Every year, 11 billion tons of goods are transported through shipping routes to carry provisions to countless people. Some of these items are potentially harmful substances that could endanger people or pollute waters. Produced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code regulates the safe transport of dangerous goods by sea to protect crew members and prevent marine pollution.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What Is the IMDG Code?
- What Is the IMO Dangerous Goods Declaration?
- The Importance of the IMDG Code
- Learn More About Our IMDG Training Course at Hazmat School
What Is the IMDG Code?
The IMDG Code sets the standard for sea transportation of dangerous goods and ensures hazardous materials carried are packed and transported safely.
The IMDG Code consists of two volumes, with rules and amendments that provide:
- Detailed descriptions of dangerous goods and marine pollutants
- Standard handling, packing, labeling and storage regulations
- Emergency response protocol
- Dangerous goods declaration requirements
What Is the IMO Dangerous Goods Declaration?
Completing an IMO Dangerous Good Declaration (DGD) form is an important step in shipping hazardous material. A DGD is required for transporting hazardous materials on maritime carriers and must be completed to ship these goods by sea. A declaration ensures dangerous materials and potential pollutants are in proper condition for sea transport and that all items are:
- Identified
- Described
- Classified
- Packaged
- Labeled
- Marked
- Placarded
The Importance of the IMDG Code
The IMDG Code is in place to protect and streamline the movement of potentially hazardous goods via sea. Although the Code was initially a recommendation, since 2004, it has been a mandatory regulation under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
Compliant transportation according to IMDG regulations is important for many different reasons, including:
- Safety: Improper handling of hazardous materials can have devastating consequences for personal health and the environment. The IMDG Code helps reduce the risk of incidents.
- Global standardization: It provides global consistency in the handling and documenting of dangerous goods.
- Disclosure: The IMDG Code ensures that shipping carriers are given explicit information regarding the nature of dangerous goods in transit, allowing for appropriate emergency measures if needed.
- Environmental protection: The code enhances safety measures when carrying dangerous goods to prevent environmental pollution. Marine ecosystems are fragile, and strict adherence to regulations protects this vast array of plant and animal life.
Learn More About Our IMDG Training Course at Hazmat School
Any employee who works with vessels that ship dangerous goods internationally needs to have an IMDG certification. Hazmat School offers an online course for individuals or businesses seeking IMDG certification. Our training course ensures employees have the information they need to comply with all regulations in the IMDG Code to handle and ship hazardous materials across international waters safely.
Ready to get IMDG certified? Learn more about our IMDG course 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.
