Introduction

In today’s maritime and logistics-driven economy, senior leaders are increasingly required to make strategic decisions that rely on a solid understanding of maritime operations and navigation principles. While they may not be directly involved in technical operations, General Managers, Executives, and CEOs must possess sufficient knowledge to interpret risks, evaluate performance, and make informed decisions.

This program, developed by Global Horizon Training Center, is specifically tailored for non-technical leaders in the maritime sector. It bridges the gap between technical maritime operations and executive decision-making by providing a clear, practical understanding of navigation, vessel operations, port systems, and regulatory frameworks.

Participants will gain essential maritime knowledge, enabling them to confidently engage with technical teams, optimize operational strategies, and strengthen organizational performance.

Course Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of maritime navigation and ship operations
• Interpret key navigational concepts and operational terminology
• Gain insight into vessel systems and onboard operations
• Understand port and terminal operations from a strategic perspective
• Evaluate operational risks and safety considerations
• Interpret performance indicators and operational reports
• Enhance communication with technical and operational teams
• Support strategic decision-making in maritime organizations

Target Audience

This program is designed for:

• General Managers and CEOs in maritime organizations
• Senior Executives and Directors
• Non-technical leaders in shipping, ports, and logistics
• Government officials overseeing maritime operations
• Investors and stakeholders in maritime sector
• Professionals transitioning into executive roles in maritime industry

Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Maritime Industry and Navigation Basics

• Overview of the global maritime industry
• Types of vessels and their operations
• Basic navigation concepts and terminology
• How ships navigate (charts, GPS, ECDIS)
• Understanding bridge operations at a high level

Day 2: Vessel Operations and Technical Systems

• Key ship systems (engine, propulsion, cargo systems)
• Overview of shipboard operations
• Voyage planning and execution (conceptual level)
• Understanding operational challenges at sea
• Interaction between departments onboard

Day 3: Port Operations and Logistics Integration

• How ports and terminals operate
• Cargo handling and vessel turnaround
• Supply chain integration with maritime operations
• Port performance indicators and efficiency
• Key operational risks in port environments

Day 4: Safety, Risk, and Regulatory Frameworks

• Overview of maritime regulations (IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM)
• Safety management and risk awareness
• Incident types and their business impact
• Cybersecurity and modern operational risks
• Role of leadership in safety culture

Day 5: Strategic Decision-Making in Maritime Operations

• Interpreting operational and performance reports
• Financial and operational KPIs in shipping
• Decision-making frameworks for executives
• Managing stakeholders and operational alignment
• Final workshop: Executive simulation for maritime decision-making