1. IMDG CODE
Required under two mandatory UN conventions
1. SOLAS
2. MARPOL
- chapter 7- Carriage of dangerous goods.
- Annex -3 –pollution by harmful substances carried in packaged form.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE IMDG CODE IS
TO,
EEnhance the safe transport of
dangerous goods.
P – Protect the marine environment.
F - Facilitate the free unrestricted
movement of dangerous goods.
Presented in 3 books
Updated every 2 years. Latest edition 2012
 Volume-1
 Volume -2
 Supplement
Both volumes and supplement need to be
consulted.
IMDG comprises 7 chapters(parts),
Volume 1 chapters
 Part 1 – General provisions,
Definitions and Training.
 Part 2 – Classification
 Part 3 – Is in Volume 2
 Part 4 – Packing and tank provisions
 Part 5 – Consignment procedures
 Part 6 – Construction and testing of
packaging
 Part 7 – Requirements Concerning
transport operations.
Volume 2 chapter
 Part 3 – Dangerous goods list,
special provisions and exceptions.
class definitions and test criteria. But the
substances which are mentioned with
N.O.S are not tested as per the test criteria,
and full information of such substances not
available. Because of this reason it is not
mentioned in the index. When the new
volume is published, then these substances
are will be included in the list.
SUPPLEMENT
The EmS guide
Emergency response procedures for ship
carrying DG
It contains;
 Advice in dealing with fire and
spillages
 Medical first aid guide for DG.
 Reporting procedures
IMDG code classification system
The purpose is;
1. To distinguish between goods which
are consulted to be dangerous for
transport.
2. To identify the dangers which are
presented by DG in transport
3. To ensure that the correct measures
are taken to enable these goods to
be transported safely without risk to
persons or to property.
Classes of dangerous cargo:
IMPORTANT
What is N.O.S? And why the DG goods
mentioned with N.O.S are not listed in
the Index (volume 2)?
N.O.S means- ‘not otherwise specified’
Substances or articles which are not
specifically listed by name in the dangerous
goods list shall be classified under a
‘generic’ OR ‘not otherwise specified’ (N.O.S)
Proper shipping name. The substances or
article shall be classified according to the
Class 1
: Explosives
Class 2
: Gases compressed,
liquefied or dissolved under pressure.
Class 3
: Inflammable liquids.
Class 4.1
: Inflammable solids.
Class 4.2
: Inflammable solids or
substances liable to spontaneous
combustion.
Class 4.3
: Inflammable solids or
substances which when in contact with
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2. IMDG CODE
water
emit flammable gases.
Class 5.1
: Oxidizing substances.
Class 5.2
: Organic peroxides.
Class 6.1
: Poisonous toxic
substances.
Class 6.2
: Infectious substances.
Class 7
: Radioactive
substances.
Class 8
: Corrosives.
Class 9
: Miscellaneous
dangerous cargo which presto a danger not
covered by other classes.
Marking:
The following requirements shall be
complied with1) The package must be clearly marked
with the correct technical names of
goods and an indication must be given
with the hazards that could arise during
the transportation of the goods.
2) Markings must comply with IMDG.
3) The outer material of the package will
survive 3 months immersion and the
marking must be durable.
4) If the outer material does not survive 3
months then the inner receptacle which
will survive 3 months must be durably
marked.
5) If the goods are carried in a container
then the unit must have distinctive
labels on the external.
Packing:
1) Shall be in good condition.
2) Of such a character that an interior
surface with which the contents may
come in contact is not dangerously
affected by the substance being
conveyed and capable of withstanding
the ordinary risk of carriage at sea.
3) Where absorbent or cushioning is being
used Capable of minimizing the
danger to which the liquid
may give rise.
 Prevent movement and
ensures that the receptacle
remains surrounded.
 Absorb liquid in the event of
breakage.
4) Receptacles shall have ullage at the
filling temperature sufficient to allow for
the highest temperature during the
voyage.
5) Cylinders or receptacles under pressure
shall have been adequately constructed,
tested and correctly filled.
6) Empty receptacles shall be considered
as dangerous and be treated as
dangerous cargo unless they have been
cleaned and dried.
Stowage:
1) Dangerous cargo should be stowed
safely appropriately according to the
nature of the cargo. Incompatible goods
to be separated from one another.
2) Explosives to be stored in magazines
and to be kept securely closed at sea.
They should be kept far away from
electricals.
3) Goods which give dangerous vapours
should be stowed in well-ventilated
places.
4) Ships carrying inflammable liquids and
gases special precautions should be
taken against fire and explosion.
5) Substances liable to spontaneous
heating should not be carried unless
adequate precautions have been taken.
DOCUMENTATION (Ch 5.4)
The carrier required to carry
Dangerous Goods Transport
Document (Dangerous goods
Declaration)
This document shall contain the following
info;
 UN number
 The PSN (proper shipping name)
 The primary hazards class
 Subsidiary hazards class
 Where assigned the packing group
(eg. PG II)
In addition the shipper must supply the
following written information where
appropriate:
1)
The number and type of packages
2)
The gross weight of the consignment
3)
The net weight of the explosive
content of class 1 goods
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3. IMDG CODE
4)
The flash point if 61 C or below.
If goods are packed into a container
or vehicle the vessel must be given a
packing certificate for the container
or vehicle.
 A stowage plan must be made which
gives information noted above and
also the location of where the goods
are stowed
Stowage and segregation
 Chapter 7.1 – Deals with stowage
 Chapter 7.2- Deals with segregation
Segregation tables- page 425
For container – Volume 1 page 439 (7.4.3.2)
For Ro RoVolume 1 page 442 (7.5.3.2)

Clear of living quarter’s means that package
or cargo transport units shall be stowed at
a minimum distance of 3 mtr from
accommodation, air intakes, machinery
spaces, and other enclosed space.
CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS ON
BOARD A PASSENGER VESSEL
No explosive can be transported on a ship
carrying more than 12 passengers except:
1.
Safety explosives
2.
Any explosive the net weight of
which is 10 kg or under
3.
Distress signals up to a total weight
of 1000 kg
4.
Fireworks which are unlikely to
explode violently.
 No dangerous goods should be
allowed on board any vessel carrying
more than 25 passengers
GENERAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS WHEN
CARRYING DANGEROUS GOODS
1.
Reject any damaged or leaking
packages
2.
Packages should be stowed in a
location which ensures protection
from accidental damage or heating
3.
Combustible material should be
kept away from ignition sources
4.
Goods must be segregated from
substances liable to start or to
spread fires
5.
It may be necessary to ensure
accessibility of dangerous goods so
6.
7.
8.
9.
that packages in the vicinity of a fire
may be protected or moved to safety
Enforce prohibition of smoking in
dangerous areas
Post ‘No Smoking’ signs or symbols
All electrical fittings and cables
must be in good condition and safe
guarded against short circuits and
sparking
All ventilators must have spark
arrestors of suitable wire mesh.
General guidelines for spillage
 Think of safety first
 Avoid any contact with dangerous
substances. Do not walk through
spilled liquids or dust (solids).
 Keep away from vapours or gases.
 Sound alarm.
 Keep the bridge and living quarters
up wind if possible.
 Wear full protective clothing
resistant to chemical attack and self
contained breathing apparatus.
 Locate stowage position of leaking
cargo.
 Identify cargo.
 Obtain UN numbers and the EmS
SPILLAGE SCHEDULE of dangerous
goods involved.
 Consider which measures of the
EmS SPILLAGE SCHEDULE are
applicable and should be followed.
 Be prepared to use the MEDICAL
FIRST AID GUIDE (MFAG).
 Contact the designated person of the
company responsible for the
operation of the ship to obtain
expert advice on dangerous goods
emergency response measures.
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