No dangerous good shall be loaded unless the shipper has provided a dangerous good declaration.
The declarations must give
1) the correct technical name of the goods
2) the identity of the goods
3) the UN number if applicable
4) the class in which the goods belong
In addition the shipper must supply the following written information where appropriate:
1) the number and type of packages
2) the gross weight of the consignment
3) the net weight of the explosive content of class 1 goods
4) the flash point if 61 C or below.
If goods are packed into a container or vehicle the vessel must be given a packing certificate for the container or vehicle.
A stowage plan must be made which gives information noted above and also the location of where the goods are stowed.
CLASSES OF IMDG
CLASS 1 Explosives
CLASS 2 Gases compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure
2.1 Flammable gases
2.2 Non flammable gases, being compresses, liquefied or dissolved but neither flammable nor poisonous
2.3 Poisonous gases
CLASS 3 Flammable liquids
3.1 Low flash point
3.2 Intermediate flash point
3.3 High flash point
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 Poisonous (toxic) substances
CLASS 6.2 Infectious substances
CLASS 7 Radioactive substances
CLASS 8 Corrosives
CLASS 9 Miscellaneous dangerous substances which presto a danger not covered by other classes
Goods must be packed in accordance with the IMDG code.
MARKING
The following requirement shall be complied with
1. The package must be clearly marked with the correct technical name of the goods and an indication must be given as to the dangers which could arise during the transportation of the goods
2. The markings must comply with the IMDG code
3. If the outer material of the package will survive three months immersion the marking must be durable
4. If the outer material will not survive three months any inner receptacles which will survive three months must be durably marked
5. If the goods are carried in a container or similar unit, then that unit must have distinctive labels on the exterior which comply with the IMDG code class label system
CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS ON BOARD A PASSENGER VESSEL
No explosive can be transported on a ship carrying more than 12 passengers except:
1. Safety explosives
2. Any explosive the net weight of which is 10 kg or under
3. Distress signals up to a total weight of 1000 kg
4. Fireworks which are unlikely to explode violently.
No dangerous goods should be allowed on board any vessel carrying more than 25 passengers
IMDG CODE
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code is published by the IMO in five volumes. The code lays down certain basic principles concerning the transportation of dangerous goods
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR SHIP CARRYING DANGEROUS GOODS
This is an IMO publication which gives information concerning the safety, first aid, and emergency procedures to be followed and action to be taken in the event of an incident involving certain dangerous goods.
The Emergency Schedules (EmS) are divided into five sections
1. Group title with the emergency schedule number (EmS No)
2. Special equipment required
3. Emergency procedures
4. Emergency action
5. First aid
GENERAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS WHEN CARRYING DANGEROUS GOODS
1. Reject any damaged or leaking packages
2. Packages should be stowed in a location which ensures protection from accidental damage or heating
3. Combustible material should be kept away from ignition sources
4. Goods must be segregated from substances liable to start or to spread fires
5. It may be necessary to ensure accessibility of dangerous goods so that packages in the vicinity of a fire may be protected or moved to safety
6. Enforce prohibition of smoking in dangerous areas
7. Post ‘No Smoking’ signs or symbols
8. All electrical fittings and cables must be in good condition and safe guarded against short circuits and sparking
9. All ventilators must have spark arrestors of suitable wire mesh.
