IMDG code
(SOLAS Chapter VII: Carriage of dangerous goods)
AIM of IMDG code-
-To regulate the transport of sea of Dangerous goods to reasonably
prevent injury to
person or damage to the ship
-To regulate transport by sea of marine pollutants to prevent harm to
the marine environment
• Dangerous Goods- DG means the substances, material and article in
packaged form covered by the IMDG code
• Dangerous Cargo – Cargo which has Intrensic Dangerous properties
through which it can cause danger to life and property.
• Hazardous Cargo – It does not have any Intrensic Dangerous
properties but has a potential to cause danger to life, property
and environment if not stored, handled secured and transported with
proper precaution.
• Harmful Cargo – It is any substance which if introduced into the
sea is liable to create hazard to human health, living resources
and marine life, amenities and interfere with other legitimate uses
of sea.
• Marine pollutant- Substances which because of their potential to
bio-accumulate in the seafood or because of their high toxicity to
aquatic life are considered harmful to marine environment.
Does IMDG applies to tankers-
No, as per the Forward of IMDG code it applied only for DG carried in
packages form
or in solid form in bulk
Contents of the IMDG code ( GC PC CP EMRRI )
Volume 1
Part 1 general provisions, definitions and training
Part 2 classification
Part 4 packing and tank provisions
Part 5 consignment procedures
Part 6 construction and testing of packagings, intermediate
bulk containers, large packagings, portable
tanks, multiple-element gas containers (MEGCS) and
road tank vehicles
Part 7 provisions concerning transport operations
Volume 2
Part 3 dangerous goods list, special provisions and limited
quantity exceptions
Supplement
EMS guide
MFAG
Reporting Procedures
Recommendations on the safe use of Pesticides in ships
INF code
UN number-
-A unique identifying number assigned to the DG by United Nations
committee of
expert on transportation of dangerous goods.
-A UN number signifies that the substance is hazardous in nature and it
is covered by the IMDG code.
Subsidiary risk-
• Goods which present a secondary dangerous property.
• It should be labeled showing the hazard
• Class number should not be present on the subsidiary risk label.
What is regulation for marking, labeling and placarding of dangerous
goods ?
• The proper shipping name and not the trade name of local name to be
marked.
• Packages are to provided with the distinctive labels.
• The corresponding UN number readily visible and legible shall be
marked.
• Packages to be provided with distinct labels.
• Information should still be identifiable on packages surviving at
least three months immersion in the sea.
The storage requirements for dangerous goods are -
• Dangerous goods are to be stowed safely and appropriately according
to the nature of the goods.
• Incompatible goods to be segregated from one another.
• Explosive are to be stowed in a magazine securely closed at sea and
segregated from detonators.
• Electrical apparatus and cabling in compartments shall be so
designed and used as to minimize the risk of fire and explosion.
• DG that gives off vapors shall be stowed in compartment with
mechanical vents or on deck.
• Substances which are liable to spontaneous heating or combustion
shall not be carried unless adequate precautions against fire and
explosion are taken.
What precautions while loading DG cargo
• From the IMDG code find the Emergency schedules, Medical supplied
and PPE required to safely transport the cargo
• Appropriate international code of signal by day or night to be
displayed.
• No Bunkering
• RADAR off
• Transmission on low power
• Defective packages and cargo should be rejected
Precautions while loading explosives-
• Explosives must be stowed in wood or wood lined compartment.
• No electric cables should pass from the compartment.
• Electrical fittings must be disconnected from the compartment.
• Explosives are unstable when wet so it should be kept in cool, dry,
ventilated space away from hot bulkhead
• Explosives must be stowed away from the living quarters.
Non compatible cargoes-
The cargoes which if not physically separated or stowed separately can
cause hazard when they spill in the vicinity of one another or if their
vapors comes in contact with one another.
Segregation-
Segregation is the process of separating two or more substances or
articles which are considered mutually incompatible when their packing
or stowage together may result in undue hazards in case of leakage or
spillage, or any other accident.
Segregation terms
1. Away from
may be transported in the same compartment or hold or on deck, provide a
minimum horizontal separation of 3 m, projected vertically
2. Separated
from
In different
compartments or holds when stowed under deck. Provided the intervening
deck is resistant to fire and liquid, a vertical separation, i.e. in
different compartments, may be accepted as equivalent to this
segregation. For on deck stowage,this segregation means a separation by
a distance of at least 6 m horizontally.
3. Separated by
a complete compartment or hold from
Either a vertical or a horizontal separation. If the intervening decks
are not resistant to fire and liquid, then only a longitudinal
separation, i.e. by an intervening complete compartment or hold, is
acceptable. For on deck stowage, this segregation means a separation by
a distance of at least 12 m horizontally. The same distance has to be
applied if one package is stowed on deck, and the other one in an upper
compartment.
4. Separated longitudinally by an intervening complete compartment or
hold from
Vertical separation alone does not meet this requirement. Between a
package underdeck and one on deck, a minimum distance of 24 m, including
a complete compartment, must be maintained longitudinally. For on deck
stowage, this segregation means a separation by a distance of at least
24 m longitudinally.
What is 1,2,3,4 and X as per the Segregation table of IMDG code
DG classes
Class 1 - Explosives
Div 1.1 - Substances and Articles which have a Mass Explosion Hazard
Div 1.2 - Substances and articles which have a Projection Hazard but not
a MEH
Div 1.3 - Substances and articles which have a fire hazard and either a
minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both, but not a
MEH
Div 1.4 - Substances and articles which present no significant hazard
Div 1.5 - Very insensitive substances which have a MEH
Div 1.6 - Extremely insensitive articles which do not have a MEH
Class 2 - Gases
Class 2.1 - Flammable gases
Class 2.2 - Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
Class 2.3 - Toxic gases
Class 3 - Flammable Liquids
Class 4 - Flammable solids
Class 4.1 - Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, solid
desensitized explosives and polymerizing substances.
Class 4.2 - Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
Class 4.3 - Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable
gases
Class 5 - Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
Class 5.1 - Oxidizing substances
Class 5.2 - Organic peroxides
Class 6 - Toxic and infectious substances
Class 6.1 - Toxic substances
Class 6.2 - Infectious substances
Class 7 - Radioactive material
Class 8 - Corrosive substances
Class 9 - Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles
**Class 10 - Marine Pollutant**
Dangerous Goods list columns-
documents are required to carry the DG-
• Document of Compliance
• Shipper’s declaration
• DG Manifest
• MSDS
What is DOC for IMDG ? Who issues it and when ?
• Document of compliance for the carriage of dangerous goods in
packaged form Ships carrying dangerous goods in packaged form need
according to SOLAS II-2/19 and VII a document of compliance issued
by the flag state administration.
• This document is issued by the ship safety division of the BG
Verkehr upon a survey by a recognized organization (classification
society).
For carrying what all classes you do not require a DOC-
• 6.2 Infectious substances
• 7 Radio active substances – for this we need INF certificate
instead
• DG in limited quantity
• DG which do not posses enough hazard.
EmS guide-
The EmS Guide contains guidance on Emergency Response Procedures for
ships
carrying Dangerous Goods including the Emergency Schedules (EmS) to be
followed
in case of incidents involving dangerous substances, materials or
articles, or harmful
substances (marine pollutants), regulated under the International
Maritime Dangerous
Goods Code (IMDG Code).
What are General guidelines for Spillage of IMDG goods
1. Avoid any contact with dangerous substances. Do not walk through
spilled liquids or dust (solids).
2. Keep away from vapors or gases
3. Sound alarm.
4. Keep the bridge and living quarters up wind if possible.
5. Wear full protective clothing resistant to chemical attack and
self-contained breathing apparatus.
6. Locate stowage position of leaking cargo.
7. Identify cargo.
8. Obtain UN Numbers and the EmS SPILLAGE SCHEDULE of dangerous goods
involved.
9. Consider which measures of the EmS SPILLAGE SCHEDULE are applicable
and shall be followed.
10. Be prepared to use the Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG).
11. Contact the designated person of the company responsible for
the operation of the ship to obtain expert advice on dangerous
goods emergency response measures.
What are General guidelines for fire of IMDG goods
1. Packages are in good intact condition, not leaking or torn.
2. IMDG Labels and marking are appropriately marked on the packages.
3. Consider which measures of the EmS FIRE SCHEDULE are applicable and
shall be followed.
4. Check if other dangerous goods may potentially be involved in the
fire and identify the relevant EmS FIRE SCHEDULE.
5. Wear suitable protective clothing and self-contained breathing
apparatus.
6. Be prepared to use the Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG).
7. Contact the designated person of the company responsible for the
operation of the ship or a rescue co-ordination centre to obtain
expert advice on dangerous goods emergency response measures.
Latest IMDG code Amendments-
• New and revised provisions relating to the classification, packing,
labeling, placarding, and marking of dangerous goods
• New and revised provisions relating to the handling, stowage,
segregation, and transportation of dangerous goods
• Amendments to various schedules and lists in Annexes A, B, and C
Packing groups-
Except for Class
1 explosives, 2 Gases, 6.2 Infectious substances and 7 Radioactive
materials
DG have been divided into three packing groups according to the danger
they present.
Great danger - Packing Group 1
Medium Danger - Packing Group 2
Minor Danger - Packing Group 3
How to use IMDG code in Detail?
1. Get the Proper shipping name or UN number of the cargo you are
about to carry.
2. Locate the DG cargo in Volume 2 part 3 DG list.
3. Note down all the information from the provisions such as it
packing group, Segregation info, packing provisions, its Emergency
Schedule numbers etc from the row.
4. Now, open the Volume one and read all the provisions in details.
5. Open EMS guide and note down the Fire and spill schedule of the
cargo.
6. Open Appendix 15 of MFAG and note down the table no from UN no and
proper shipping name and from Appendix 14 note down the list of
medicines and medical equipment required.
Q How to use MFAG ?
1. First page of MFAG is about “How to use this Guide.”
2. Emergency Action - See the Flow chart and diagnosis from page 2 and
determine the Table No for appropriate Symptoms.
3. Tables will give the Treatment.
4. Also Appendix 15 has list of DGs gives table no to be considered in
incident involving that particular DG.
5. Appendix 14 is list of medicine and equipment
You see radioactive cargo leaking, Action ?
REFER TO EMS GUIDE SPILLAGE SCHEDLE FOR RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
• Evacuate the person from the compartment.
• Provide the respiratory protection to personnel in the downwind
area.
• Measure radiation levels.
• Limit the entry of personnel to the shortest time.
• Cover liquid spill with inert absorbent material or cover powder
spill with tarpaulin.
• Exposed person shall shower with warm soapy water and discharge the
water directly overboard, and give the medical attention.
• Radio for expert advice.
• Wash spillage overboard with copious amount of water, keep clear of
the affluent.
• Allow any gas released to escape freely.
• Provide adequate ventilation.
CONTAINERS
TEU = Twenty Equivalent Unit, one of the standard size of containers
20 Feet X 8 Feet X 8 Feet
FEU = Forty Equivalent Unit, one of the standard size of containers
40 Feet X 8 Feet X 8 Feet
High cube container
A container similar in structure to ISO standard containers, but taller.
While a standard container has a maximum height of 8'-6", a high-cube
container is 9'-6" tall.
How will you identify a High cube container ?
Three ways
1. High cube containers will have a Yellow and black bands at the top
of the gates.
2. We will look for Cubic capacity on the markings of the containers,
for big box container, it is 76.4 Cubic meters.
3. It will also say “Caution, 9’6” High cube container” near the door
What is custom seal?
• One-time door locks, to prevent pilferage and tampering of the
goods within, while on its way to its destination.
• the container must not be loaded with a broken seal until it has
been notified, re-inspected for tampering and a new seal has been
applied onto it.
• Immediately inform the shore authorities of the same.
What is Bay Plan ?
On container vessels the stowage locations for containers are defined in
the form of a bay plan.
What is Bay-Row-Tier method ?
BAY- Bays are numbered forward to aft
Even number bays - FEU and odd number bays - TEU
ROW- Center row 00
Going from center to stbd is even (will be 01,03,05,07 etc)
Going from center to port is odd (will be 02,04,06,08 etc)
TIER- Tier number are always even
1st container beginning from hold bottom is 02 then 04,06 and so on.
1st container on the hatch cover is called 82 then 84,86,88 etc.
Who issues DOC for containers?
All containers must be approved by the government of a contracting state
to the Convention or by an organization that has been approved for that
purpose by that government.
Information on CSC plate ?
1. CSC No
2. MFG date
3. ID no
4. Max Gross weight
5. Allowable stacking weight
6. racking load test value
7. end wall strength
8. side wall strength
9. due date for exam.
Markings on a container?
1. Container ID number
2. Iso code
3. Max Gross weight
4. Tare wt
5. Net wt
6. Cubic capacity
7. csc plate
8. repair reccomendation
TARE weight?
Weight of container when it is completely empty
payload?
Weight of the cargo in a container
Stack Weight?
The stack weight of a container or hatch cover or deck is the total
weight that can be safely loaded and carried on the top of the
containers or hatch cover or deck.
Check Digit ?
Check digit is a single digit number that suffixes the container code,
and it is calculated by using the container code itself and it is used
to check that the container in question is the correct container since
the containers with different container codes will have a different
check digit even for very similar container codes.
What is period for testing of a container?
• PES(Periodic Examination Scheme)
container must be first examined within five years of the date on
which it was manufactured and thereafter within 30 months of the
date of the last examination.
• ACEP(Approved Continuous Examination Program)
The first thorough examination of a container must be carried out
within 30 months of the date on which it was manufactured.
Thereafter the intervals between thorough examinations must not
exceed 30 months. The next thorough examination date must be
clearly marked on the Safety Approval Plate or on a decal (adhesive
label) on or as close as is practicable to the Safety Approval
Plate.
Types of containers
1. General purpose, closed -> For various types of cargo which can be
unpacked or packed in bales, cases, cartons, bags or drums.
2. Closed container ventilated -> For carrying commodity such as tea,
coffee and cocoa which can get damaged by moisture or which give
off moisture.
3. Insulated containers -> Used to protect wine cargoes from freezing
in cold climates and commodities such as butter from melting in
warm climates.
4. Refrigerated containers -> Used for chilled cargoes
5. Open top containers -> Used for granite or marble slabs, glass
plates, plywood sheets etc.
6. Open sides containers -> Cargo can be loaded at side by forklifts
with out removing the container from the truck or train.
7. Half height container -> Heavy or high density cargoes not
requireing special protection such as iron and steel bar or sheets,
pipes or ingots, other metals and liquid or granules in drums.
8. Platforms or flat tracks -> Normally fitted onto trailers and used
on roro ships or rail cars
9. Bulk containers -> Used for carriage of bulk cargoes
10. Livestock or pen containers -> Carriage of sheep, horse and other
livestock.
11. Tank containers -> Used for harmless cargoes such as wine, milk, or
Tank containers fruit juices, DG liquids such as vegetable oils,
products or chemical or compressed gas.
What temperature you will maintain for frozen, chilled and air cooled
cargoes ?
Cargo Temperature Products
Frozen -8℃ to -12℃ Meat/Butter/Poultry/Fish
Chilled -2℃ to -6℃ Cheese/Eggs/vegetables/beef
Air Cooled 2℃ to 12℃ Fruits
features of a containers?
• Permanent character
• Strong enough for fixed repeated use
• Can transport from one form of transport to another
• Easy to stuff and de-stuff
• Have easy means to be secured
Can you load grains in container holds, under what conditions?
Yes, we can load the grains in containers, provided container was clean,
loaded fully and is water tight.
What are the precautions for loading Reefer containers ?
• Prior to loading check that the plug points are okay and sufficient
spares for reefer machinery are carried.
• A reefer manifest must be obtained from the ashore and details is
stowage checked by the ETO.
• The reefers must be planned to stow where the plugs are available
• The gantry operator must be made aware of where the position of
plug is as container can’t be turned around later.
• Once loaded plug the reefer and check for the operation of
machinery.
• Record the initial temperature, if difference is huge refuse the
container and issue a protest.
• Check the temperature daily
• In case of reefer failure attend to it immediately and inform the
company.
• On arrival disconnect the reefer prior discharge.
Precautions for loading DG containers ?
• Before loading DG the company or agent must make available
shipper’s declaration with containers Proper shipping name, UN
number, weight, container number, a statement that the goods have
been properly packed and the container is labelled.
• From the proper shipping name note down its emergency schedule and
MFAG numbers.
• If any special equipment such as medicines, safety equipment gas
detectors etc are required they should be onboard before loading
• Plan the stowage as recommended by the code.
• Prior to loading ensure that all crew is briefed about the DG.
• Ensure that the container is properly marked and stowed and is not
damaged or leaking.
• Carry out an IMDG drill.