IMDG Training and the Impact

Our life is significantly impacted by the transport of goods by ships (IMDGC codes).

“All people benefit from shipping, but few are aware that maritime transport is fundamental to global commerce and prosperity,” stated UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on World Maritime Day 2016.

If nobody knows about it, why does it remain so unknown?  In contrast to other forms of transport, maritime shipping typically operates in the shadows, since 90% of world trade involves water. 

The affordable finished goods that are shipped via sea, as well as the raw materials that go into their production, are used and consumed every day.  

Right now, you are reading about several million cargo containers and thousands of cargo ships transporting cargo around the globe. 

Hazardous goods make up a large portion of container trade, with volumes that are rising.  Another problem is that new containerships are losing lives directly due to the transportation of dangerous goods that are not adequately prepared or declared. 

By performing IMDG dangerous goods training properly, these incidents may have been avoided.

Additionally, IMDG training contributes to the worldwide efforts, but largely unnoticed by the public, of around 50,000 crewmembers at any given time aboard containerships.

IMDG Code’s Significant Role

International Maritime Organization (IMO) is considered the most important international regulator of maritime transport, aquatic habitat protection, international standards development, as well as the promotion of harmonization in an extremely large and highly profitable industry.

IMO regulations for seaborne transportation of dangerous goods are contained in the IMDG Code.

All parties and even the crew of a vessel involved in bringing dangerous goods into port must adhere to these regulations.

The safe transportation of dangerous goods requires communication, coordination, and all parties involved being aware of what they need to do.

As a consequence of the large quantities and volume of dangerous goods transported, the IMDG Code sets more stringent regulations for vessels transporting dangerous goods than for other modes of transportation. 

These large quantities and the difficulties of responding to a catastrophe at sea pose increased risks to seagoing vessels, crews, and the marine environment.

Additionally, the IMDG Code provides guidelines for how to safely load and transport dangerous goods in addition to providing guidelines for the communication and preparation of shipping companies.  IMDG training is necessary for navigating and implementing these requirements.

IMDG Code requirements have evolved significantly since 1965, when the code was adopted. Non-bulk containerization, for example, has revolutionized intermodal transportation and subsequently vessel container transportation over the last fifty years. 

There’s no doubt that lithium batteries are a common form of dangerous goods today, posing an obvious threat and challenge. 

The IMDG Code (2018) must be amended to comply with Amendment 39-18 on the shipping of dangerous goods by sea by 2020.

A full list of the current shipping requirements for dangerous goods is contained within this amendment.

It is vital that they are trained and knowledgeable about handling dangerous goods in order to segregate, stow, and handle them effectively. 

Poor packaging and the inaccurate declaration of dangerous goods often pose the greatest danger.