International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code

Stack of containers

International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is a globally recognized standard for the safe transportation of dangerous goods by sea. The IMDG Code is intended to protect crew members and to prevent marine pollution in the shipping of hazardous materials. It is a uniform international code that has been adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping.

The IMDG Code supplements the regulations of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), two of the most important international maritime treaties concerning the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution.

Overview

The IMDG Code was first published in 1965 and has undergone several updates since then, with amendments being made every two years to adapt to the advancements in technology and the introduction of new chemical substances. The Code is divided into seven parts, covering general provisions, classification, packing and tank provisions, consignment procedures, construction and testing of packagings and tanks, transport operations, and requirements for the construction and testing of packagings.

Classification

The IMDG Code classifies dangerous goods into nine classes, based on the specific chemical characteristics that make the goods dangerous. These classes are:

1. Explosives
2. Gases
3. Flammable Liquids
4. Flammable Solids; Substances Liable to Spontaneous Combustion; Substances which, in Contact with Water, Emit Flammable Gases
5. Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides
6. Toxic and Infectious Substances
7. Radioactive Material
8. Corrosives
9. Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles

Each class is further subdivided into divisions that specify more detailed hazards and packing groups that indicate the degree of danger presented by the goods.

Packing and Marking

The IMDG Code specifies the requirements for the packing, marking, labelling, and placarding of packages and containers. It includes detailed instructions on the construction and testing of packagings and tanks, as well as on the use of the United Nations numbers and proper shipping names to identify dangerous goods.

Documentation

The Code requires that all shipments of dangerous goods be accompanied by a Dangerous Goods Declaration, which provides detailed information about the nature of the goods, their class, and the precautions to be taken during their transport. Additionally, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must be available for each substance, providing emergency response information and protective measures.

Implementation

The implementation of the IMDG Code is mandatory under the SOLAS Convention for all member countries of the IMO. Compliance with the Code is enforced by national maritime authorities, which may also provide additional guidance and regulations to address specific national concerns.

Training

The IMDG Code emphasizes the importance of training for all personnel involved in the shipping of dangerous goods. This includes not only the crew of the ships but also the shippers, packers, and freight forwarders. Training programs are designed to ensure that all parties are familiar with the Code's requirements and can safely handle and transport dangerous goods.

International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code Resources
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