IMDG

Since the Second World War there has been a tremendous growth in the
chemical and petrochemical industries. Increasing industrialisation of many
nations have lead to a demand for complex materials for processing which in turn
has resulted in an enormous growth for carriage of hazardous materials by sea.

Maritime countries over the years have taken measures to regulate the
transportation of these dangerous goods either by legislation or by
recommendation. As these regulations and recommendations differed from
country to country a complicated situation had developed. There was need for a
unified international code which could be adopted by all countries. The code is
called the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. It was incorporated as
Chapter VII of SOLAS 1974 to give it a legal status.

REMEMBER:
 Transport by sea of dangerous goods is regulated in order to prevent
injury to persons or damage to the ship.
 Transport by sea of marine pollutants is regulated to prevent harm to
the marine environment.
 SOLAS Regulation VII / 1.3 prohibits carriage of dangerous goods by
sea except when carried in accordance to the IMDG code.
 MARPOL 73/78 Annex III regulation 1(2) prohibits the carriage of harmful
substances in ships except when carried in accordance with the IMDG
code.
·
The IMDG code was first published by the International Maritime Organization in
1929 and is accepted as the international guide for the transport of dangerous
goods by sea. It is recommended to governments for adoption or for use as the
basis for national regulations. It is intended for use not only by the mariner but
also by all those involved in industries and services connected with shipping. It
contains advice on terminology, packaging, labelling, stowage, segregation,
handling and emergency response.

SOLAS Chapter VII incorporates regulations for carriage of dangerous goods in

packaged form or in solid form in bulk and these include regulations for:
 Classification
 Packaging
 Marking
 Labelling and placarding of dangerous goods.
 Documentation
 Stowage requirements
 Carriage of explosives in passenger ships
 Reporting of incidents involving dangerous goods.
·
It also contains regulations for construction and fitting of the minimum required
equipment on ships carrying dangerous liquid chemicals in bulk and ships
carrying liquefied gases in bulk.

IDENTIFICATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS:

According to Regulation 2 Chapter VII of SOLAS 1974 as amended,
dangerous goods are divided into 9 main classes with some of the classes divided in to sub-
classes as follows:
Class 1 Explosives

Class 2 Gases: compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure.

Class 3 Flammable liquids.

Class 4.1 Flammable solids.

Class 4.2 Substances liable to spontaneous combustion.
Class 4.3 Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.

Class 5.1 Oxidising substances.

Class 5.2 Organic peroxides.

Class 6.1 Toxic substances.

Class 6.2 Infectious substances.

Class 7 Radioactive Materials

Class 8 Corrosives

Class 9 Miscellaneous dangerous substances, Substances, that is any other substance

which experience has shown to be of such a dangerous character, that the
provision of this part shall apply to it. Additionally substances not under IMDG
due to hazard, but due to their pollution aspect also fall in this class.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code

( IMDG Code)
The IMDG code published by International Maritime Organization is presented in
four loose-leaf volumes (in sturdy binders) as follows:
Volume 1 contains:

 General introduction to the code

 Annex 1 - Packing recommendations
 General index of dangerous goods
 Numerical index (table of UN numbers with corresponding IMDG Code page
numbers, EmS numbers and MFAG table numbers)
·
General Introduction to the code
Contains:
1. Documentation, packaging, marking, labelling and segregation requirements
of dangerous goods.
 They include containers, bottles, tanks, vehicles, barges etc.
 It also explains the concept of marine pollutants and their gradation.
 Quotes regulations from SOLAS and MARPOL
·
1.1 Documentation

Identification of dangerous goods:

The identification of dangerous goods is particularly importance in the event of an
incident involving these goods. It is necessary to determine the correct
emergency procedures to deal safely with any situation. Additionally, in the case
of marine pollutants, it helps the master to comply with reporting requirements
under MARPOL 73/78.
When dangerous goods are offered for transport by sea it should indicate the
following:
 Proper shipping name
 UN number
 Whether or not a marine pollutant
 Marking of all of these on the packaging including the appropriate label is to
ensure that the substance, article or material can be readily identified during
transport.
· These details are provided to the ship in the following documents:
1. Packing certificate
2. Dangerous cargo manifest.

The shipper is in principle responsible for all the documentation.

Proper shipping name: This is the correct technical name. It is considered to be

that portion of the entry most accurately describing the goods and is shown in
capital letters in the individual schedule or the general index.
Initials or trade names should not be used unless approved by International
Organization of Standardisation (ISO).
Trade names may be used in addition to the proper shipping name.

N.O.S (NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED) ENTRY:

It is not practicable to list all dangerous goods by name in the code. Therefore
quite a few dangerous goods are carried either under an NOS or generic entries
in this code. A NOS entry is one where the substance is not mentioned by name
in the code under any classes. However as the substance is of an hazardous
nature, it is classes according to its hazard as declared by the shipper (laboratory
report) and NOS mentioned against its class. Additionally the correct technical
name should be included.

For example: if carrying a pesticide under class 6.1 and if it is also a marine
pollutant - then it should be carried under appropriate pesticide entry and must
also include the name and the concentration of specific pesticide in parentheses
and the words MARINE POLLUTANT.
If the above pesticide does not fall in any class and is a MARINE POLLUTANT,
then it should be carried under the category of NOS in class 9 and should be
marked as MARINE POLLUTANT.

1.2 Packaging

Packaging Groups: All dangerous goods (except for classes 1,2,6.2 and 7) are
divided into three packaging groups depending on the degree of danger they
present.
They are:
Great danger - Packaging group 1 (I)
Medium danger - Packaging group 2 (II)
Minor danger - Packaging group 3 (III)

Not otherwise specified goods are those which cannot be grouped in a class but
precautions are still necessary. Annex 1 of Volume 1 also gives details of Not
Otherwise Specified (NOS) entries and how they are entered into the tables.

1.3 Marking

Each package containing dangerous goods should be durably marked with a

proper shipping name of the contents, and when assigned, the corresponding UN
number preceded by the letters "UN". The markings on the packages shall be
such that this information will still be identifiable after three months of immersion
in seawater.

1.4 Labelling

Each package containing dangerous goods should be properly labelled with

distinctive coloured, diamond shaped labels indicating the class they belong.
Also this labels give a brief on their properties. Dangerous goods having a
subsidiary risk should also be thus marked and labelled with the subsidiary risk
label.

Subsidiary Risk Label: Goods, which present a secondary dangerous property

or properties, should be labelled with a secondary label or labels showing the
hazard or hazards. Class number should not be present on the subsidiary risk
label.

1.5 Stowage and Segregation

STOWAGE REQUIREMENTS:
 Dangerous goods are to be stowed appropriately according to their nature.
 The ship must hold a Document of Compliance for carriage of dangerous
goods. If carrying dangerous cargoes in bulk then an additional Certificate of
Fitness for carriage of dangerous goods/ chemicals/ liquefied gases in bulk
will be needed. The certificate will mention where, which class of dangerous
goods can be carried and where they cannot be carried, plus any extra safety
measures, which needs to be takeN
 Incompatible goods to be segregated.
 Explosives to be stowed in a magazine - suitably constructed with due
importance given to electrical fittings and cabling in the magazine.
 Detonators to be stowed separately.
 Dangerous goods, which give off dangerous vapours, should be stowed in a
well-ventilated area.
 For ships carrying flammable gases or liquids special precautions to be taken
against fire and explosion.
 Carriage permitted for substances liable to spontaneous heating or
combustion only if adequate precautions against fire are taken.
·
Stowage Categories: Except for Class 1 - Explosives, ships have been
considered under two groupings for the purpose of making appropriate stowage
recommendations:
They are cargo ships or passenger ships carrying 25 or less than 25 passengers
and cargo ships or passenger ships carrying 25 or more passengers.
The stowage categories are Category A, B, C, D & E for on deck, under deck or
prohibited stowage. All Dangerous goods should be stowed according these
categories.

Segregation: If more than one class of dangerous goods are carried on board -
they cannot be stowed together in the same compartment. Depending on the
class and nature of the goods they have to be segregated using the Segregation
table

Types of Segregation: In this segregation table numbers 1,2,3 & 4 have been
used to describe the segregation type. There are four types of segregation.
1. Away from: Means the goods are effectively segregated but may be carried
in the same compartment or hold or deck provided a minimum horizontal
separation of 3 metres projected vertically is obtained.

2. Separated from: In different compartments or holds when stowed under

deck. Provided an intervening deck is resistant to fire and liquid, a vertical
separation, 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 metres.

3. Separated by complete compartment or hold from: Means either a vertical

or a horizontal separation. If the intervening decks are not resistant to fire
and liquid, then only a longitudinal separation, 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 metres horizontally. The
same distance has to be applied if one package is stowed "on deck" and the
other one is 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 "under deck" and one "on deck" a minimum distance of
24 metres including a complete compartment must be maintained
longitudinally. For "on deck" stowage, this segregation means a separation
by a distance of at least 24 metres longitudinally.

 Where in the table it is marked "X" - it means, "No general segregation

recommended. Need to consult individual entries.
·
The above segregation types are for packages only. It differs for freight
containers on board containerships, freight containers on board open-top
containerships, cargo transport units on board Ro-Ro ships and for bulk
materials possessing chemical hazards and dangerous goods in packaged
form.

EXAMPLES ON HOW TO USE THE SEGREGATION TABLE:

1. A Class 2.1 Flammable Gas UN No. 1001 is to be stowed with a cargo of
Class 5.2 Organic Peroxide. Both the cargoes do not have any subsidiary
risk label. How to stow using the segregation table (Assume both are in
packaged form).
Looking at the Segregation table a No.2 is indicated for the stowage,
which means, "Separated from".
 Read the general precautions for Class 2.1
Read the special requirements for UN No. 1001

Follow all stowage requirements accordingly.

2. If Class 2.3 poisonous gas UN No 1016 with the subsidiary Class 5.1 risk
label is to be stowed with a cargo including a Class 6.1 Poison gas with a
subsidiary Class 3 risk label then:
Looking at the Segregation table:
Class 2.3 with 6.1 gives segregation type "X"
Class 5.1 with 6.1 gives segregation type "1"
Class 2.3 with 3 gives segregation type "2"
Class 5.1 with 3 gives segregation type "2"

Since the most stringent segregation type in the above example is "2"
which is "separated from" this has to be followed.
Read general precautions for class 2.3
Read special requirements for UN no. 1016
Follow all stowage requirements accordingly.

General index of dangerous goods

The General Index is entered with the PROPER SHIPPING NAME. It gives the
IMDG code page reference, UN number, IMDG Class, Packaging group,
subsidiary risk if any, EmS number, MFAG number and whether it is a marine
pollutant (including its severity of pollution).

The numerical index can be entered using the UN number and it gives the IMDG
code page number, EmS number and the MFAG number.

Volumes II, III, IV:

Volume II, III & IV contain details on various classes as indicated here.

Volume II contains details of classes 1 to 3 (inclusive)

Volume III contains details of Class 4.1 to Class 5.2 (inclusive)
Volume IV contains details of Classes 6, 7, 8 & 9 including all sub-classes.

Supplement
In addition to the volumes there is an IMDG Code Supplement which is a
consolidated version of all publications which relate to IMDG Code. The latest
version of the IMDG code is the 1994 version, which includes the latest
Amendment 29-98.

The IMDG Code Supplement (1994 edition which is the latest) contains:

 Emergency Procedures (EmS)

 Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG)
 Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code)
 Reporting Procedures
 Packing Guidelines (CTUs)
 Use of Pesticide in Ships
 Irradiated Nuclear Fuel Code (INF Code).
·

Emergency Procedures for Ships

Carrying Dangerous Goods (EmS)

The Group Emergency Schedules (EmS) include procedures to be followed in

case of incidents involving dangerous, hazardous and harmful substances,
materials or articles. It also describes the emergency equipment to be carried on
board when carrying goods of that schedule number. Amendment 29, provides
new guidelines for developing standard emergency plans for ships carrying
dangerous goods.

Medical First Aid Guide for use in accidents involving

dangerous goods (MFAG)
This Medical guide is supplementary to the IMO's International Medical Guide for
Ships. The advice given refers to the substances, materials and articles covered
by the IMDG code and the materials covered by Appendix B of the BC code.
This guide should be used in conjunction with IMDG code, BC code and Ems. It
is intended to provide advice necessary for diagnosis and treatment of chemical
poisoning.

Code of Safe Practices for Solid Bulk Cargo (BC CODE)

The primary aim of the Code is to promote the safe stowage and shipment of
bulk cargoes by:
.1 Highlighting the dangers associated with the shipment of certain types of
bulk cargoes;
.2 Giving guidance on the procedures to be adopted when the shipment of
bulk cargoes is contemplated;
.3 Listing typical materials currently shipped in bulk together with advice on
their properties and handling; and
.4 Describing test procedures to be employed to determine various
characteristics of the bulk cargo materials.

Reporting procedures: This gives general principles for ship reporting systems
and ship reporting requirements, including guidelines for reporting incidents
involving dangerous goods, harmful substances and marine pollutants. There
are three formats available namely:
1. Dangerous goods reports (dangerous goods)
2. Harmful substances reports (HS) and
3. Marine pollutants reports (MP).

Note: The Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime

Organization is empowered by the IMO to make changes to the IMDG Code,
enabling it to respond promptly to transportation developments. This code
has been repeatedly revised so as to keep it up-to date with the changing
cargo trends and newer materials being transported.
st
The next Amendment 29 has come into force on 1 January 1999. In the next
Amendment 30, the entire IMDG will be revised in to two A4 size volumes - the
first volume containing the general introduction, with information about the nine
classes of dangerous goods, packaging and portable tanks. The second volume
will contain the tabulated list of dangerous substances in numerical order given
by UN number with an alphabetical cross-index. Class 7 radio-actives will be
considered separately.

Procedures for checking that dangerous goods are being stowed in

accordance with IMDG code
IMDG DOCKET:

A ship must have an IMDG docket. This docket must be kept on bridge while at
sea and must be available at the gangway when the ship is in port. The following
information must be available in the IMDG docket:

1. IMDG STOWAGE PLAN of all dangerous goods on board. On container ships

this plan should be made on the letter plan.

2. DANGEROUS CARGO MANIFEST which must indicate the following about

the cargo :

3. PACKING CERTIFICATES must be given by the shipper for each

dangerous goods being shipped. These will certify that packing has been done in
accordance to SOLAS and IMDG Code. Also it will give actual details of type of
packing used.

PRE-LOADING CHECK:
Normally at the arrival port, a pre-stowage plan and a dangerous goods manifest
is given to the ship. The following procedure is followed for checking that
dangerous goods are being stowed in accordance with IMDG Code:

1. Verify from IMDG Code that all information required in dangerous cargo
manifest has been filled correctly by the shipper.
2. Check on the IMDG page number, whether underdeck stowage is allowed for
the cargo, when applicable.

Cargo can be stowed underdeck only if permissible by both of the following :

 Check the stowage category given in IMDG Code. Stowage category C &
D cannot be stowed underdeck on a cargo ship.
 Check from IMDG Certificate of Compliance, issued by the ship's
classification society. Underdeck stowage is allowed only for certain
classes of cargo.
· 3. At times a certain class of goods may be allowed to be loaded underdeck
by certificate of compliance but not allowed to be loaded underdeck as per
IMDG Code Stowage Category. In such cases, goods cannot be loaded
underdeck as the Certificate of Compliance takes priority, as it relates to the
seaworthiness of the ship.
4. Check whether segregation requirements are being fulfilled according to the
segregation table. For checking segregation, the IMDG Stowage plan must be
updated using the current pre-stowage plan. The segregation should be with
respect to dangerous goods being loaded in current port and the dangerous
goods already loaded on board.
5. The following other precautions must also be taken while checking the pre-
stowage plan:
 Dangerous goods must be stowed away from a potential source of ignition
such as reefer containers, exhaust from machinery spaces and bulkheads
of machinery spaces.
 Dangerous goods especially marine pollutants must be stowed away from an
area where it may get damaged by shipping seas. On container ships,
marine pollutants should be avoided on extreme outboard stowage
positions.
· 6. The amendments in Pre-Stowage plan must be conveyed to the port
terminal and agents, so that loading plan be amended.

PRECAUTIONS DURING LOADING OF DANGEROUS GOODS:

1. Ensure that flag 'B' is hoisted during day and a single red light on mast is
switched on during night.
2. A notice must be placed at the gangway that the ship is carrying dangerous
goods and smoking, naked lights, flames not allowed on board.
3. Relevant port regulations with regards to signals, notifications and
precautions must be complied with.
4. No hot work must be permitted during loading and discharging of dangerous
goods.
5. Check cargo being loaded for correct labelling, identification marks and
stowage.
6. It is an offence to have a wrong label on the cargo therefore it must be
ensured that the cargo, which is not a dangerous goods, does not have a
dangerous goods label. This mistake is commonly observed on container
ships while loading empty containers. Any empty container with an IMDG
Label must be rejected unless the label is removed or painted over. Empty
tank containers are considered dangerous goods unless the tank is gas freed.
7. Any damaged or leaking IMDG must never be loaded.
8. Proper securing for sea passage must be ensured for all dangerous goods
loaded on board.

AFTER COMPLETION OF LOADING:

1. Update the IMDG Stowage Plan.
2. Ensure that final dangerous goods manifest and all relevant packing
certificates are received on board.
3. The condition of dangerous goods must be checked regularly while on
passage.
4. Any loss of dangerous goods or marine pollutant at sea, must be notified
according to the ship's SOPEP.

Let us imagine that the ship's agent has inquired whether you can take a
shipment of 100 tonnes of DIMETHYLHYDRAZINE, SYMMETRICAL. How do
we go about deciding the stowage of this?
Follow the procedure given below:

 Looking up the substance under its technical name in the alphabetical index
in VOLUME I - GENERAL INTRODUCTION, we find the following
information:
·

 Turning to page 3216 of the IMDG code's Volume II, Class 3:

·
We find a description of the substance and the following information on stowage:
 STOWAGE CATEGORY E
 CLEAR OF LIVING QUARTERS.
 Stowage categories are explained in the introduction to each class. In the
present case we shall find that:
·
1. On cargo ships and passenger ships carrying up to 25 passengers, we may
stow the cargo both on and below decks.
2. On passenger ships carrying over 25 passengers, it is forbidden to load this
type of cargo.

We shall now give an example of how you could have replied to the agents
inquiry if instead of the technical name of the substance you had only been given
its UN No. 2382.

In that case, you would have looked up UN No. 2382 in the numerical index in
VOLUME I - GENERAL INTRODUCTION, where you would have found the
following information:

Here 3216 is the page number, the table in Section 1.

3-02 is the EmS number, and 720 is the MFAG number.
You would now have been able to look up the relevant volume and if necessary
to consult the General Introduction and then to follow the same procedures as
mentioned in sections 1,2 and 3 above.