1. What is the Certificate in Heavy Lift?

The Certificate in Heavy Lift is a 16-week distance learning programme from Lloyd's Maritime Academy designed to provide a practical understanding of heavy lift operations and the scientific principles that underpin them. The course covers key topics including dimensions, weights and forces, heavy transport, heavy lifting, jacking and skidding, load outs, accident prevention, and maintenance and inspection. Through eight modules, participants gain insight into the processes, equipment and safety considerations involved in heavy lift projects.

2. Who teaches the Certificate in Heavy Lift course?

Marco van Daal has worked in the heavy lift and transport industry since 1993. His experience includes projects on five continents and in over 55 countries and has resulted in a best-selling book, “The Art of Heavy Transport”. Marco is also a contributing member on the B30 committee that is currently developing the standard for Hydraulic Platform Transporters. An engineering graduate, he holds a postgraduate degree in general management and economics from Hogeschool in Amsterdam.

3. Does this course cover heavy lifting of super-size cargoes?

Yes. The course is built around the heavy lifting of super-size cargoes, including planning and coordination, voyage planning and the safety compliance required for the heavy-lift sector. You'll learn how to manage every step from project briefing to safe discharge.

4. Will I learn about safety compliance of the heavy lift sector?

Yes. Safety compliance for the heavy-lift sector is a central theme – covering planning and coordination, regulatory requirements and the procedures needed to keep super-size cargoes, equipment and crews safe throughout the operation.

5. Who should take the Certificate in Heavy Lift course?

The Certificate in Heavy Lift is for project cargo managers, heavy-lift planners, charterers, ship owners, port and terminal staff, surveyors and freight forwarders working in the heavy-lift sector. It also suits crane operators and operations teams handling super-size cargoes and high-value or oversized equipment.

6. Do I need experience before enrolling in the Certificate in Heavy Lift course?

No prior heavy lift experience is required. The course introduces the fundamental principles behind heavy lifting and transport operations, making it suitable for those looking to build their understanding of the subject. It may also benefit experienced maritime, port, logistics, engineering and project professionals who wish to strengthen or formalise their knowledge of heavy lift operations.

7. Which companies have previously enrolled staff in the Certificate in Heavy Lift course?

Participants in the Certificate in Heavy Lift have come from organisations such as Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean AS, Saipem, McDermott, Fred. Olsen Windcarrier AS, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Irving Shipbuilding, and Liburnia Maritime Agency.

8. What career opportunities can the Certificate in Heavy Lift support?

The Certificate in Heavy Lift is designed to help professionals develop their knowledge of heavy lift operations and associated engineering principles. The skills and understanding gained may be relevant to roles within heavy lift and project cargo operations, ports and terminals, logistics, marine engineering, offshore energy, transportation, vessel operations and project management. It can also support continuing professional development for those already working in these sectors.

9. Is the Certificate in Heavy Lift available on-demand?

Yes. There is an on-demand version of the Certificate in Heavy Lift, which allows you to enrol immediately and study at your own pace from anywhere. All modules and assessments are accessible as soon as you join.

10. Can I choose between the scheduled and on-demand versions of the Certificate in Heavy Lift?

Yes. You can choose to take the Certificate in Heavy Lift either as a scheduled course or as an on-demand course. The scheduled version runs over 16 weeks with modules released every two weeks and includes webinar sessions and an online forum with tutor support. The on-demand version allows you to enrol at any time and complete all modules and assessments at your own pace without live tutor interaction.

11. How does the scheduled version of the Certificate in Heavy Lift work?

The scheduled intake of the Certificate in Heavy Lift runs over 16 weeks, with modules released every two weeks. Students also benefit from at least one webinar and an active online forum where they can interact with fellow participants and receive support from the course director.

12. Can I study the Certificate in Heavy Lift from anywhere?

Yes. The Certificate in Heavy Lift is delivered fully online and can be accessed globally. No travel or in-person attendance is required.

13. How much time do I need for the Certificate in Heavy Lift course?

Each module in the Certificate in Heavy Lift requires approximately 2-3 hours of study, which is around 1-2 hours per week during the scheduled intake.

14. Does the on-demand Certificate in Heavy Lift include tutor support?

The on-demand version of the Certificate in Heavy Lift does not include tutor interaction or forum support. Tutor guidance is provided in the scheduled version only.

15. How is the Certificate in Heavy Lift assessed?

The Certificate in Heavy Lift is assessed through online tests at the end of each module. A score of 70% is required to progress to the next module.

16. Do I receive a qualification after completing the Certificate in Heavy Lift?

Yes. Upon successful completion of the Certificate in Heavy Lift, you will receive a certificate of completion with 27 CPD hours (2.7 CEUs) recorded.

17. When will I receive my Certificate in Heavy Lift?

You will receive your certificate once all assessments have been completed and your marks and mailing details have been confirmed. Certificates are issued after the full course has concluded.

18. When does the next Certificate in Heavy Lift course start?

The next scheduled intake begins on 10 November 2026. Late applications are accepted until 24 November 2026. The on-demand version can be joined at any time.

19. Can I join the Certificate in Heavy Lift late?

Yes. Late applications are accepted for the scheduled intake up to two weeks after the official start date, although you may need to catch up on released modules.

20. What is the fee for the Certificate in Heavy Lift?

The Certificate in Heavy Lift is priced at £2,099 + VAT/ $2,840, with an early booking fee of £1,889.10 + VAT/ $2,556 (book before 2 October 2026).
EUR pricing is also available at the exchange rate applied on the invoice date.

21. Are group bookings available for the Certificate in Heavy Lift?

Yes. Group bookings and referrals are welcome and may qualify for preferential pricing.
Contact us to discuss the group booking discount.

22. Do I need a visa for the Certificate in Heavy Lift?

No. The Certificate in Heavy Lift is delivered entirely online and does not require a study visa or physical attendance.

23. Is there a similar course to the Certificate in Heavy Lift?

Yes. The Certificate in Heavy Lift is part of the Ports and Logistics portfolio offered by Lloyd’s Maritime Academy. Learners interested in expanding their knowledge may also wish to explore the Diploma in Heavy Lift, Diploma in Port Management, Diploma in Harbour Masters, and Diploma in Terminal Management. These programmes cover related operational, management and infrastructure topics within the maritime, port and logistics sectors.