1. What is the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping?

The Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping is a professional development course designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of subterfuge practices in the maritime industry. It addresses the risks, compliance challenges, and operational impacts of deceptive shipping practices, sanctions, and regulatory loopholes.

1.1 What is subterfuge in shipping?

Subterfuge in shipping refers to deceptive practices used to conceal the true nature of a vessel's ownership, cargo, or trading activity — often to evade sanctions, circumvent regulations, or obscure illicit transactions. This includes tactics such as flag-hopping, falsified documentation, ship-to-ship transfers in international waters, and AIS manipulation. The course gives you the knowledge to identify these practices, understand your compliance obligations, and safeguard your business from the legal and reputational risks they present.

2. What will I learn in the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping course?

The course covers topics such as maritime trade complexities, the dark fleet, sanctions, intelligence sources, deceptive practices, legal implications, and case studies. Participants will gain tools and techniques to assess risks, understand sanctions, and mitigate the impact of subterfuge on their operations.

3. Why is understanding subterfuge in shipping important for my work?

As geopolitical pressures and enforcement actions rise, understanding subterfuge in shipping is critical to minimising risks, ensuring compliance, and protecting your business from financial and reputational harm.

4. Who teaches the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping course?

The course is delivered by Michelle Bockmann, a world-renowned expert in shipping subterfuge and head of the maritime subterfuge team at Lloyd’s List. She provides expert support and guidance throughout the course.

5. Who should take the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping course?

This course is ideal for professionals working in shipping companies, shipping agents, ports and terminals, logistics, supply chains, ship brokers, and related fields. It is also suitable for those in risk and compliance, legal support, financial institutions, insurance, and government authorities.

6. Do I need experience before enrolling in the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping course?

While prior experience in the marine industry is beneficial, the course is designed to accommodate both experienced professionals and those new to the field who wish to deepen their understanding of subterfuge in shipping.

7. Which companies have previously enrolled staff in the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping course?

Participants have come from organisations such as the US Navy, US Coast Guard (USCG), and The Counterterrorism Group.

8. What career opportunities can the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping support?

The course can support career progression into roles such as superintendent, middle to senior leadership, risk and compliance manager, paralegal, insurance and P&I staff, and positions within government departments, flag authorities, and consultancies.

9. Is the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping available on-demand?

Yes. The course is available on demand, allowing you to enrol immediately and study at your own pace.

10. How does the online format of the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping work?

The course is delivered entirely online, with modules released every two weeks over 12 weeks. It includes an interactive forum for networking and support, daily email summaries of forum activity, and live and recorded webinars with the course director.

11. Can I study the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping from anywhere?

Yes. The course is fully online and accessible globally, with no need for travel or in-person attendance.

12. How much time do I need for the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping course?

Each module requires approximately 2–4 hours of study, or 1–2 hours per week, making it manageable alongside professional commitments.

13. Does the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping include tutor support?
Yes. The course director, Michelle Bockmann, provides expert support through the online forum, answering questions and offering guidance. Live and recorded webinars are also included.

14. How is the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping assessed?

Students are assessed through multiple-choice quizzes at the end of each module. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass each module.

15. Do I receive a qualification after completing the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping?

Yes. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate of completion with 21 CPD hours recorded. A unique digital badge will also be provided, and a paper certificate is available upon request for a nominal charge.

16. When will I receive my Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping?

Certificates are issued after all assessments are completed and passed. Digital badges are provided immediately upon successful completion.

18. When does the next Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping course start?

The next scheduled intake begins on 18 November 2026. Late applications are accepted until 2 December 2026. The on-demand version can be joined at any time.

19. Can I join the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping 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 Subterfuge in Shipping?

The Certificate in Tanker Chartering is priced at £2,099 + VAT / $2,840, with an early booking fee of £1,889.10 + VAT / $2,556.
EUR pricing is also available at the exchange rate applied on the invoice date.

21. Are group bookings available for the Subterfuge in Shipping?

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 Subterfuge in Shipping?

No. The course is delivered entirely online and does not require a study visa or physical attendance.

23. Is there a similar course to the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping?

Yes. The Certificate in Tanker Chartering is part of the Maritime Law, Insurance and Contracts portfolio offered by Lloyd’s Maritime Academy. Within this portfolio, you can find several related programmes that cover similar subject areas, including courses focused on charterparties, marine claims, and maritime law fundamentals. These programmes provide complementary knowledge for anyone looking to expand their understanding of laytime, demurrage, and associated legal and commercial principles.

23. What makes the Certificate in Subterfuge in Shipping unique?

This is the only online course dedicated to subterfuge in shipping. It provides a comprehensive understanding of deceptive practices, sanctions, and compliance, delivered by a world-renowned expert in the field.