ANZSCO ID & description: 133611: Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the supply, storage and distribution of goods produced by an organisation.

Alternative names: Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Manager

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A supply and distribution manager needs:

• good communication and customer service skills

• administrative and organisational skills

• strong maths skills

• close attention to detail

• computer proficiency

• good managerial skills

Supply, Distribution and Procurement Manager with Storeperson (right).
(Source:was at Zenexus)

Duties and tasks

• Determines, implements, and monitors the strategies, policies and plans for purchasing, storage, and distribution.

• Prepares and implements plans to maintain the required stock levels at minimum cost.

• May negotiate contracts with suppliers to meet quality, cost and delivery requirements.

• Monitor and review storage and inventory systems to meet supply requirements and control stock levels.

• Operates recording systems to track all movements of supplies and finished goods, to ensure the re-ordering and re-stocking at optimal times.

• Liaise with other departments and customers concerning requirements for outward goods and associated forwarding transportation.

• Oversees the recording of purchase, storage and distribution transactions.

• Directs staff activities and monitors their performance.

Working conditions

​Supply and distribution managers generally work in an office space and usually sit down for extended periods of time. Sometimes they will spend time in the warehouse they are managing, to monitor the performance of workers and make decisions regarding storage.

Tools and technologies

Supply and distribution managers perform many of their daily tasks on computers. They must be familiar with Word, Excel and data entry programs. They also use enterprise resource planning business management software.

Supply and distributions managers may have to wear protective clothing such as hard hats, high visibility clothing and safety boots when working on the warehouse floor.


Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a supply and distribution manager you usually need to complete a formal qualification in logistics or supply chain management. Most employers will also require those working in management roles to have experience using leadership skills in a related industry or occupation.

The Diploma in Logistics is offered at TAFE colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

The logistics manager apprenticeship usually takes three years to complete. You can also complete a degree majoring in logistics and supply chain management.
 

Did You Know?

Purchasing and Supply Logistics Clerks prepare and process orders for goods and services, monitor stock levels and supply sources and maintain stock and inventory levels, record and coordinate the flow of materials between departments, prepare production schedules, and administer and coordinate storage and distribution operations within organisations.

Logistics clerks administer and maintain the acquisition, deployment and supply of stock for warehousing, manufacturing and other businesses that deal with large quantities of stock. They organise for the transfer and transport of stock between departments or warehouses, and to and from other companies or organisations. They also receive stock and check it against inventory records and prepare stock for delivery. They interpret order numbers and inventory and use this information to compile reports that inform production schedules. Logistics clerks work right across the country, ensuring different products can move between businesses, on time and in the right quantities.

ANZSCO ID: 5911

Alternative names: Despatch Clerk, Inventory Manager, Transport and Despatch Clerk, Logistics Clerk, Freight Clerk,

Specialisations: Aircraft Load Controller, Shipping and Receiving Clerk, Truck Despatcher.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A logistic clerk needs:

• sound interpretation and analysis skills

• excellent organisational skills

• a methodical approach to their work

• strong maths skills

• excellent attention to detail

• the ability to work as part of a team.

(Source: Seek)

Duties and Tasks

• requisitioning supplies from stock and sending orders to production departments and other firms

• confirming completion of orders and compliance with details specified, signing tally sheets and attaching to checked items

• receiving and checking purchase requests against inventory records and stock on hand

• examining orders and compiling data for production schedules

• checking inventories and preparing delivery schedules

• examining containers to ensure that they are filled, and recording quantities

• investigating and identifying supply sources and preparing and processing purchase orders

• providing price and other information about goods to prospective customers

• counting incoming stock and reconciling it with requisitions, and updating inventory and stock location records

• establishing and coordinating the operating procedures for receiving, handling, storing and shipping goods

 

Working conditions

Logistics clerks work in the offices, storerooms, warehouses and production plants of manufacturing, warehousing and other large businesses. Conditions in warehouses may be hot and dusty during summer and cold during winter. They usually work regular business hours, but may be required to work longer hours at times.

Tools and technologies

Logistics clerks use computers and a range of inventory and data management software. They may also use specially designed electronic inventory data collection devices. They may be required to operate forklifts or other heavy machinery in warehouse situations, and may also be required to wear high-visibility clothing, hard hats, work boots and other safety equipment.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a logistics clerk you usually need to complete a traineeship. A logistics operations or warehousing operations traineeship usually takes between 12 and 36 months to complete.

You can also become a logistics clerk through a vocational education and training qualification in logistics or warehousing operations offered at TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

Entry into this occupation may be improved if you have a business or commerce degree, with a major in management, logistics and supply chain management, or a related field.

 

 

Storepersons monitor and control the flow of goods into and out of warehouses and other storage facilities. They check goods on arrival and before despatch, ensuring they have the right products, in the correct quantity and that there is no damage. Storepersons may use a forklift to assist in loading and unloading trucks and moving goods around the warehouse for storage. They also record when goods arrived and their exact location in the warehouse. When goods are to be shipped, a storeperson can check these records to retrieve the goods from storage, ensuring that the oldest products are the first to be shipped out.

ANZSCO ID & description: 7411: Receives, handles and despatches goods in a store or warehouse.

Alternative names: Picker Packer, Storeroom Clerk, Stores Assistant, Warehouse Assistant, Stock Clerk, Inventory Clerk, Inventory Officer,

Specialisations: Chiller Hand, Manufacturing Storeperson, Operator Supply (Army), Order Picker/Assembler, Stock Controller, Stores Despatch Hand, Stores Naval (Navy)

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A storeperson needs:

• to be physically fit and able to lift heavy packages

• good organisational skills

• to enjoy clerical duties

• numeracy skills

• planning and time management ability

• good communication skills

• computer skills

• to enjoy practical and manual work

• the ability to keep detailed and accurate records

• a good eye for detail

• to be able to work as part of a team

(Source: Warehouse Anywhere)

 

Duties and Tasks

• receiving incoming goods, checking for damage and for discrepancies between goods and invoices

• unloading vehicles, opening packages and removing contents

• operating computers to obtain details of location and quantity of items in stock

• labelling goods with details of storage location

• packing and weighing goods and sealing boxes

• operating machines to lift, place and remove goods on high levels

• operating specialised equipment, such as manually and electronically guided order pickers, and checking goods off picking list

• assisting with regular stocktakes

• may use materials handling equipment, such as hydraulic pallet lifters and hand trucks, to move goods

 

Working conditions

Storepersons work in warehouses and other storage facilities, such as the stockroom of a department store or wholesale outlet, throughout Australia, though the majority of employment opportunities are in the metropolitan areas. The work can be very physical and involves a large amount of bending and lifting heavy weights. Storepersons must follow occupational health and safety guidelines in order to minimise the risk of causing themselves serious injuries. The hours of work can vary greatly depending on the employer. Some warehouses operate 24 hours a day, so storepersons may be required to work shifts, which can include working nights and on weekends. Storepersons working in retail or wholesale outlets typically start work early, before the store opens to the public, and may finish in the early afternoon.

As a stock clerk you would work a standard number of hours per week. Depending on your role you may work on a shift roster including evenings and weekends.

You would be based at a desk or office, in a warehouse or stock collection area. You may be required to stand for long periods of time when you are checking stock.


Tools and technologies

Storepersons use forklifts, pallet jacks and trolleys to move goods around the warehouse and some storage facilities may also have automated machinery for this. Storepersons often stack goods on pallets or in cages for transport, using tape, strapping or cling film to secure the load. Computers and other electronic equipment, including barcode scanners and portable visual display units, are often used to record stock levels and exact storage locations. Paper records are also common and may be used as a checklist when goods arrive and are despatched. Safety clothing has as high visibility vests and steel-capped boots are also usually required.

 

(Source: Barcodes Australia)

Education and training/entrance requirements

It is possible to work as a storeperson without any formal qualifications and get training on the job.
You may improve your employment prospects if you complete a certificate in warehousing operations or logistics offered at TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

You can become a storeperson by completing a traineeship in warehousing operations. This traineeship usually takes between 12 and 36 months to complete. The Certificate II in Warehousing Operations, and the certificate II in Logistics are available as a school-based traineeship.
​To work as a storeperson you may need to obtain a Perform High Risk Work Licence to operate a forklift. To gain a licence you must be a minimum of 18 years old.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities for stock clerks are expected to remain relatively stable.

The increase in the use of technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and hand-held barcode reading devices in warehousing should allow stock clerks to more quickly locate an item or count inventory, leading to less workers being required to do the same amount of work. In environments such as retail stores, stocking shelves and filling orders will still require these workers.

 

 

Fleet managers run a company’s fleet of vehicles and deal with the day-to-day operation of the fleet. This can range from a small number of cars to a large group of different vehicles.

Fleet managers are responsible for the procurement, use and maintenance of an organisation’s fleet of vehicles. Depending on the size and type of organisation, a fleet manager may be responsible for anywhere between ten and thousands of vehicles. They oversee all vehicle activities, including selecting vehicles to meet the organisation’s needs, arranging for regular maintenance and repairs, organising insurance and registration, and disposing of vehicles when they reach the end of their operational life. Fleet managers may also be responsible for preparing budgets, overseeing drivers and managing relationships with suppliers and customers.

ANZSCO ID & description: 149411: Organises and controls the buying and selling of vehicles for rental agencies and coordinates the leasing of vehicles.

Alternative names: Fleet controller

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes
  
A fleet manager needs:

• strong communication and negotiation skills

• strong sense of customer service

• the ability to identify, analyse and solve problems

• the ability to build and manage positive working relationships with suppliers

• good organisational and time management skills

• good IT skills

• good maths skills for managing contracts

• the ability to make decisions quickly and work under pressure
  

(Source: was at Behind the Wheel)

Duties and tasks

• Organises the purchase and maintenance of transport vehicles, equipment and fuel.

• Manage contracts

• Schedule service and repair programs

• Find cost-effective sources of new vehicles

• Coordinate the replacement of existing vehicles

• Ensure vehicles are stored securely when not in use

• Use computer software to collect and analyse fleet information

• Manage fleet running costs to budget

• Maintain an awareness of new fuel and emissions technologies

• Manage staff

• Liaises with clients to determine requirements and provide customers with advice and information regarding vehicle type, purchase or hire rates and obligations and handling complaints.

• Receives orders and bookings, and plans and implements transportation schedules.

• Arranges collection and delivery of vehicles and goods.

• Maintains business records and prepares operational statements and reports.
  

Working conditions

​Fleet managers often split their time between office based work and supervising activities ‘on the floor’, for example in a warehouse or vehicle depot. They have a high level of interpersonal contact with a wide range of people, including customers, suppliers and other staff - in particular, vehicle drivers and warehouse staff.

Most of your work would take place in an office but you might need to visit garages, vehicle auctions and manufacturers’ vehicle launches.


Tools and technologies

​Fleet managers use computers for day-to-day administration activities, record keeping and communication. In many cases, fleet managers also use specialised software and tools, such as GPS trackers, to collect and analyse data allowing them to take actions to improve productivity and efficiency.

Education and training/entrance requirements

It is possible to work as a fleet manager without any formal qualifications and get training on the job. However, you will usually need a minimum of five years of experience in fleet administration, logistics, vehicle leasing or transport administration to become a fleet manager. Skills are usually developed through on-the-job training or in-house courses following recruitment by a company and advancement to supervisory and management positions.

However, entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining a qualification in logistics or a related area.

The Certificate IV in Logistics and Diploma of Logistics is offered at TAFE colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

The logistics operations (level 4) traineeship usually takes 24 months to complete. The logistics operations (level 5) traineeship usually takes 36 months to complete.

You can also study a degree in logistics or supply chain management. Your employment prospects may be improved if you have a degree in business, management or another area that is relevant to your organisation's area of business (engineering, for example), followed by a postgraduate qualification in business administration or management. to get into degree courses, you usually need to obtain your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent.

It is not essential for a fleet manager to have the technical skills to personally perform repairs and maintenance on vehicles in the fleet. Basic mechanical knowledge can be helpful in understanding the implications of necessary repairs and plan accordingly.

Most employers will also require those working in management roles to have experience using leadership skills in a related industry or occupation. You may need to complete further study in management and leadership or supply chain management.

 

Employment Opportunities

Employment of fleet managers is projected to grow about the same as the average for all occupations.

While more companies are looking to manage their fleets of cars, vans and trucks in more cost effective and fuel efficient ways, more of this management can be done using fleet management software, reducing the need to employ additional fleet managers.

 

 

Warehouse administrators oversee the management of stock within an organisation. This includes receiving, issuing and dispatching stock, and handling communication between freight companies and warehouse customers.

Warehouse administrators are responsible for the data entry and inventory of all stock. This involves processing receipts, taking records and documenting the details of all orders. They also organise staff inductions, manage occupational health and safety procedures and book times for incoming deliveries. They may also have to assist with general duties within the warehouse.

ANZSCO ID & description: 591116: Administers and coordinates storage and distribution operations within an organisation.

Alternative names: Stock Administrator, Production Clerk, Purchasing Officer

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes

​A warehouse administrator needs:

• to enjoy working as part of a team

• a high level of attention to detail

• a good level of computer literacy

• strong data entry skills

• to be organised and have good multi-tasking and time management skills

• customer service and communication skills.

(Source: Blog: Shelving)

Duties and tasks

• Counts incoming stock and reconciles it with requisitions, and updates inventory and stock location records.

• Establishes and co-ordinates the operating procedures for receiving, handling, storing and shipping goods.

Working conditions

​Warehouse administrators divide their time between working in an office and in busy warehouse facilities. Warehouses may be hazardous spaces administrators may be required to wear safety gear, such as high visibility clothing, and follow strict safety procedures to minimise risks.

The work can sometimes be fast-paced and warehouse administrators must be able to concentrate on multiple tasks at once.

Tools and technologies

​Warehouse administrators spend a lot of time using computers and need to be very familiar with Excel, Word and data entry programs, and may also need to use specialist management software programs. Warehouse administrators may need to operate forklifts when working in the warehouse, and may also be required to wear high-visibility clothing, hard hats, work boots and other safety equipment.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a warehouse administrator you usually need to complete a formal qualification in warehousing operations.

The Certificate IV in Warehousing Operations is offered at TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

You can also complete a Warehouse Supervisor traineeship. The traineeship usually takes 36 months to complete.

To operate a forklift in Australia, you are required to obtain a High Risk Work License, issued by WorkSafe.

A Freight Forwarder is a person whose job is to organize goods shipments on behalf of a client (the shipper) from a point of origin to a destination by an agreed delivery date and for an agreed price.

Freight Forwarders work in the transport sector, but do not actually carry out the transport of goods themselves. Instead, their task is to arrange for the shipping of merchandise - in many cases to or from abroad - by identifying and selecting the most suitable transport carrier for the job.

Freight Forwarders administers the carriage of goods on behalf of a shipping company. Their duties include arranging cargo space on a vessel, providing documentation and arranging customs clearance.

  
ANZSCO ID: 591211

Alternative names: Forwarding Agent, Freight Forwarding

Knowledge, skills and attributes      

The key skills required by a freight forwarder are as follows:

• Knowledge of local and international carriers and routes

• Ability to organize shipments

• Ability to use key IT systems - strong IT skills (i.e to handle shipping procedures and documentation)

• Knowledge of foreign languages is essential for effective communication with international clients, carriers and subcontractors

• Mediation and negotiation skills

• Communication skills

• Ability to cope well with pressure and work to deadlines

• Precision and ability to work independentlyprior experience in the transport sector,

• A knowledge of the regulations governing the import, export and transit of goods

Additional skills needed for a position as a freight forwarder or shipping coordinator include a knowledge of goods classification and transportation requirements (e.g. for dangerous or perishable goods) and extensive knowledge of the issues and problems that may arise in connection with the various modes of transport - e.g. road, train, sea, air and intermodal transportation.

(Source: EndtoEndCustoms)

Duties and Tasks

The main tasks of a freight forwarder include:

• Organizing the shipment of goods (e.g. packing, mode of transport, best route)

• Negotiating terms of carriage with carriers, booking cargo space and making payments

• Managing customs clearance procedures, transport documents and insurance paperwork

• Monitoring and communicating real-time shipment status

• Checking that shipments are delivered as planned and resolving any issues

Key tasks of the job of a freight forwarder include being able to guarantee reliable transit times and maintaining excellent levels of communication with clients at all stages of the shipping process. A particularly important aspect of the role is keeping clients informed as to the status and physical position of their consignments, which are updated in real time using geolocalization technology.

Freight forwarders are experts in logistics networks. Their main task is to identify the best way of getting merchandise from its point of origin to its destination. A number of different factors influence this process. For example, individual consignments may sometimes need to be combined into a single shipment, in a practice known as freight consolidation. In other cases, merchandise may require special transport conditions (e.g. in the case of fragile, perishable or dangerous goods). Comprehensive knowledge of the characteristics of a consignment of cargo enable a freight forwarder to make a series of important decisions, including the type of packing to use and the most appropriate mode of transportation, and to select the safest, quickest and most cost effective route to the destination - whether that is by road (e.g. HGV, truck or van), rail, sea or air.

Freight forwarders define the details of a shipment and communicate those details to the selected carrier(s), with whom they negotiate the terms and conditions of carriage (i.e. the schedule, cost and modes of transport) on behalf of their client. The client is provided by the freight forwarder with an all-inclusive price for the shipment, as if it was a single unbroken process. In reality, the shipment of goods typically consists of a number of different steps, including goods receipt, warehousing, consolidation/deconsolidation, order preparation, packaging, transportation and final delivery, all carried out by a series of different actors.

Freight forwarders are responsible for preparing the transport documents needed for the carriage of goods (including all the required tax and customs declarations in the case of goods for import/export). They handle a huge variety of documentation on a day-to-day basis, including bills and invoices, import/export declarations, bills of lading, as well as a whole host of other shipping documentation required by their clients or by the laws in force in the exporting country, importing country and transit countries. Most of this information is sent and received telematically using special equipment. In some cases, importers and exporters may appoint a customs broker to handle customs clearance procedures and paperwork (e.g. preparation of a bill of entry) on their behalf.

(Source: MBE)

Working conditions

Freight forwarders are often employed by national and international integrated logistics service providers and transport and shipping companies.

Many also work as shipping clerks or coordinators in the logistics departments of manufacturing companies in all sectors of industry, where their tasks typically include managing inbound and outbound deliveries, preparing documentation and monitoring shipments.

Freight forwarders carry out most of their work activities in an office environment and spend a great deal of their time liaising with shippers and transport companies by telephone, email or fax.

Working hours reflect shipping requirements, meaning a freight forwarder may be required to work shifts, including nights. Geographically speaking, job advertisements for freight forwarder positions tend to be concentrated around key road, train, air and maritime transport nodes, such as ports, airports, goods depots, intermodal terminals and transhipment hubs, which are usually located in industrial areas.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

There are no specific training or educational requirements to become a freight forwarder, although job advertisements may sometimes state a preference for candidates with an economics or languages background.

Employment Opportunities

The career of a freight forwarder typically begins with a junior position in the logistics or import/export industry.

Subsequent career development options include specializing in a specific type of merchandise, such as pharmaceuticals or food (and thus learning about the relevant legislation in that sector) or perhaps focusing on shipments to and from a particular destination (and thus working to build up a network of local contacts and commercial partnerships with carriers operating those routes).

A third option could be to concentrate on a specific mode of transport, for example as a sea freight forwarder or air freight forwarder.

A further possibility for freight forwarders looking for a fresh challenge is to pursue a career as a customs broker - i.e. a professional that handles customs clearance procedures for import and export goods.

With experience, a freight forwarder may progress into a management role, such as logistics manager or import/export manager or, alternatively, set up as a self-employed consultant, offering shipping and integrated logistics advice on a freelance basis.

The role of a freight forwarder is suited to individuals combining a strong interest in logistics and transportation with excellent organizational, planning and interpersonal skills. This is a dynamic, fast-paced role offering a great deal of variety. Freight forwarders are responsible for arranging international goods shipments by road, rail, sea and air and are involved in all stages of the shipping process, from price negotiation through to goods delivery.

The role also offers an excellent opportunity to develop independent decision-making skills, with freight forwarders responsible for handling every aspect of a shipment assignment and for maintaining customer communication and support at all times.

Finally, a position as a freight forwarder is an ideal springboard for anybody looking to embark on a career in domestic or international logistics.

 

 

 

 

The organization of sea transportation and logistics is a complex and time-consuming task. For efficient operations, a ship needs to have enough provisions, spare parts and other supplies in order to make a trip a success. Also known as supermarkets for ships, chandlers are essentially retail dealers. They work exclusively for ships, providing supplies and equipment. Their stocks are full of specialised paraphernalia, such as binoculars, lubricants, galley equipment, varnish and charts.
   
The shipchandler or ship supplier is responsible for planning and organizing procurement for the vessel. Ship chandlers ensure that incoming ocean vessels are quickly prepared and fully stocked for their next voyage. Ship suppliers now have the opportunity to order the necessary goods before the ship arrives at the port. This reduces downtime and saves lots of time - their main goal is to maximise efficiency levels. These days, the loading of supplies on board begins immediately after mooring, and Internet trading is used to plan purchases.

The ship chandler is responsible for supplying the ship with provisions, equipment and other necessary supplies. S/He knows exactly what are the rules and technicalities for the delivery of goods to the ship in each port. The laws that govern the supply of goods to foreign ships vary considerably from country to country.

(Source: Suisca Group)

The ship chandler’s job requires incredible effort to keep supplies going properly and on time. Ship suppliers serve any ship, from an oil tanker to a cruise ship.

The ship chandler acts as an intermediary between the captain of the ship and stores, and warehouses. He assists the captain and owner of the vessel in organizing the voyage. While the ship is in the port, the ship supplier organizes and collects deliveries, prepares the documentation, negotiates with local authorities on behalf of the captain.

The organization of the delivery begins with a request received for a quote from the captain or through the ship owner’s office. Ship chandler prepares the quotation and obtains permission to purchase. Then she places an order on the trading platform, finds suppliers and signs documents. The shipchandler is also responsible for taking delivery and checking the ordered goods

The ship chandler company is an indispensable link in the ship management chain. It is impossible to imagine the organization of shipping without the participation of ship chandlers. Every major port has dozens of companies supplying ships.

 

(Source: Freightcourse)

 

ANZSCO ID: 591116
    
Alternative names: Ship Supplier, Marine Supplier, Marine Contractor, Chandler, Shipchandler,
    
Specialisations:  Shipchandlers have a specialty. Some companies supply certain categories of products. Other companies supply a wider range of goods and equipment.

Small companies serve only ships calling at one port. Large international companies are represented in almost all major ports, they own their own logistics and warehouse network. All ship chandlers are united by a common goal – supplying the ship with the necessary goods at the right time and in the right place.

 

Cosomos Australia Pty Ltd - Ship Chandler in Australia
https://youtu.be/pkHPrNeFOCc

 

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Customer service: having good customer service skills means you're able to provide clients with a positive and helpful experience during, and after, their business transactions. This skill is highly valuable to have in this role. It allows you to develop lasting relationships with the ship managers and owners who use your services.

• Time management: this job comes with tight deadlines and high time pressure. Having exceptional time management skills allows you to deliver goods and services on short notice. Ocean vessels usually only dock for one to two days, so it's essential that you're able to ensure a quick turnaround time.

• Communication: both written and verbal communication skills are essential in this position. Clear communication is necessary for you to fulfil your role because it allows you to understand exactly what an incoming ocean vessel requires in terms of commodities or services. Strong communication skills also help you when you're negotiating the terms and rates with your suppliers or clients.

• Computer skills: working in this position usually requires you to have a basic understanding of computers and the relevant technologies. For example, you can use the shipping management systems to receive orders or to communicate with inbound ships. You can also use GPS to track shipments and likewise employ various computer applications to organise your work and manage your stock levels.

 

Companies must obtain licenses to operate as a shipchandler. In the structure of the company, it is customary to single out departments that perform certain functions: the purchasing department, the sales department, the technical department, the logistics department, etc.

The departments should be staffed by specialists who have a good knowledge of the specifics of the local market and international trade. The company must have partnerships with a large number of suppliers and manufacturers in order to quickly fulfill orders.

To confirm the quality of work, shipchandlers are certified according to the following standards:

ISO 9001.
ISO 14001.
ISO 22000.
OHSAS 18001.


Shipchandlers must be familiar with the following conventions:

OLAS – International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.
MARPOL 73/78 – International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.
COLREGS – Convention of International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
STCW – International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
SOPEP – Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan.
IMDG – Code International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.
ISM – Code International Safety Management Code.
ISPS – Code International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
MLC – Maritime Labour Convention.


The captain and the owner of the vessel must be sure that the company whose services they are going to request is a reliable and financially stable partner. The confirmation of the status is the entry into the associations IMPA and ISSA. Membership in these associations confirms that the company delivers quality products, ensures the security of supply and cares about the environment.

Duties and Tasks

Local copy: Categories of products [Word docx] & Types of Service provided by Ship Chandler [2pages]

Showing interactions between ship chandler and different authorities
(Source: PSS Maritime Services)

 

To fulfil their purpose, the ship chandler can be responsible for several tasks, including:

• supplying a ship and its crew with essential commodities, such as ropes and cleaning supplies

• negotiating with shipowners

• providing maintenance and repair services for components such as the engine, radar or anchor

• offering cleaning services, including laundry and deck cleaning

• calculating how much foodstuff, water, spare parts and fuel a ship needs for its journey

• providing new buyers with in-depth details about a specific ship's condition

• offering pest control and fumigation services

• providing transportation services to seafarers

• supplying marine painting materials

• repairing radios, computers and other communication equipment

• inspecting and supplying safety equipment, such as lifeboats and fire extinguishers

 

Ship chandlers keep track of the arrival and departure times of ships scheduled for deliveries in order to plan the procurement schedule. Most companies have warehouses to keep stock of popular items. The presence of a warehouse allows them to take orders for urgent deliveries.

In major ports, vessel servicing takes 1-1.5 days. The goal of ports is maximum profit, so all the needs of ships must be met urgently. Thanks to ship chandlers, loading supplies and servicing a ship is done in a matter of hours. Any delay will affect the ship’s schedule and result in a heavy fine.

Some ship chandlers offer ship owners a full service cycle. What is included in the list of available services:

non-significant repairs of the ships;
provisions and equipment supply and delivery;
transit delivery;
cleaning;
customs clearance;
warehouse services;
logistics services;
waste management.


Shipchandlers arrange for supplies to be brought aboard the vessel. Loading of goods is carried out at the pier and at the anchorage. Delivery time is limited by the vessel’s stay in the port. Goods can be brought on board by another ship or even a helicopter. In this case, shipping costs way more.

Some ship chandlers help to buy not only goods for the ship, but also the ships themselves. They pick up the vessel at the request of the client and evaluate the condition of the ships offered for sale. Shipchandlers help you save time choosing a ship and avoid buying a damaged vessel.

Shipchandler warehouses are equipped with forklifts, shelving systems, pallets and custom software. Success in this area requires investment in temperature-controlled warehouses, refrigerated trucks, portable generators, and ongoing staff training.

Shipchandlers can rent cars or minibuses so sailors can visit doctors, buy personal items, and visit local attractions. Together with the rental of transport, you can order the services of a driver and an accompanying guide.

Shipchandler can provide vessel bunkering services. Bunkering is the filling of fuel and engine oil in containers. Bunkering and supplying ships with goods are different areas of activity. To provide bunkering services, a shipchandler must obtain additional licenses and certificates.

 

NavSupply Brasil | Shipchandler 4 all needs - an ad but shows all aspects of being a Ship Chandler. In Portuguese

https://youtu.be/_ikZUn-N38s

 

 

Working conditions

Large companies work 24/7. They offer a wide range of products for different areas of the ship. The list of the most popular products for the ship includes provisions, mooring ropes and anchor chains, spare parts, paints and lubricants.

Their work environment typically involves long, irregular hours. The job demands that the supplier is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Therefore, it's necessary that the chandlery is constantly well-equipped and well-staffed, so it can deliver large quantities of supplies within a short time.

Tools and technologies

A modern approach to ship supply requires a reliable and efficient IT system. Companies choose technical solutions taking into account the scale of their business, product range, and management structure. There are many software solutions for selling and buying goods, as well as for inventory control. Large ship chandlers use their own custom-designed software.

Companies that quickly respond to market changes and actively implement IT technologies win in the competition. e-Commerce platforms bring together shipowners and suppliers in one place, making the procurement process faster and easier.

Education and training/entrance requirements

The necessary qualifications can vary depending on if you're interested in starting your own ship chandling business or if you want to join an existing company. They can also vary depending on if you choose to specialise. For example, you may specialise in engine maintenance or in handling hazardous chemicals. Here are some of the general qualifications you may need:

Employers usually ask candidates to hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree. This typically takes three to four years to complete. It's advisable to pursue a degree in a relevant field, such as:

contract management
supply chain management
logistics
procurement management
business administration
maritime studies

If you wish to further your knowledge and give yourself a competitive advantage, you can also obtain a master's degree. This is advisable if you want to provide specialised services, such as radar maintenance. You can choose from a variety of degrees, including marine engineering and maritime management. Completing a master's degree typically takes one to two years.

Employment Opportunities

It is very important for shipchandlers to interact with all parties involved in the ship supply process. New IT technologies make it possible to maintain online communication, reduce operating costs, and optimize supply chains. Digitalization of business creates new opportunities for market participants.

In the near future, supply chain requirements will include more automation and digitalization. The competitiveness of the business will depend on the shiphandler’s ability to quickly respond to customer requirements and integrate its business with the client’s business.

It is obvious that the shipchandling will remain relevant for a long time to come. Sea cargo transportation requires careful completion of the vessel with everything necessary. At the moment, this task can be performed by a person or a group of specialists. Automation allows you to speed up the supply of the ship, but no neural network can yet replace the shipchandler.

 

 Are You Ship Chandler? - Indian accent; showing Ruzave Shipping advertisement
https://youtu.be/6CR3jAl-saI

 

 

 

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Material sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Supply & Distribution Manager; Fleet Manager; Storeperson; Logistics Clerk ]
Jobted [Freight Forwarder; ]
CareerOnline [Logistics Clerk;]
Web Archive Only - CareerHQ [Fleet Manager; Stock/Inventory Clerk; ]
PSS Maritime Services [Ship Chandler; ]
Indeed Sg [Ship Chandler; ]
Marine Insight [Ship Chandler; ]
  Your Career [Supply & Distribution Manager; Fleet Manager; Warehouse Administrator; Storeperson; Purchasing and Supply Logistics Clerk]