The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code outlines proper procedures for shipping dangerous goods that can seriously harm the people aboard or delicate ocean ecosystems. Training and certification ensures you have general awareness, emergency response knowledge and function-specific training to do your job safely and effectively.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What Is the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code?
- Who Needs IMDG Dangerous Goods Training?
- IMDG Regulations Covered During the Certification Process
- Receive IMDG Certification From Hazmat School
What Is the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code?
The IMDG Code was established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) nearly 60 years ago. This two-volume book of regulations enforces international standards for shipping hazardous materials by vessel, including regulations on packing, stowing and transporting. The code was created to protect life on the ship and in the water.
Who Needs IMDG Dangerous Goods Training?
IMDG Code mandates that all persons transporting or handling dangerous goods for marine transportation must have IMDG training. Even if your job is done ashore, many of the provisions of the IMDG Code apply to packaging and proper hazard communication before these materials even board a vessel.
Whether you’re a shipper, clerk, dockworker, port personnel or cargo handler, you need IMDG training and certification if your job includes any of these responsibilities:
- Shipping or packaging dangerous goods
- Offering hazardous materials for transport by ocean
- Loading and unloading cargo transport units
- Preparing or signing a Dangerous Goods Declaration
IMDG Regulations Covered During the Certification Process
Any deviation from the IMDG Code could jeopardize safety and endanger the lives of those on board a vessel. An IMDG training course covers everything you need to know to ship dangerous items by sea. Certification requires competency-based training and a final assessment.
Hazmat School offers a three-hour maritime dangerous goods course that covers IMDG Code requirements. Topics include:
- General IMDG Code knowledge
- Proper shipping names and classifications
- Packing groups and basic descriptions
- Relevant packing instructions
- Appropriate packaging
- Hazard communication, including labels and markings
- Transport documentation
- Security awareness requirements and emergency response
Receive IMDG Certification From Hazmat School
If your new job or role requires IMDG certification, you have 90 days to begin the training process. Recurrent training is then required every three years after that.
Hazmat School is the nation’s leading workplace training institute. Our convenient online training and certification process has helped over 20,000 students meet job compliance requirements. Once you take your course and pass the final exam, you will be issued your IMDG certification immediately. We also provide remote instruction 24/7 if you have any questions during training.
Get certified to handle and ship hazardous materials by sea. Learn more about our IMDG training course at Hazmat School.










