safety Standards For Inland Water Transport skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMaximise Efficiency Of Crane Operations skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMeasure Ship Tonnage skill
Measure ships to identify cargo hold and storage capacities.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor The Discharge Of Cargo skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Maritime Communication Equipment skill
Operate and maintain maritime communication devices; conduct periodic inspections of communication equipment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Stowage Programmes skill
Operate stowage programmes used for controlling stability in vessels, loading operations, and cargo planning processes. Interpret graphical interfaces, stowage data and scenario variables.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOversee Shipment Routing skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPrepare Documentation For International Shipping skill
Understand how to prepare and process official documents for international shipping.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Equipment For Safe Stowage skill
Use tools and equipment to perform safe stowage and ensure proper loading and securing of goods.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 10 displayed)
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OptionalContinuous Improvement Philosophies knowledge
Underlying ideas of quality management systems. Implementation process of lean manufacturing, Kanban, Kaizen, Total Quality Management (TQM) and other continuous improvement systems.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalElectronic Communication knowledge
Data communication performed through digital means such as computers, telephone or e-mail.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalAct Reliably skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Data Analysis skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalShow Intercultural Awareness skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Maritime English language skill
Communicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAnticipate Potential Deficiencies skill
Assess scenarios in order to anticipate and pinpoint potential deficiencies. Rely on experience combined with statistical probability to mitigate the risk of encountering setbacks.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalNegotiate Logistics Services skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Marine Communication Systems skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRespond To Changing Navigation Circumstances skill
Course recommendations coming soon.