1. What is the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence?

The Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence is a 12-week online professional development programme from Lloyd's Maritime Academy designed for maritime professionals working and leading across cultures. The course explores cultural intelligence, intercultural communication, negotiation, leadership and global dexterity, helping participants understand how cultural differences affect collaboration, safety, behaviour and performance across multicultural maritime teams.

2. Who teaches the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence?

The Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence is led by Kate Bollanou, an experienced corporate trainer and academic lecturer specialising in intercultural communication, behavioural dynamics and workplace soft skills. Kate has more than 20 years' experience and has delivered training to maritime office personnel and seafarers. Throughout the scheduled course, she acts as your dedicated tutor, providing guidance and answering questions through the online discussion forum.

3. Will this course cover how to work with international crews from different cultural backgrounds?

Yes. Working effectively with international crews from different cultural backgrounds is a central focus of the course. You'll explore cultural intelligence, communication styles, cultural dimensions, negotiation, leadership across cultures and practical strategies for improving collaboration within multicultural maritime teams.

4. Is there anything specific I can learn about intercultural communication in maritime?

Yes. The course covers foundations of intercultural communication and behaviour, cultural dimensions, the Culture Map framework, intercultural negotiation, leading effectively across cultures and building global dexterity. These topics are applied to maritime contexts, including multicultural crews, shore-based teams, international clients and global maritime operations.

5. Who is the Port Maritime Intercultural Competence course for?

The Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence is designed for maritime officers, crew managers, HR personnel, training managers, shipbrokers and aspiring leaders working in multicultural maritime environments. It is suitable for professionals who need to communicate, negotiate, lead or collaborate across cultures, whether at sea, in ports or in shore-based maritime teams.

6. Do I need experience before enrolling on the Certificate in Port Development?

No prior experience in port development is required. The course provides an introduction to the principles of port development and planning, making it suitable for those entering the sector as well as experienced professionals looking to broaden or formalise their knowledge.

7. What career opportunities can the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence support?

The Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence is designed to help professionals strengthen their communication, leadership and cultural intelligence skills in global maritime settings. The knowledge gained may support development in roles involving crew management, HR, maritime training, shipbroking, team leadership, fleet operations, commercial management and global maritime teams. It also supports continuing professional development for those already working in these areas.

8. Is the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence available on-demand?

Yes. There is an on-demand version of the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence, 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.

9. Can I choose between the scheduled and on-demand versions of the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence?

Yes. You can choose to take the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence either as a scheduled course or as an on-demand course. The scheduled version runs over 12 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.

10. How does the scheduled version of the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence work?

The scheduled intake of the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence runs over 12 weeks, with seven 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.

11. Can I study the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence from anywhere?

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

12. How much time do I need for the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence course?

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

13. Does the on-demand Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence include tutor support?

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

14. How is the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence assessed?

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

15. Do I receive a qualification after completing the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence?

Yes. Upon successful completion of the course assessments, you will receive a Lloyd's Maritime Academy Certificate of Completion. The programme carries 22 CPD hours (2.2 CEUs), which will be recorded on your certificate.

16. When will I receive my Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence?

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.

17. When does the next Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence course start?

The next scheduled intake starts on 14 April 2026. Late applications are accepted until 1 May 2026. The on-demand version can be joined at any time.

18. Can I join the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence 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.

19. What is the fee for the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence?

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

20. Are group bookings available for the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence?

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

21. Do I need a visa for the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence?

No. The Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence is delivered entirely online and does not require a study visa or physical attendance.

22. Is there a similar course to the Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence?

Yes. The Certificate in Maritime Intercultural Competence is part of Lloyd's Maritime Academy's Maritime Management & Leadership portfolio. Learners interested in developing their leadership and people management skills may also wish to explore the Diploma in Maritime Management & Leadership, Certificate in People Centred Approach in Maritime Operations and Certificate in Crew Welfare Management. These programmes provide complementary knowledge in leadership, people management and supporting high-performing maritime teams.