Diploma in Gas Carriers and the IGF/IGC Codes
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in gas carriers and the IGF/IGC Codes. 8 modules covering liquefied gas behaviour, the IGC Code and gas carrier design, cargo handling systems, the IGF Code and alternative fuels, safety and fire protection, risk assessment and approval, and crew operations, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Gas Carriers and the IGF/IGC Codes — studying from Australia
Australia's maritime sector is substantial, encompassing naval shipbuilding, offshore oil and gas, port operations and recreational boating. The Royal Australian Navy's shipbuilding programmes, including the Hunter class frigates and Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia, generate significant engineering demand. Offshore energy developments on the North West Shelf and in Bass Strait require marine and structural expertise. Recreational boating is widespread, supported by a strong sports nautical industry. Employers include naval shipbuilders, offshore operators, port authorities and marine equipment manufacturers.
Fees for Australia: A$1,420 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Is this training recognised by Australian maritime regulators such as AMSA?
SEIUM qualifications are private and are not official state degrees or accredited by national bodies. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority regulates maritime certificates and qualifications separately, and SEIUM training does not replace those requirements. Confirm with AMSA or your employer which credentials your intended role requires.
Which Australian employers might consider this qualification for naval or offshore work?
Offshore energy operators, shipbuilders, naval contractors, marine consultancies and sports nautical manufacturers are examples of Australian employers in this area. Their hiring decisions depend on their own criteria and on any required certifications. A private qualification is one factor among experience and licensing.
Can I study this part time from Australia, and can employers help pay?
Yes, the programmes are fully online and taught in English, so you can study from Australia without a student visa and fit learning around your schedule. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Confirm the total hours and expected pace before committing.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the physical behaviour of the liquefied gases carried.
Apply the requirements of the IGC Code to gas carrier design.
Describe cargo handling and containment systems.
Apply the IGF Code to gas-fuelled ships.
Assess the risks of leaks, fires and dispersion.
Plan safe cargo and bunkering operations.
Prepare the documentation required for design approval.
Who it's for
- On-board gas systems engineers.
- Gas carrier superintendents.
- Classification society surveyors.
- Process safety consultants.
- LNG bunkering managers.
- Cargo officers on gas carriers.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter gas shipping.
What you'll work with
- IGC Code, Resolution MSC.370(93) (construction and equipment of ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk)
- IGF Code, Resolution MSC.391(95) (safety of ships using gases or other low-flashpoint fuels)
- SOLAS Chapter II-1 Part G (ships using low-flashpoint fuels)
- STCW regulations V/1-2 and V/3 (training for liquefied gas tankers and IGF ships)
- MSC.1/Circ.1621 (interim guidelines for ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel)
- ISO 20519 (specification for LNG bunkering)
- IEC 60079 (explosive atmospheres)
- DNV classification rules for gas carriers (class requirements for liquefied gas tankers)
- DNV Phast
- Aspen HYSYS
- NAPA Designer
- Kongsberg K-Sim Cargo
8 modules
1.1Properties of LNG, LPG, ammonia and ethylene1.2Phase diagrams and vapour pressure1.3Boil-off and cargo heat balance1.4Flammability and toxicity hazards1.5Cryogenic behaviour of materials1.6Rollover and stratification in tanks1.7LNG composition and ageing1.8Cargo safety data sheets1.9Classification of gas carriers by type1.10Case study: hazard profile of four cargoes
2.1Structure of the revised IGC Code2.2Ship types 1G, 2G, 2PG and 3G2.3Independent containment systems type A, B and C2.4GTT Mark III and NO96 membrane tanks2.5Secondary barrier and hold spaces2.6Permitted materials at low temperature2.7Layout of hazardous zones and spaces2.8Tank venting and relief valves2.9Survival and stability requirements2.10Workshop: review of a general arrangement plan
3.1Submerged and deck pumps3.2Boil-off compressors and vaporisers3.3Reliquefaction plants3.4Loading arms and emergency connections3.5Emergency shutdown (ESD) system3.6Inerting and gas-freeing of tanks3.7Cool-down and first loading3.8Pressure control in type C tanks3.9Cargo measurement and custody transfer3.10Practical: tank cool-down sequence
4.1Scope and structure of the IGF Code4.2Gas-safe and ESD-protected machinery space concepts4.3Fuel tanks and their location4.4Gas fuel supply systems to the engine4.5Double-walled gas piping4.6Ventilation and gas detection4.7Interim guidelines for methanol and ammonia4.8Two- and four-stroke dual-fuel engines4.9LNG bunkering and safety zones4.10Case study: risk analysis of a fuel system
5.1Fixed gas detection and its thresholds5.2Dry chemical powder systems5.3Water curtains and deck water spray5.4Protection of compressor spaces5.5Personal protective equipment for cryogenics5.6Hazardous atmospheres and enclosed space entry5.7Electrical hazardous area zoning and Ex equipment5.8Leak response plans5.9Emergency drills on gas carriers5.10Workshop: gas detection in a compressor room
6.1HAZID and HAZOP in gas projects6.2Consequence analysis of leaks and dispersion6.3Approval of alternative designs6.4Classification society rules6.5International Certificate of Fitness6.6Periodic inspections and surveys6.7Ship–terminal interface and compatibility6.8SIGTTO and OCIMF guidelines6.9Management of change on ships in service6.10Case study: HAZID of a bunkering operation
7.1Basic and advanced STCW training for gas carriers7.2IGF Code training for crews7.3Loading and discharge procedures7.4Ship-to-ship operations7.5Boil-off management at sea7.6Maintenance of cryogenic systems7.7Cargo records and operation logbooks7.8Vetting inspections and SIRE 2.07.9Safety culture in gas operations7.10Practical: ship–terminal compatibility checklist
8.1Definition of the ship and service8.2Selection of the containment system8.3Conceptual design of the fuel system8.4IGC or IGF compliance matrix8.5Main risk study8.6Operations and training plan8.7Documentation for approval8.8Technical conclusions of the project8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
The programme is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is DNV Phast, Aspen HYSYS, NAPA Designer and Kongsberg K-Sim Cargo, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied on real procedures: HAZID of an LNG bunkering operation, cargo simulation on a membrane gas carrier and ship–terminal compatibility review. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: IGC Code (Resolution MSC.370(93)), IGF Code (Resolution MSC.391(95)), SOLAS Chapter II-1 Part G, STCW Convention regulations V/1-2 and V/3, interim guidelines MSC.1/Circ.1621 for methanol, ISO 20519, IEC 60079, DNV classification rules for gas carriers.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with DNV Phast, Aspen HYSYS, NAPA Designer and Kongsberg K-Sim Cargo, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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