Developed The dangerous goods code by the United Nations’ panel of experts on hazardous products transportation and the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) guidelines (International Maritime Organization). Publish The UN’s suggestion in 1956, and the International Maritime Organization’s IMDG Code was first established in 1961.
Because the maritime transportation industry has evolved and changed so much, the code must evolve as well. Is why the IMDG Code has been updated regularly. Every two years, the amendments are suggested, and after two years, the involved authorities submit the amendments, the amendments are adopted. The following are the suggested amendments:
Members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) submit the requisite proposal.
The UN’s expert group then assesses and concludes which suggestions in the forthcoming amendment require quick consideration.
Further Reading: MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is a material safety data sheet (MSDS) used on ships.
Dangerous Cargo Transport:
Shipping hazardous products is a difficult task. There is a set of categorizations for risky items to prevent complexities or problems while categorizing the aspect and level of danger. The classification of harmful products is divided into nine clauses. The cargo’s dangerous goods labels and dangerous goods certificate are issued following the following nine clauses:
Explosives are classified as 1st class. There are six subdivisions in the same categorization for materials with explosive danger, a low explosive risk, etc. Gases are classified as classification 2. This clause is divided into three sub-categories: extremely flammable gases, non-flammable gases, and neither flammable nor poisonous gases.
There are no sub-divisions in Classification 3 for liquids.
Solids are classified as 4th class. Highly combustible solids, self-reactive solids, and solids that might produce hazardous gases when they contact with water are divided into three groups. The fifth classification is for compounds that have the potential to oxidize.
Classification 6 refers to a wide range of hazardous and potentially infectious compounds. Radioactive materials are classified as Classification 7. Corrosion and erosion-prone materials are classified as Class 8 materials. Classification 9 is for chemicals that do not fit into any other classifications but are dangerous products.
The IMDG Code’s Importance for Seafarers
All crew members working on a ship directly associated with dangerous cargo must complete a dangerous goods training based on STCW standards and prepare according to IMO guidelines. Several shore-based training centers provide dangerous goods training for handling IMDG cargo on ships. The following are key points that every seafarer should be aware of under the IMDG code:
The seafarer should be able to classify risky products and recognize dangerous goods’ shipping names. They should be aware of how the specific IMDG cargo should be packaged and the numerous markings, labels, and placards used to address distinct dangerous products. You must be familiar with safe loading and unloading procedures to load/unload the cargo unit containing the IMDG product.
Related Reading: 10 Ship Cargo Handling Tips That Could Save Your Life The seafarer should be familiar with the risky goods shipping papers. When the ship is at sea, how should the risky items be handled? Understanding The Principles Of Passage Planning is a good place to start. If necessary, the inspector will perform a survey to ensure that all applicable rules and regulations are followed.
To understand the best way to confine and fight a fire involving risky items transported by ship. Related Reading: Firefighting in the Cargo Hold of a Ship Prepare risky cargo loading/stowage plans that take ship stability, safety, and emergency readiness in a mishap. Recognize the significance of accurate dangerous goods declarations for port authorities and land transportation.
Currently, the IMDG Code has a global reach of over 150 nations, with roughly 98 percent of ships adhering to the code’s standards. This diagram helps us comprehend the code’s efficacy in moving harmful items across seas and the marine life there.
