Study Resources

• Lam, J.S.L. and Bai, X., 2023. A quality function deployment approach to improve maritime supply chain resilience. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 169, p.102963. DOI: 10.1016/j.tre.2022.102963
• Heij, C. and Knapp, S., 2021. Shipping inspections, detentions, and incidents: An empirical analysis of risk dimensions. Maritime Policy & Management, 48(6), pp.837-856. DOI: 10.1080/03088839.2020.1825853
• Tusher, H.M., Munim, Z.H., Notteboom, T.E., Kim, T.E. and Nazir, S., 2022. Cyber security risk assessment in autonomous shipping. Maritime Economics & Logistics, 24(2), pp.208-227. DOI: 10.1057/s41278-022-00214-0
• Karahalios, H., Yang, Z.L., Williams, V. and Wang, J., 2020. A proposed accident investigation methodology for the shipping industry. International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, 29, p.100356. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcip.2020.100356
• Öztanır, E., Yıldırım, U. and Başar, E., 2024. Port security assessment model: A case study of the ISPS Code implementation in Turkish container terminals. Safety Science, 171, p.106391. DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2023.106391

Faculty of Engineering and Technology

Maritime Centre

MODULE ASSESSMENT BRIEF

Module Code: 7502MAR
Module Title: Maritime Safety, Security Operations and Logistics
Academic Year: 2024/2025
Assessment Period: Semester 2
Assessment Number: Assessment 2
Assessment Type: Individual Written Report
Weighting: 60% of Module Mark
Word Count: 3,500 words (+/- 10%)
Submission Deadline: Friday, 9th May 2025, 14:00 GMT
Submission Method: Online via Canvas VLE

ASSESSMENT TASK

You are required to produce a comprehensive analytical report that critically evaluates the integration of safety and security management systems within contemporary maritime logistics operations.

Task Description:

Select ONE of the following scenarios:

Scenario A: Port Terminal Security Assessment
Conduct a critical analysis of security vulnerabilities and safety risks within a major international container port terminal. Your analysis should examine the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, identify potential threat vectors (including cyber-security risks), and propose an integrated security management framework that balances operational efficiency with regulatory compliance.

Scenario B: Maritime Supply Chain Disruption Management
Evaluate the safety and security implications of supply chain disruptions in maritime logistics networks. Using a recent real-world case study (e.g., pandemic-related disruptions, geopolitical conflicts, or major maritime incidents), critically assess how safety and security protocols were maintained under crisis conditions. Develop recommendations for resilient maritime logistics strategies that incorporate risk assessment methodologies and business continuity planning.

Scenario C: Maritime Cyber Security in Autonomous Vessel Operations
Analyse the emerging safety and security challenges associated with autonomous and remotely operated vessels in commercial maritime operations. Critically examine the convergence of maritime safety regulations (ISM Code, SOLAS) with cyber security frameworks, and propose comprehensive risk mitigation strategies for protecting autonomous maritime systems from both cyber threats and operational hazards.

LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSED

This assessment addresses the following module learning outcomes:

1. LO1: Critically analyse the regulatory frameworks governing maritime safety and security operations at international, national, and organisational levels.
2. LO2: Evaluate risk assessment methodologies and their application to complex maritime logistics and port operations.
3. LO3: Demonstrate advanced understanding of the integration between safety management systems, security protocols, and operational efficiency in maritime contexts.
4. LO4: Synthesise theoretical concepts with practical industry challenges to develop evidence-based solutions for maritime safety and security problems.
5. LO5: Communicate complex maritime safety and security concepts effectively through professional written reports suitable for industry stakeholders.

ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

Your report should include the following sections:

1. Executive Summary (approximately 250 words)

• Brief overview of the chosen scenario and key findings
• Summary of main recommendations
• Not included in word count

2. Introduction (approximately 400 words)

• Context and background of the chosen scenario
• Clear statement of the report’s aims and objectives
• Justification for the scenario selection
• Overview of report structure

3. Literature Review and Theoretical Framework (approximately 800 words)

• Critical review of relevant academic and industry literature
• Discussion of applicable safety and security theories and models
• Analysis of relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., ISM Code, ISPS Code, SOLAS, MLC)
• Identification of current debates and gaps in knowledge

4. Critical Analysis and Evaluation (approximately 1,200 words)

• Detailed examination of the chosen scenario using appropriate analytical frameworks
• Application of risk assessment methodologies (e.g., Formal Safety Assessment, HAZID, HAZOP)
• Critical evaluation of existing safety and security measures
• Analysis of stakeholder perspectives and competing priorities
• Use of relevant case studies, industry data, and empirical evidence

5. Recommendations and Strategic Framework (approximately 700 words)

• Evidence-based recommendations addressing identified issues
• Proposed integrated safety and security management framework
• Implementation strategy with consideration of practical constraints
• Discussion of potential barriers and enablers
• Key performance indicators for measuring effectiveness

6. Conclusion (approximately 350 words)

• Summary of key findings from the analysis
• Reflection on the significance of recommendations
• Identification of areas requiring further research
• Final observations on the future of maritime safety and security

7. References

• Minimum of 25 credible academic and industry sources
• Harvard referencing style must be used throughout
• Not included in word count

8. Appendices (if applicable)

• Supporting data, diagrams, or extended case study information
• Not included in word count

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA AND MARKING RUBRIC

Your work will be assessed against the following criteria:

MARKING DESCRIPTORS

First Class (70-100%): Exceptional demonstration of critical analysis with original insights. Comprehensive research using high-quality sources. Sophisticated understanding of complex maritime safety and security issues. Highly professional presentation with outstanding coherence and clarity. Innovative and well-justified recommendations.

Upper Second Class (60-69%): Very good critical analysis with clear evaluation. Thorough research with appropriate sources. Strong understanding of maritime safety and security concepts. Professional presentation with clear structure. Well-developed and justified recommendations.

Lower Second Class (50-59%): Good level of analysis with some critical evaluation. Adequate research with relevant sources. Sound understanding of key concepts. Generally well-structured with acceptable presentation. Reasonable recommendations with some justification.

Third Class (40-49%): Basic analysis with limited critical evaluation. Sufficient research but may lack depth. Fundamental understanding demonstrated. Adequate structure but may lack coherence. Basic recommendations with limited justification.

Fail (0-39%): Insufficient analysis or understanding. Poor research quality or inadequate sources. Significant gaps in knowledge. Poor structure or presentation. Weak or absent recommendations.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Format: PDF document only
• Font: Arial or Calibri, 12pt
• Line Spacing: 1.5
• Margins: 2.5cm on all sides
• File Naming Convention: StudentNumber_ModuleCode_Assessment2.pdf
• Cover Page: Include student number, module code, module title, assessment title, word count, and submission date
• Page Numbers: All pages must be numbered
• Anonymity: Do NOT include your name anywhere in the document

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

All work submitted must be your own. You are expected to:

• Properly reference all sources using Harvard referencing style
• Avoid plagiarism by clearly distinguishing your own ideas from those of others
• Not collude with other students or submit work written by others
• Use quotations sparingly and always with proper attribution

Submissions will be processed through Turnitin plagiarism detection software. Any suspected cases of academic misconduct will be investigated under LJMU’s Academic Regulations.

FORMATIVE SUPPORT

The following support is available to help you prepare for this assessment:

• Assessment Workshop: Week 6 – Scenario selection guidance and analytical framework discussion
• Drop-in Sessions: Weeks 8 and 10 – Individual consultation opportunities (sign up via Canvas)
• Draft Feedback: Submit a 500-word outline by Week 9 for formative feedback
• Academic Skills Support: Available through Student Advice and Wellbeing Service

LATE SUBMISSION POLICY

Assessments submitted after the deadline without an approved extension will incur a penalty of 10% of the total marks available per working day (capped at 5 working days). After this period, a mark of zero will be recorded.

Extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances. Applications must be submitted at least 48 hours before the deadline via the Student Portal with appropriate supporting evidence.

ASSESSMENT FEEDBACK

Feedback and provisional marks will be released within 20 working days of the submission deadline via the Canvas VLE. Feedback will include:

• Overall grade and mark
• Comments linked to assessment criteria
• Strengths identified in your work
• Areas for development and improvement
• Suggestions for enhancing future performance

MODULE LEADER CONTACT

Dr. Sarah O’Connor
Email: [email protected]
Office: Maritime Centre, Building 203, Room 3.15
Office Hours: Tuesdays 14:00-16:00, Thursdays 10:00-12:00 (by appointment)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Recommended Databases:

• Maritime Policy & Management (Taylor & Francis)
• Maritime Economics & Logistics (Palgrave Macmillan)
• Safety Science (Elsevier)
• International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics (Inderscience)
• Lloyd’s List Intelligence

Industry Resources:

• International Maritime Organization (IMO) publications
• Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) guidance
• International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH)
• Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO)
• UK Chamber of Shipping resources

Library Support:
Maritime Studies Subject Librarian: [email protected]