IMDG Training Course

Legal Requirements

The 2014 International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, contains a requirement for the training of all shore side staff connected with the shipping of dangerous goods consignments.

Use of the Code

Although the information contained in the IMDG Code is primarily directed at the mariner, the provision (rules) may affect industries and services from the manufacturer to the consumer.

Manufacturers, packers and shippers should be guided by the advice given for terminology, packaging and labelling.

Feeder services, such as road, rail and harbour craft may need to adopt, or at least recognise, the provisions in respect of classification and labelling.

Port Authorities may use the information in the code to effect suitable segregation within loading and discharge areas.

All ships, irrespective of type and size, carrying substances, materials or articles identified in the code as marine pollutants are subject to the provisions of the code.

Background

Shipping dangerous goods is not difficult provided the rules in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and the booking procedures of the shipping line are understood and followed. If you understand what information the ship requires, and why, and communicate well with the shipping line, either directly or through a freight forwarder, you should not have any problems. However, shippers will need to understand that the IMDG Code rules are there for good reasons, and shipping lines cannot accept non-compliance with the IMDG Code as it puts the lives of their mariners, their vessels and cargo at risk and shippers incur the risk of prosecution by enforcement agencies.

There have been a worrying number of incidents involving dangerous goods that have occurred because the rules were not followed. Any person who presents or carries dangerous goods that do not comply with the IMDG Code puts ships and the lives of mariners at risk, and puts himself at risk of prosecution by the national maritime authorities and of private prosecution, and risk heavy fines, loss of cargo and negative corporate publicity.

Course Content

The two-day course gives the students a thorough understanding of the practical requirements of the Code in relation to classification, packaging, marking, labelling, documentation, container and vehicle packing and vessel stowage.

This is designed for those who may be directly responsible for the practical details.

The outline Program for the two-day course is:

Day 1

Part 1 - General & The UN System General layout of the Code

Part 2 - Classification

Part 3 - Dangerous Goods List, Special provisions, Limited & Excepted quantities, Supplement

Part 4 - Packing and Tank provisions

Day 2

Part 5 - Consignment procedures

Part 6 - Construction and testing of Packagings, IBCs & Portable tanks

Part 7 - Transport operations

The study involves a thorough understanding of the nature of dangerous goods generally, and how they are classified, and identified under the United Nations system. Then how the packaging is chosen for the particular material, using UN specification packaging in almost every case, and how the packages are marked and labelled. Finally, how the consignment must be accompanied by a Shippers Declaration, which describes the dangerous goods and certifies that they have been prepared in accordance with the IMDG Code.

The study is based mostly on the text of the Regulations themselves. Each student must therefore have a copy of the current Regulations to work from, these are re-issued bi-annually, and students can either bring their own copy to the course, or by purchasing a copy from Chemfreight at cost.

There are comprehensive written exercises at the end of each section. However, the course is intensive, and students must be prepared to undertake a little additional revision work overnight.

In addition, students receive a folder covering the key point of the IMDG Code for ease of navigation.

Of course, lunch and beverages are provided.

Upcoming 2-Day Dangerous Goods by Sea Course (IMDG) Dates:

28-29 November 2024
30-31 January 2025
1-2 May 2025

Chemfreight DGT are Quality Assured to ISO 9001-2000

Please contact us on 01928 580505 or chem@dgtrain.co.uk