For nearly 60 years, the IMDG Code has set the bar for the transportation of hazardous materials by sea. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code represents over a hundred years of concerns and discussions that have evolved into a standard set of practices adopted by nearly every maritime nation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What Is the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code?
- The Origins of the IMDG Code
- IMDG Continued Evolution
- Contact Hazmat School for IMDG Training
What Is the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code?
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the UN agency that regulates maritime transportation to ensure the safety and security of crews, vessels and marine environments. The IMO enforces and updates the IMDG Code, which seeks to regulate the carriage of hazardous materials and marine pollutants. The Code’s main objective is to protect lives at sea and prevent oceanic pollution.
The Origins of the IMDG Code
In the last 100 years of maritime travel, countries have attempted to regulate how dangerous goods should be transported. Initially, each nation had its own terminology and practices, which created difficulties when transporting hazardous goods across international borders.
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) set the stage for the IMDG Code. Initially adopted in 1914 after the Titanic disaster, this treaty governed the safety of modern merchant shipping. Subsequent SOLAS accords recognized the need for standardized international regulations for transporting potentially dangerous materials by sea.
In 1965, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code was officially adopted. However, most viewed the rules as recommendations — not mandates.
By the early 1970s, nations became concerned with maritime pollution. An international convention called MARPOL convened to discuss this issue and decide on prevention techniques. They established and adopted Annex III, which included requirements for handling and packaging harmful substances at sea to preserve maritime ecosystems and sea life. The IMDG Code began to include Annex III regulations in 1985.
In 1974, the IMDG Code became an official extension to SOLAS Chapter VII but still had recommendatory status. Finally, in 2004, IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) adopted the IMDG Code as a mandated set of guidelines.
IMDG Continued Evolution
Every two years, the IMO amends the IMDG Code to account for technological developments, changes to classifications or shipper provisions. The IMO is committed to keeping the IMDG Code a relevant resource that protects the shipping industry and the environment from dangerous goods incidents.
Contact Hazmat School for IMDG Training
The IMDG code continually evolves to protect people and vessels from hazardous materials and preserve ocean ecosystems. You may need mandatory IMDG certification if you work in the shipping industry.
Hazmat School offers a comprehensive IMDG training course that reviews all the regulations you need to know to handle and ship dangerous goods. Whether you’re looking for a convenient training program for your employees or you need to get certified yourself, we offer online courses and 24/7 access to remote instructors.
Learn more about IMDG training at Hazmat School.
Manages Hazmat School’s E-Learning courses and blog. Kirstie has extensive experience in the online training and education industry. Kirstie has worked with courses that offer a variety of safety and environmental certifications that satisfy OSHA, EPA and DOT requirements.
