INTERNATIONAL MARITIME DANGEROUS GOOD (IMDG) CODE

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

PURPOSE

• The purpose of code is a uniform international code for the transport of dangerous goods by sea to supplement the regulations contained in the SOLAS (Chap. VII)

CLASSIFICATION

• Dangerous Goods are classified in different classes, to subdivide a number of these classes and to define and describe characteristic and properties of substances, materials, and articles which would fall within each class or division.
• The classification shall be made by the shipper/consignor or by the appropriate competent authority where specified in this Code.

PACKING OF DANGEROUS GOODS

• Goods should be packed in manner that, they withstand the ordinary risk of handling and transport by sea.
• Goods must be in accordance with the requirements of Part 4 of IMDG Code.
• The following numerals shall be used for kind of packaging:

1.Drum

2.Wooden barrel

3.Jerrican

4.Box

5.Bag

6.Composite packaging

• The following capital letters shall be used for types of materials:

• A Steel (all type and surface treatment)

• B Aluminium

• C Natural Wood

• D Plywood

• F Reconstituted Wood

• G Fibreboard

• H Plastic Material

• L Textile

• M Paper, multiwall

• N Metal (other than steel and aluminium)

• P Glass, porcelain or stoneware

• MARKING

The following requirements should be complied with:

1. The package must be clearly marked with the correct technical name of the goods and indication should be given as to the danger which could arise during the transportation of the goods.

2. The marking must be complied with IMDG Code

3. If the outer material of the package will survive 3 months immersion, the marking must be durable.

4. If the outer material will not survive 3 months, any inner receptacles which will survive three months must be durable marked.

5. If the goods are carry in container or similar unit, then the unit must have distinctive labels on the exterior which comply with the IMDG code class label system. In the case of container or tank, the labels should be on each side and end. If a vehicle, the labels should be on the each side and at the rear.

• PACKING GROUPS

The principle of dividing dangerous goods, other than those covered by classes 1, 2, 6.2 and 7, into three packaging groups according to the degree of danger they present is reflected in the classification of the goods and in their allocation to appropriate packagings. The

three groups are:

• Packaging group I: goods presenting great danger;

• Packaging group II: goods presenting medium danger;

• Packaging group III: goods presenting minor danger,

Goods in container should be packed in a safe and proper manner .

• STOWAGE

Dangerous goods should be stowed in manner which is safe and proper and in a location where appropriate adequate ventilation can be provided.

Goods which are liable to interact dangerously must be effectively segregate from one another.

Example: Stowage of Marine Pollutants

• It is necessary that these substances are properly stowed and secured so as to minimise these hazards without impairing the safety of the ship and person on board.

• Stowage is permitted on deck or under deck, under deck stowage is preferred except when a weather decks provides equivalent protection.

• Where stowage on deck only is required, preference shall be given to stowage on wellprotected decks or to stowage inboard in sheltered areas of exposed decks.

• EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR SHIPS CARRYING DANGEROUS GOODS (EmS)

An IMO publication gives information concerning safety, first aid, and emergency procedures to be followed and action to be taken in the event of an incident.

The Emergency Schedules (EmS) are divide into 5 sections:

1. Group title with emergency schedule number (EmS No.)

2. Special equipment required.

3. Emergency procedures.

4. Emergency action.

5. First Aid

The schedule should be consulted before goods are loaded in order to ascertain the vessel has the correct equipment to deal with any incidents which might occur.