Carriage of dangerous goods

• Pages: 28-31

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7. Carriage of dangerous goods

7.1. General provisions1

7.1.1. The provisions of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG)

Code and any national laws and regulations are to be observed.

7.1.2. No dangerous goods should be loaded if not accompanied by appropriate

documentation. The documentation should state the correct technical name of the goods

(the manufacturer's trade name alone is not sufficient) and the United Nations number

so that the relevant information can be found in the IMO codes. The goods are to be

correctly described using the IMDG classification system.

7.1.3. Dangerous substances should be loaded or unloaded only under the

supervision of a responsible officer.

7.1.4. Goods should not be loaded if the packaging does not comply with IMDG

standards.

7.1.5. Packages are to be durably marked with the correct technical name and the

contents are to be identified by the IMDG classification and labelling system.

7.1.6. No containers or road vehicles containing dangerous goods should be

loaded without the provision of a container-packing certificate or vehicle-packing

certificate where required.

7.1.7. Seafarers should be advised beforehand of the dangerous nature of the

goods and of any necessary precautions to be observed. Seafarers required to handle

consignments containing dangerous substances are to be given adequate information on

the nature of the substances and any special precautions which are to be taken. If

accidental exposure to dangerous substances occurs, the IMO's Medical First Aid Guide

for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods (MFAG) should be consulted.2

7.1.8. The shipper should be responsible for informing the shipowner of any

special hazard, and should be required to forward instructions on the dangers and the

medical treatment of accidental spillage or poisoning and, if necessary, should supply

any special drugs required.3

7.1.9. Dangerous goods which are liable to interact dangerously are to be

effectively segregated from one another in accordance with the IMDG Code.

1 The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code should be consulted before any known or

suspected dangerous goods are loaded.

2 The ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Dock Work also provides that port workers

should be advised on the handling of dangerous goods.

3 For additional information, the IMDG Code and the IMO/WHO/ILO Medical first aid guide for

use in accidents involving dangerous goods (MFAG), published by the IMO, should be consulted.