About the IMPA Course
Why is the maritime industry essential for global trade and who are its main actors? What types of vessels are out there and what does one mean by logistics? What do maritime purchasers and suppliers do in the great scheme of things and how do they assist the supply chain process? What role do various international organisations play in the shaping and operation of international shipping?
In an increasingly more complex industry, IMPA and its wide network of industry experts are delighted to bring a new education programme that will offer students a basic-level understanding of the maritime industry and its main players, the key roles in the marine supply chain, the various elements of marine purchasing, procurement and logistics, as well as the more recent developments in technology and sustainability.
Our foundation course offers the opportunity to study across a wide range of modules in the areas of Marine Purchasing and Procurement, Marine Logistics, Supply Chain and Technology, and Sustainability and Procurement.
This beginner-level programme will develop your understanding of the shipping industry and the job of maritime purchasers and suppliers, improve you intellectual and critical faculties, encourage you to think independently and teach you to present rational, coherent and accurate arguments orally and in writing. It will provide you with a great foundation for a career in maritime procurement and supply.
Course Structure and Objectives
Delivered online with 24/7 hour access to the platform for 12 months, the IMPA Foundation Course for Marine Purchasing and Supply is the perfect choice for professionals or students with busy daily schedules who prefer to take the course in time, at their own pace, and ensures their smoother integration into the maritime world. Created by industry professionals and purchasing and supply managers with many years of experience in the sector, the course aims to introduce students to the core principles and functions, as well as complexities, opportunities and challenges of maritime procurement.
The course ensures that students will:
- Gain a comprehensive introduction to an industry that is new to them;
- Understand key procurement roles and processes;
- Engage in self-paced, accessible and flexible online learning in their time and at their convenience;
- Receive support from industry professionals and peers through forum discussions, mentorship opportunities and occasional networking events.
It is the ideal entry point for anyone looking to begin a successful career in the maritime supply chain.
Entry Requirements
New to the industry or in an entry-level marine buying or supplying role.
Upper-intermediate level in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Stable internet and a suitable device (computer, laptop, or tablet) for online learning.
Teaching & Assessment
All students will be given 24/7 access to our online learning platform for a duration of 12 months in which they must take the course and pass the final examination. Teaching will be carried out through a mixture of video seminars that can be watched at your convenience, written lessons and additional reading materials.
There will be a student community/forum available, and students can get engaged, discuss with other students who happen to be taking the course at the same time as them, and exchange ideas about the topics they are learning.
Assessment will be by a final multiple-question exam. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
Meet some of your teachers on the right-hand side.
Course Fees and Benefits
Course fees are currently set at GBP 349.00 per student and will include:
- Full one-year access to the online course platform, course content, additional resources and three attempts at the final assessment. Access will run from 15th September 2025 (for those joining before that date) or from the date of payment (if joining after that date).
- A one-year IMPA Student Membership entitling students to (almost) all the benefits that full members have, including regular access to the digital version of the IMPA Supply Chain and Sustainability Magazine, entry in the Directory, and access to the Resource Centre and the full version of the IMPA BLOG.
- Free visitor access to the IMPA London and Singapore annual events while enroled in the programme, where you can explore a bustling exhibition featuring top maritime suppliers and manufacturers, meet visiting purchasers representing shipowners and ship managers from around the world, and attend informative, topical sessions focused on procurement and supply.
- Access to the IMPA Mentorship Scheme, which will attempt to pair students with more experienced professionals part of the IMPA network, in order to foster career development and personal growth. This is something we are currently working towards and will become available before the end of 2025.
Companies registering groups of juniors are entitled to discounts, and are asked to please contact our team at [email protected] to request their unique discount code which needs to be used by each of the joining students. Please ensure that, when joining, students joining with the discounts do so using their company email.
- Companies enrolling between 3 and 9 students get a 10% discount;
- Companies enrolling 10 or more students get a 15% discount.
Read our Student Prospectus
Still not sure? Why not download our student prospectus, the key resource that can help you decide whether the IMPA Foundation Course is right for you. The brochure offers:
- Comprehensive information, all in one place;
- A clear overview of what to expect as an IMPA student, as well as our expectations and responsibilities as the course provider;
- Insight into the International Marine Purchasing Association and our reasons for creating this course;
- Additional details not available on this page.
The IMPA Course in a Nutshell
Flexible, 100% Online Study
We value opportunity and accessibility; this is why our course is entirely online-based. Whether you are currently working in a full-time role or based at the other end of the world, our courses allow you to learn, be assessed and actively engage in group discussions in your own time.
Developed by Industry Experts
Our course has been developed by a dedicated team of maritime procurement professionals, all part of the International Marine Purchasing Association, who understand the specific knowledge gaps that exist for newcomers in the industry.
With Support and Mentorship
Our administration office will be there for you every step of the way. Plus, with IMPA’s new Mentorship Scheme (coming later in 2025), you will have the option of being connected with an experienced industry professional who can provide assistance on your career journey.
Contact the IMPA Team
Questions about enrolling? Entry requirements? Want to speak to a member of our team regarding the course? We welcome contact with prospective students and companies wishing to enroll multiple junior professionals.
Email: [email protected] | Phone: +44 (0) 1206 798900
What Previous Students Thought of IMPA Courses
"The course covered the basics of procurement and taught us the skills needed to do our job efficiently. It was very useful, for instance, to see how ship‑owner and ship‑management companies buy. I thoroughly enjoyed it."
“The format of the course provided flexibility to us … as we are often located in different countries and working on different time zones. The daily discussion widened my knowledge on every aspect of procurement.”
“I really enjoyed the entirely online format of the course … the online education portal permitting 24‑hour access and interaction … This allowed the course to be flexible around my day‑to‑day work.”