A container arrives with water damage, and suddenly everyone wants to know who is liable — the carrier, the shipper, or the insurer. The Cargo Claims, Maritime Law and Bills of Lading Management Training Course from Arab British Fellowship Training Academy prepares professionals to answer that question with confidence, using a solid grasp of maritime law, accurate shipping documentation, and a structured approach to handling claims.

The programme works backwards from the dispute to the documentation that prevents it, covering the legal weight of Bills of Lading, the shipping paperwork that supports every claim, and the investigation process from notification through settlement. Participants leave able to reduce documentation risk, manage cargo claims professionally, and apply the maritime law principles that govern liability at sea.

• Apply key principles of maritime law relating to carrier and shipper liability.
• Manage cargo claims effectively, from notification through investigation to settlement.
• Understand the legal functions and commercial weight of Bills of Lading.
• Prepare, verify, and control shipping documents that support a strong claims position.
• Investigate cargo damage, shortage, and loss incidents systematically.
• Spot the documentation errors that create liability exposure and costly delays.
• Reduce operational and legal risk across maritime logistics operations.

Target Audience

• Shipping and maritime professionals.
• Cargo surveyors and marine insurance professionals.
• Legal and compliance officers.
• Port and terminal managers.
• Logistics and supply chain managers.
• Shipping documentation officers.
• Vessel operators, shipping agents, and freight forwarders.

Module 1: When a Cargo Claim Happens

• Common causes of cargo claims: damage, shortage, and loss.
• The investigation process from notification to settlement.
• Evidence collection and documentation standards.

Module 2: Maritime Law and Who Is Liable

• Fundamentals of maritime law and international shipping conventions.
• Carrier responsibilities versus shipper obligations.
• Legal liability and risk allocation at sea.

Module 3: Bills of Lading as Legal and Commercial Instruments

• Purpose, functions, and types of Bills of Lading.
• Rights and obligations of the parties involved.
• Electronic Bills of Lading and their growing role.

Module 4: Managing Shipping Documentation That Holds Up in a Dispute

• Essential shipping documents: invoices, packing lists, certificates.
• Documentation workflows and accuracy controls.
• Preventing errors and fraud through internal checks.

Module 5: Building a Culture of Documentation Best Practice

• Regular documentation audits and digital systems.
• Communication between shipping stakeholders.
• Continuous improvement through case studies and practical exercises.