IMDG CODE

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, which was first published in 1965, amplifies the
requirements of both Conventions and has become the standard guide to all aspects of handling dangerous
goods and marine pollutants in sea transport.
What’s in it
The IMDG Code lays down basic principles: detailed recommendations for individual substances, materials
and articles, and a number of recommendations for good operational practice, including advice on
terminology, packing, labelling, stowage, segregation and handling, and emergency response action.
The IMDG code is the primary instrument dealing with the stowage, segregation and carriage of dangerous
goods by sea
The IMDG code applies to all ships which are subject to following two conventions :-
1. International Convention for safety of life at sea (SOLAS 1974)
2. International Convention for the prevention of pollution from ships (MARPOL 73/78).
It covers such matters as packing, container traffic and stowage, with emphasis on the segregation of
incompatible substances.
It also lays down recommendations for packing, labeling, handling and for emergency response during
incidents involving dangerous goods
IMDG Code - The objective
Enhance the safe transport of dangerous goods
Protect the marine environment
Facilitate the free unrestricted movement of dangerous goods
Bring world wide uniformity in their carriage regulations
Prevent damage to ship, her cargo & injury to personnel
The International Legal Framework
The IMO is a United Nations specialised agency which has developed international legislation dealing with
two key issues for the maritime industry:
The safety of life at sea
Prevention of pollution from ships
The IMO has developed two international conventions to address these issues:
The SOLAS Convention (covering safety of life at sea)
The MARPOL Convention (covering pollution prevention)
To supplement the principles laid down in the SOLAS and MARPOL Conventions, the IMO developed the
International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.
The IMDG Code contains detailed technical specifications to enable dangerous goods to be transported
safely by sea
The IMDG Code became mandatory in international law on 1st January 2004
IMPORTANT TO NOTE THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF CHAPTER VII OF SOLAS 74 AS AMENDED DEAL WITH
Part - A Deals with carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form
Part - A-1 Deals with carriage of dangerous goods in solid form in bulk
Part - B Deals with construction & equipment of ships carrying dangerous liquids in Bulk

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 Part – C Deals with Construction & equipment of ships carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk
Part – D Special requirements for the carriage of packaged irradiated nuclear fuel., Plutonium & high
Level Radioactive waste on board ships
Marpol – Annex III
MARPOL 73/78 Annex III Regulations for the prevention of Pollution by harmful substances in packaged
form Entered into force on 1 July 1992 Revised Annex III entered into force 1 October 2010
Applies to substances listed as marine pollutants in the IMDG code
This annex gives requirements for the standard of packing, marking, packaging, labelling documentation,
stowage and quantity limitation for prevention of pollution by harmful substances
No dangerous goods to be carried by the ships unless a marine pollutant or a dangerous goods declaration
has been issued to the master
Any dangerous goods carried onboard should be detailed in a stowage plan
Packaged goods shall not be accepted unless they are properly marked
No packaged goods to be carried unless the ship has a cargo securing manual
Harmful substances are those substances which are identified as marine pollutants in the IMDG code or
which meet criteria in the appendix of annex iii.
Packaged form is defined as the forms of containment specified for harmful substances in the IMDG code.

IMDG code is based on an internationally agreed system which :

Groups dangerous goods together based on the hazards they present in transport (classification);
Contains the dangerous goods in packagings/tanks which are of appropriate strength and which will prevent
the goods escaping;
Uses hazard warning labels and other identifying marks to identify dangerous goods in transport;
Requires standard documentation to be provided when dangerous goods are being transported;
Lays down principles for ensuring that those dangerous goods which will react dangerously together are
kept apart
Lays down principles for where to place dangerous goods on board ship to ensure safe transport;
Provides emergency response advice for dangerous goods involved in a fire or spillage on board ship.
Updating the IMDG Code
The IMDG Code is an international regulation which is continuously evolving and is updated every two years to take
account of:
A) New dangerous goods which have to be included;
B) New technology and new methods of working with/handling dangerous goods;
C) Safety concerns which arise as a result of human experience.
Updating the IMDG Code
Each version of the Code is given an Amendment Number to signify how many times it has been updated.
This number appears at the bottom of each page together with the year of the amendment.
The Amendment cycle of IMDG Code
Although the Code is updated every two years, in general, the basic principles remain constant and once you
have understood them, you will be able to look up information in future versions of the IMDG Code.
Each Amendment is valid for up to three years.
There are alternating years for implementation.
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 In January of the yellow years, a new Amendment is published and can be used immediately, subject to the
timing of National Competent Authority adoption.
During the yellow years, the preceding Amendment can also be used, so it is a transition year.
In the green years, only the current Amendment may be used.

Training requirements under IMDG code

Were introduced for the first time in the 2002 edition.
Are not mandatory as per code but are made so under national legislation by several competent authorities
Properly planned and maintained initial and re-training programmes for all persons concerned with the
transport of dangerous goods are recommended.

Layout of the IMDG Code

The code is composed of 7 parts
The code is presented in two books, volume 1 and volume 2
It is necessary to use both books to obtain the required information when shipping dangerous goods by sea.
The code also contains a supplement
Volume 1 (Parts 1-2, 4-7 of the Code) contains the following:
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 (IBCs), Large Packagings,
Portable Tanks, Multiple-Element Gas Containers (MEGC’S) and Road Tank Vehicles
Part 7: Requirements Concerning Transport Operations

Volume 2 (Parts 3 and the Appendices) contain the following

Part 3: Dangerous Goods List (DGL) and Limited Quantities Exceptions
The DGL is the central core of the IMDG Code and presents information on the transport requirements for all
dangerous goods in a coded form.
Appendix A: List of Generic and N.O.S. Proper Shipping Names

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 Appendix B: Glossary of terms
Alphabetical Index

The Supplement contains the following texts related to the Code:

Emergency Response Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods;
Medical First Aid Guide;
Reporting Procedures;
IMO/ILO/ECE Guidelines for Packing Cargo Transport Units;
Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships
International Code for the Carriage of Packaged Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level
Radioactive Wastes on board ships.

IMDG Code - Provisions

The IMDG code requires certain provisions to be followed whenever Dangerous goods are transported by sea.

These provisions require that dangerous goods are correctly & safely:-

Classified & Identified

Packed, Marked, Labelled, & Play carded.
Documented
Stowed & Segregated
Also EMS & MFAG must be readily available & Security requirements must be followed
IMDG Code Classification System
Purpose
To distinguish between goods which are considered to be dangerous for transport and those which are not
To identify the dangers which are presented by dangerous goods in transport
To ensure that the correct measures are taken to enable these goods to be transported safely without risk
to persons or property (both within the port and on the ship).
Dangerous goods are classified into 9 classes which all have differing properties. The way in which different
classes of dangerous goods are handled in transport will depend upon these properties and the hazards
presented and effects
The type of packing that can be used
What classes of dangerous goods can be transported together in freight containers,
Where the goods can be stored within the port and on the ship
Classes, divisions, packing groups
Substances (including mixtures and solutions) and articles subject to the provisions of this Code are assigned
to one of the classes 1 -9 according to the hazard or the most predominant of the hazards they
present. Some of these classes are subdivided into divisions. These classes or divisions are as listed below

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 IMDG Code Classification System
Class 1 - Explosives
Class 2 – Gases
Class 3 - Flammable liquids
Class 4 - Flammable solids
Class 5 - Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
Class 6 - Toxic and infectious substances
Class 7 - Radioactive material
Class 8 - Corrosive substances
Class 9 - Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles
These 9 hazard classes have been established internationally by a United Nations (UN) committee to ensure
that all modes of transport (road, rail, air and sea) classify dangerous goods in the same way.
Classes, divisions, packing groups
Class 1: Explosives
Division 1.1: substances and articles which have a mass explosion hazard
Division 1.2: substances and articles which have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard
Division 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 mass explosion hazard
Division 1.4: substances and articles which present no significant hazard

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 Division 1.5: very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion hazard
Division 1.6: extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard

Class 2: Gases
Class 2.1: flammable gases
Class 2.2: non-flammable, non-toxic gases
Class 2.3: toxic gases

Class 4: Flammable solids; substances liable to spontaneous combustion; substances which, in contact
with water, emit flammable gases
Class 4.1: flammable solids, self-reactive substances and desensitized explosives
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

Compatibility Groups and Classification codes:-

Goods of Class 1 are considered to be “compatible” if they can be safely stowed or transported together
without significantly increasing either the probability of an accident, or for a given quantity, the magnitude
of the effect of such an accident. The goods listed in this class have been divided into number of compatibility
groups, each denoted by By a letter ‘A’ to ‘L’ (excluding I ) and ‘N’ & ‘S’
The classification code for an explosive, which is assigned by the Associate Administrator in accordance with this
subpart, consists of the division number followed by the compatibility group letter.
For Example:
Primary explosive substance has classification code 1.1A
Compatibility group letters are used to specify the controls for the transportation, and storage related thereto, of
explosives and to prevent an increase in hazard that might result if certain types of explosives were stored or
transported together by rail, air, vessel, and public highway, respectively, and storage incidental thereto.
For details Refer IMDG code & additional notes posted with these notes.
Packing, Marking, labelling and placarding
Meaning of
Effectively closed – Liquid tight Closure
Hermetically closed- Gas tight Closure
Securely closed - Dry contents cannot escape during normal handling
Packing, Marking, labelling and placarding
1. Dangerous goods to be packed in good quality packings (free from corrosion, rust, contamination or
other damages)
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 2. Strong enough to withstand shocks / stresses experienced while loading & normal transport taking into
account all modes by which they may be transported.
3. Packagings should be such that the contents of package do not get altered due to vibrations, changes in
temp, pressure or humidity
4. Provisions apply to new, reused, reconditioned, remanufactured, packings.
5. No dangerous material should adhere to out side of the packings.
6. Packings should be of approved design
7. Where necessary they should be provided with inner coating. The inside must not get deteriorated due to
contact with dangerous goods (nor should it initiate a reaction with the dangerous goods
8. When packagings are filled with liquid, ullage space must be left to allow for expansion of the liquid.
9. Cushioning material / Absorbent material used should be adequate for the required purpose
10. Pkgs containg DG which emit gases should be hermetically sealed ( vent may be fitted if reqd)
11. Inner pkgs (which have carried DG in past should be treated as if it still contains that DG unless cleaned)
12. Leakproofness test for pkgs intended for liquids
Packing group– where to find
Column 5. of DGL

Packing group - this column contains the packing group number (i.e. I, II or III) where assigned to the substance or
article.

Packing group – I Substances presenting high danger.

Packing group – II Substances presenting medium danger

Packing group - III Substances presenting low danger

Marking, labelling and placarding

The marking and labelling of the dangerous goods is carried out in accordance with their properties.
The details are enumerated below:-
1. Proper shipping name and corresponding UN no shall be displayed prominently on each package.
2. All package markings shall be
i) readily visible and legible.
ii) Information identifiable on packages to survive at least three months immersion in sea. In deciding the
suitability of marking methods the durability of the packaging material and the surface of the package should
be taken into consideration.
iii) Markings are to be displayed on a background of contrasting colour on the external surface of the package.
iv) Markings are not to be located with other package marking that could substantially reduce their effectiveness
3. Salvage markings should be additionally marked with the word ‘Salvage’.
4. IBC ˃ 450L and large packaging shall be marked on two opposite sides.
5. Special consideration is to be given to packaging containing radioactive materials. These shall be marked legibly
And durably on the outside of the packaging with an identification of consignor & consignee or both.
6. Packagings containing marine pollutant should be durably marked with the environmental hazard displaying
Prominently adjacent to the dg goods label or where reqd or considered appropriate

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7. Packages containing exempted quantities of DG should display the same
8. Packages containing limited quantities of DG goods should display the same
LABELLING:-
1. Labelling provides ready information on the precautions to be taken in handling or storing a package containing
Dangerous goods.
2. Labels identify primary and secondary risk and shall conform to IMDG code.
3. Label shall be fixed on a surface of Contrasting colour
4. Label must also take into account special provisions related to DGs
5. The method of affixing the label or applying stencils of labels shall be identifiable on packages surviving at least
Three months of immersion in sea taking into consideration the durability of packaging materials used and the
surface of the package.
6. Each label shall
a) be located on the same surface of the package near the PSN if the package dimensions are adequate
b) be so placed on the package that it is not covered or obscured by any part or attachment to the package or
any other label or marking.
c) Primary & subsidiary risk label are to be located next to each other
d) On an irregular shape or small size package label may be attached by a securely affixed tag or by any other
suitable means.
PLACARDING :-
1. Enlarged labels (placards) and marks to be affixed on the exterior surface of CTU and be clearly visible
2. Survive three months of immersion in sea
3. Remove all placards, labels, marks and signs from the CTU once the task is completed
4. Placards must give clear indication of primary and secondary risks
5. Placards shall be affixed one on each side and one on each end
6. Size of placard shall be at least 250mm x 250mm with a line of same colour as the symbol

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 Identification of Dangerous Goods by PSN and UN Number
The hazard presented by each class is identified by a internationally accepted hazard warning label
(diamond) and this appears on the dangerous goods when they are being transported as a warning to all
those working within the transport chain or coming into contact with those goods.
These hazard warning labels are pictured inside the front cover of Volume 1 of the IMDG Code
Within each of the 9 hazard classes dangerous goods are uniquely identified by two pieces of information:

1. A 4-digit number known as the UN Number which is preceded by the letters UN; and
2. The corresponding Proper Shipping Name (PSN).
For example, kerosene is identified in the IMDG Code by its PSN Kerosene and the corresponding UN
Number UN 1223.
Using a four-digit number to identify dangerous goods enhances safety by:
Overcoming language barriers - the four-digit number is easily understood in all languages;
Avoiding confusing similar names - e.g. TITANIUM POWDER, WETTED UN 1352 which is a flammable solid in
class 4.1 and has very different transport requirements to TITANIUM POWDER, DRY UN 2546 which is
spontaneously combustible in class 4.2.

Understanding the Dangerous Goods List (DGL)

Column 1. UN No. - this column contains the United Nations Number assigned to a dangerous good by the
United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN List).
Column 2. Proper Shipping Name (PSN) - this column contains the Proper Shipping Names in upper-case
characters, which may have to be followed by additional descriptive text in lower-case characters
Column 3. Class or division - this column contains the class and, in the case of class 1, the division and the
compatibility group assigned is also indicated
Column 4. Subsidiary hazards - this column contains the class number(s) of any subsidiary risk(s)
This column also identifies a dangerous good as a marine pollutant or a severe marine pollutant as follows:
MARINE POLLUTANTS :-
Means substances which because of their potential to bio accumulate in sea food or because of their high
toxicity to aquatic life, are subject to regulation in annexure III of MARPOL 73 / 78
P - Marine pollutant A solution of mixture
containing 10% or more of a
marine pollutant is a
Marine pollutant
PP - Severe marine pollutant
A solution of mixture containing 1% or more of a severe marine pollutant is a severe marine pollutant
Column 5. Packing group - this column contains the packing group number (i.e. I, II or III) where assigned to
the substance or article
Column 6. Special provisions - this column contains a number referring to any special provision(s) indicated
in chapter 3.3
Column 7(a). Limited quantities - this column provides the maximum quantity per inner packaging
Column 7(b). Exempted quantities- provides an alpha-numeric code which gives information on maximum

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 quantity per inner & outer packaging
Column 8. Packing instructions - this column contains packing instruction(s) which indicate the packagings
which may be used for the transport of substances and articles
Column 9. Special packing provisions - this column contains special packing provisions which indicate the
packagings (including large packagings).
Column 10. IBC packing instructions - this column contains IBC instructions, which indicates the type of IBC
that shall be used for the transport. A code including the letters IBC" refers to packing instructions for the
use of IBCs described in chapter 6.5
Column 11. IBC special provisions - this column refers to special packing provisions applicable to the use of
packing instructions bearing the code "IBC" in 4.1.4.2
Column 12. IMO Tank instructions - this column only applies to IMO portable tanks and road tank vehicles
Column 13. UN tank and Bulk container instructions - this column contains T codes (see 4.2.5.2.6) applicable
to the transport of dangerous goods in portable tanks and road tank vehicles.
Column 14. Tank special provisions - this column contains TP notes (see 4.2.5.3) applicable to the transport
of dangerous goods in portable tanks and road tank vehicles. The TP notes specified in this column apply to
the portable tanks specified in both columns 12 and 13.
Column 15. EmS - this column refers to the relevant emergency schedules for FIRE and SPILLAGE in the
"The EmS Guide – Emergency Response Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods".
Column 16. As per 37th Amendment of 2014 this col is divided in to 16a and 16b
Column 16a. Stowage and handling provisions as per chapter 7
Column 16b. Segregation category as per provisions of chapter 7
Column 17. Properties and Observations - this column contains properties of and observations on the
dangerous goods listed
Column 18. UN No. - this column contains the United Nations Number assigned to a dangerous good by the
United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN List).
EmS –Emergency Schedules
The purpose of the Ems guide is to provide information and guidance for dealing with fire and spillage
emergencies involving packaged dangerous goods
EmS –Emergency Schedules
There are 10 Fire &
26 Spillage schedule
The Dangerous Goods List (column 15) in vol.2 contains references to the emergency schedules for spillage
or fire for individual UN numbers.
The first code is the fire schedule and
Second code is the spillage schedule
Fire schedule
There are 10 fire schedules including a general fire schedule (F-A) and nine further schedules (F-B to F-J)
dealing with particular group of hz goods. The schedule starts with general comments on the danger of the
cargo Followed by sections dealing with cargoes on fire on deck, cargoes on fire under deck and cargoes
exposed to fire
Spillage schedule
The 26 spillage schedules start with S-A, toxic substances and end with S-Z, toxic explosives. The sections
generally correspond to the fire schedule ones but there is more differentiation between small and large
spillages

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Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG)
In case of an emergency involving Hz goods the MFAG in the supplement to the IMDG code should be
referred to this is arranged in three sections:-
A flowchart based emergency action and diagnosis
Tables giving brief instructions for special circumstances
Appendices giving comprehensive information. A list of medicines/drugs and a list of chemicals referred to in
the table.
MFAG
MFAG Table No. The “Medical first aid guide for use in accidents involving Dangerous Goods is a supplement
to the IMDG code. After looking up the MFAG table no. ,see the table in the MFAG. It gives likely signs,
symptoms, treatment and other advice as per the effect of goods under that table. It suggests treatment in
case of skin contact, eye contact, inhalation and ingestion. The procedure for treatment are also mentioned.

SEGREGATION
Dangerous goods belonging to different classes cannot be stowed together.
They have to be segregated from one another and the type of segregation depends on the properties of
substances in each class and the way they react with substances in each classes.
The extent of the hazard arising from the possible reaction between incompatible dangerous goods may vary
and so the segregation arrangements required may also vary as appropriate
Such segregation is obtained by maintaining certain distances between incompatible dangerous goods or by
requiring the presence of one or more steel bulkheads or decks between them, or a combination there of.
Intervening spaces between such dangerous goods may be filled with other cargo
Types of Segregation
1) Away from
2) Separated from
3) Separated by a complete compartment or hold from
4) Separated longitudinally by an intervening complete compartment or hold from

Segregation for containers

1 Away from:
Vertical : one on top of the other permitted
Fore & Aft: No restriction
Athwartship: No restriction
2 Separated from:
Vertical : Not in the same vertical line unless segregated by a deck
Fore& Aft : One container space on deck and one container or one bulkhead when under deck
Athwartship : One container space

3 Separated by a complete compartment or hold from :

Vertical : Not in the same vertical line unless separated by a deck

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Fore& Aft : One container space on deck and one bulkhead when under deck
Athwartship : Two container space or one bulkhead.
4 Seperated longitudinally by an intervening complete compartment or hold from :
Vertical : Prohibited
Fore & Aft : Minimum horizontal distance of 24 meter on deck and 24 meter or one bulkhead under deck
Athwartship : prohibited.

GENERAL SEGREGATION
1. Away From:-
May be carried in the same compt or on deck provided a minimum horizontal separation of 3 m projected
vertically is maintained.

2. Separated From:-
Can be carried in the same compartment if the intervening deck is resistant to fire and liquids otherwise separate
holds. On deck a horizontal separation of atleast 6m.

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3. Separated by a complete compt. or hold:-
There must be either a vertical or longitudinal separation by a complete compartment or hold and two bulkheads
or decks resistant to fire and liquids.
On deck- a horizontal separation of 12m even if 0ne package is stowed below deck.

4. Separated Longitudinally by an Intervening complete compt or hold

A vertical separation is not allowed. The packages must be horizontally separated by a complete compartment.
On deck a horizontal separation of at least 24 mtr is required and between an “on deck” and “under deck” package
24m + an intervening compartment.

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Segregation Table

DOCUMENTATION
1)Document of Compliance
Ships of the following descriptions:-
Passenger ships constructed on or after 1 sept 1984
All other ships of 500 tons or over constructed on or after 1 sept 1984
All other ships of under 500 tons constructed on or after 1 Feb 1992
that are intended, or that have cargo spaces intended for carriage of dangerous goods on international
voyages, must carry a Document of compliance.
The DOC will certify that the ship complies with Regulation 54 of chapter II-2 to the international convention
for the safety of Life at sea 1974 (SOLAS 74)
Limited to 5 years from the date of issue.
It is issued by the flag state after a survey.
This document is usually in the form of a diagram showing all the spaces on board in which DG can be
loaded. A table then sets out the classes of DG that the ship is allowed to carry and the spaces in which these
classes can be carried.
The document also states additional requirements that must be fulfilled prior to carrying the DG or marine
pollutants. This may include additional fire fighting equipment or ventilation in holds required for certain
classes of DG.
The appendix to this document contains information indicating class wise allowable locations for stowage of
dangerous goods on board.
2) Dangerous goods Manifest

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 Each ship carrying DG and marine pollutants shall have on board a special list or manifest setting out the
dangerous goods and marine pollutants on board and their locations, instead of the manifest a detailed
stowage plan, which identifies all DG by classes and sets out their location may be used.
The DG declaration is used as a basis for making the manifest and shall contain at least the information from
DG declaration and, in addition, should contain the stowage position and total quantity of DG or marine
pollutants
3) Dangerous Goods Declaration
This is a signed certificate or declaration by shipper that the consignment, as offered for carriage, is properly
packaged, marked, labeled or placarded as appropriate and in proper condition for carriage.

This declaration may be combined with the container packing certificate as required by the pertinent
regulation of SOLAS and MARPOL conventions and the IMDG code. DG Declarations shall be filed on board
and maintained discharge port wise.
The regulations governing the carriage of DG by sea casts a responsibility on the shipper of goods to provide
a DG declaration. This should include the following details:-
a. Proper shipping name (PSN)
b. UN number
c. Hazard class (both primary & subsidiary)
d. Packing group - Great danger PG-I, Medium danger PG – II, Minor danger PG - III
e. Subsidiary Risk- this is an additional risk that may be present in certain goods e.g. a corrosive
substancemay also be flammable.
f. Marine pollutant
g. No. and kind of packages – total no. of packages to be transported as a unit
h. Total Quantity – total volume or mass in kilograms is stated for each item of DG
i. If the DG are transported according to the exceptions for DG packed in limited quantities then the
words “Limited Quantities” shall be included.
j. Flash point
Any other information reqd by the IMDG code or local regulation
This will include additional information such as 24 hour emergency contact no.

4) Emergency response Information

May be in the form of separate documents, safety data sheets or the Emergency Response Procedures for
Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods (EMS Guide) for use in conjunction with the transport document and the
Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods (MFAG
5) Updated dangerous cargo list
Where required for reporting to port authorities, the Chief Officer shall prepare an updated dangerous cargo
list.
This list shall contain at least the following information: Stow position, Container number, Line operator,
Port of loading / discharge, DG class, UN number, proper shipping name, weight, flash point and EMS
6) Dangerous cargo stowage plan
(Indicating DG class & location) along with a dangerous cargo list (indicating Location, Container number, DG
class and UN number) &
These along with any special guidelines from shippers, shall be kept on Bridge (for ready reference of the
watch keeping officer) and in Fire wallets at gangways.

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 STOWAGE:-
1. Utmost care is exercised for the stowage of DG cargoes aboard ships so as to ensure proper and
safe stowage in allocation where proper ventilation can be provided. Goods in CTU should also be
accordingly packed in safe and proper manner. Goods which are liable to interact dangerously to be
effectively segregated from one another.
2. Except for goods of class 1 ships are divided into two groupings for making appropriate stowage
arrangement of DG which are:-
i) Cargo /Passenger ships carrying less or equal to 25 passengers or 01 passenger per 3M of
LOA, whichever is greater.
ii) Other passenger ships in which no restriction is imposed on the number of passengers.
3. Because of the rapidity with which an accident involving DGs may affect the whole ship, the
transport of certain particularly dangerous materials, as indicated in DGL is not permitted aboard
“other passenger ships” where large number of people may be required to be evacuated at short
notice
4. Should dangerous cargo suffer accidental spill in an under deck cargo space, precautions shall be
observed for inadvertent pumping out of such spillage or leakages.
5. When on deck or under deck stowage is permitted stowage under deck is recommended
wherever possible except for certain articles of class 1 whose principal hazard is smoke or toxic
fumes, such cargo should be stowed on deck.
6. Stowage on deck only has been prescribed in cases where
i) Constant supervision is required
ii) Accessibility is particularly required
iii) Substantial risk exists for formation of explosive gas mixture, development of highly toxic
vapours or unobserved corrosion of ship.
7. When stowing DGs on deck ensure that
i) Hydrants, sounding pipes and other services accessibility is not hampered
ii) Provide clear walkway and access to all facilities for safe working of ship
iii) Goods can be observed and necessary precautions as deemed appropriate initiated
8. Where it is necessary to prevent pressure built up, decomposition or polymerisation of a
substance the package shall be stowed shaded from radiant heat and sun light.
9. For stowage in relation to living quarters ensure that the leaking vapours should not penetrate
the accom. Or machinery spaces or other work places.
10. Marine pollutants should be carefully stowed to minimise the damage to environment.
11. Explosives need special stowage called magazines. A magazine is a closed compartment in a ship
specially designed to protect explosives from damage by other cargo during loading or unloading
and adverse weather conditions and to prevent unauthorised access.
12. Magazine stowage types “A”, “C”, and special stowage. The stowage of explosive substances
and certain articles is subject to varying levels of containments when stowed below deck. The levels
are dependent on hazard presented by the nature of goods involved. The different levels of
containment are defined as “A”, “C”, and special. Magazine type “A” is given to those substances
which shall be kept clear of steel works and accordingly other goods are given stowage as
appropriate to their dangers.

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 Precautions When loading / Unloading DG
1. Once confirmed to load, the shipper’s declaration must be obtained.
The shipper’s declaration includes:-
a) Correct technical name of the contents of the container
b) UN number
c) Class as per IMDG code
d) Container No.
e) Net weight of contents in kgs
f) A statement that the goods have been packed properly and container labellled
2. From IMDG code study the properties & precautions listed in the code
3. Also identify Ems & MFAG numbers
4. From Ems & MFAG find out the action to be taken in case of various emergencies
And medical aid to be given.
5. If any special equipment such as medicines, safety equipment. Gas detector etc required
They should be on board prior loading commences
6. Plan the stowage as per code and complying with various requirements
7. The containers of different classes to be segregated as per the code
8. Prior loading ensure all emergency equipment are in ready state
9. Ensure that the container is stowed in planned slot & that it is properly marked & labeled
10. Visually check the container for any damage, leakage, heat emission, smoke or fumes etc
11. Secure the container well
12. Prepare the detailed list of DG and mark their location in the stowage plan
13. Carry out regular drills and instruct crew members regarding action to be taken in case
Of emergency
14. Check lashing frequently
15. Obtain weather reports regularly and navigate with prudence

Reporting of incidents involving dangerous goods

As per SOLAS chapter VII, part A regulation 6

When an incident takes place involving the loss or likely loss overboard of packaged dangerous goods into the sea,
the master, or other person having charge of the ship, shall report the particulars of such an incident without delay
and to the fullest extent possible to the nearest coastal State. The report shall be based on the guidelines and
general principles adopted by IMO for dangerous goods, harmful substances and/or marine pollutants.
In the event of the ship referred to in paragraph 1 being abandoned, or in the event of a report from such a ship
being incomplete or unobtainable, the owner, charterer, manager or operator of the ship, or their agents shall, to
the fullest extent possible, assume the obligations placed upon the master by this regulation.
The duty officer when he discovers an incident or accident has to immediately raise the alarm and inform the Master
regarding the same. The crew on deck should be the first to renders assistance as well as start the clean up
operations as well as try to minimise the incident under the supervision of the duty officer as per the guidelines laid
down for that cargo as per the IMDG code and the Dangerous cargo list.

Limited & Excepted Qty

What is the difference between limited qty and excepted qty in IMDG code?

Limited quantity and excepted quantity specifies the size of the small packings.

Limited quantity

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Limited quantity specifies the maximum quantity that can be in the inner packaging for transporting these DGs under
limited quantity. In the IMDG Code, Look for the dangerous good that needs to be transported and under 7a, it will
show the limited quantity for that DG.

If the limited quantity is mentioned as 0, this means that this DG cannot be carried as "limited quantity". If the
limited quantity is mention as 1 liter, this means that maximum quantity in the inner packing needs to be 1 liter.
These small packing of 1 liters need to be packed in one single outer packing. The maximum size of the outer packing
needs to be less than 30 Kgs (20 kgs if shrink packed).

Excepted Quantity

If you see under the excepted quantity (column 7b), there are codes like E0 and E1. These codes signify the
maximum quantities in the inner and outer packing for that DG to be carried under excepted quantity.

But you know it is much cheaper to have 200 kgs or 500 kgs of DG to be packed in one packing than to pack in
smaller packs as per limited or exempted quantity. Then why would shipper use the provisions of limited or excepted
quantity? That is because IMDG code grants exemptions to some of the requirements if the goods are packed in
limited quantity or excepted quantity. For example, the segregation requirements as per IMDG are not applicable to
the Dangerous Goods packed as per limited or excepted quantity.

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