The project partnership, comprising key players in the ship broking industry, aims to enhance participation in lifelong learning within the sector, which is recognised as an urgent need in view of recent shipping disasters and the subsequent likely strengthening of regulations and quality systems. The project will create an e-learning platform and will design and test eight new learning modules to meet the criteria of examination boards for EU recognised qualifications. The portal www.shippingtraining.com will be expanded to support the e-learning platform. Key outcomes of the project will comprise eight, e-learning modules, covering the underpinning knowledge of ship construction, ship types, cargoes, hazardous cargoes, maritime geography, charter parties and 2 other topics yet to be determined, with training support materials including e-tutoring, a helpdesk and related multimedia material also being developed. Final on-line versions will be produced, in EN, following field trials and subsequent evaluation. Learners will be able to enrol as they prepare (sometimes from shifting locations) for a qualification from the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (an EU designated authority in the mutual recognition of professional qualifications and also a project partner). Training providers plan to integrate the developed modules into existing training programmes with the portal expected to continue beyond the project lifetime (this is planned through the introduction of fees to support ongoing maintenance costs). Partners will disseminate results through their extensive national and international networks, which include commercial, academic and media connections.