A marine supply base sits at a pressure point: land-based supply chains on one side, offshore operations that can't afford downtime on the other. Crews on the ground often understand their own tasks well but lack the fuller picture of how the base fits into that wider chain — and that gap is exactly what this course from the Arab British Fellowship Training Academy is built to close, equipping teams with the knowledge needed for safe, effective coordination between shore and sea operations.

Supply chain management itself is both art and science: moving and storing raw materials, semi-finished and finished goods, and inventory, from origin to point of consumption, while coordinating suppliers, customers and every link in between. This course applies that discipline specifically to marine supply bases — covering modern procurement and inventory-control methods, internal planning inside the stores, and practical ways to deal with problem stock and stagnant materials.

Who Should Attend?

• Staff newly working in marine-operations support: supply, materials management, transport and logistics, offshore coordination, secretarial staff, and similar roles.
• Experienced employees looking to build a fuller understanding of how supply bases operate.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand how marine supply and transport bases actually operate.
• Identify the operational and environmental considerations involved in managing a marine supply base.
• Recognise the importance of safe shipping, storage and unloading of different cargo types, and how to handle them properly.
• Respond immediately and appropriately in emergency situations.
• Spot opportunities to improve marine supply base operations, and understand vessel operations and how they are managed.
• Understand ship and container construction, apply health, safety and environment standards, and understand the international trade process.

Module 1: Vessels and Cargo on the Ground

• Characteristics of supply boats, tugs and similar vessels, and how to work with them.
• Planning shipping operations for supply vessels.
• Handling packaged goods, bulk cargo and deck cargo safely.

Module 2: How Supply Bases Support Offshore Work

• The role of supply bases and their management in supporting offshore exploration and production operations.
• Coordinating safe, effective communication between shore and sea operations.
• Spotting opportunities to improve day-to-day supply base operations.

Module 3: Documentation, Trade and Shipping Routes

• International customs certification and shipping documents.
• Vessel types, cargo types and transport-mode certification.
• International trade certification, trade routes and shipping methods.

Module 4: Containers, Freight and Charges

• Types of containers used in marine supply operations.
• Freight structures and associated charges.
• Understanding the broader process of international trade as it relates to marine logistics.

Module 5: Health, Safety and the Environment

• Environmental, health and safety issues in marine supply operations.
• Regulatory frameworks affecting the safety and effectiveness of marine transport and supply base work.
• Taking immediate, well-judged action in emergency situations.

Delivery & Notes

• Delivered in-house, one-to-one, in groups, or through hands-on practical sessions — whichever suits your team best.
• Timing and location can be arranged to fit your schedule, and the programme can be delivered to a premium standard for senior participants; contact the Academy's team for details.