Transporting dangerous goods by sea can be hazardous to crew members and the environment. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) regulates the maritime transport of hazardous materials. IMDG certification shows that you have studied and understand the regulatory requirements laid out in the Code.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What Is an International Maritime Dangerous Goods Certification?
- The Importance of IMDG Training
- Who Needs IMDG Certification?
- Is Recurrent IMDG Training Required?
- Register for Online Hazardous Materials Training at Hazmat School
What Is an International Maritime Dangerous Goods Certification?
The IMDG code is an extensive resource that details all the requirements for safe maritime transport of dangerous goods. Developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Code clearly states that any employee handling or shipping hazardous goods via sea must complete IMDG training.
Once an employee completes training and passes a final exam, they receive their IMDG certification. This official document shows that they are prepared and can play a role in transporting hazardous materials by sea according to IMDG Code standards. The Code includes requirements for:
- Freight container loading procedures for hazardous materials
- Correct stowage of dangerous goods
- Segregation of materials
- Requirements for marine pollutants
The Importance of IMDG Training
Transporting hazardous materials aboard a maritime vessel is potentially dangerous. IMDG training is necessary because it actively prevents incidents involving dangerous goods. Even a minor accident can have potentially devastating consequences at sea. Dangerous goods incidents often occur miles away from the nearest shore and can:
- Jeopardize the lives of the crew
- Compromise the integrity of the vessel
- Pose an environmental threat
- Devastate sea life
IMDG training and certifications ensure everyone on board a vessel understands how to mitigate risks and what they can do if a dangerous goods incident occurs.
Who Needs IMDG Certification?
The IMO requires that any employee involved in dangerous goods shipment by vessel receive IMDG training, including those who do any of the following job functions:
- Load or unload dangerous goods
- Handle hazardous materials
- Classify, mark or label packages
- Manufacture dangerous goods
- Select, pack or seal packages of hazardous materials
- Fill out or sign a Dangerous Good Declaration (DGD) form
- Offer or accept dangerous goods for transport
Is Recurrent IMDG Training Required?
The IMO updates the Code every two years to ensure its regulations and procedures are current. The IMDG Code requires recurrent training once every three years if employees wish to remain involved with the shipping, handling and transporting of hazardous materials by vessel.
Register for Online Hazardous Materials Training at Hazmat School
Does your job involve transporting or handling hazardous material that needs to be shipped by sea? Hazmat School offers a convenient and thorough online IMDG certification course that satisfies the training mandates of the IMDG Code. Our online instructors are always available to answer questions. Once you pass your exam, you will immediately receive your IMDG certification.
Learn more about IMDG certification 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.
