Cargo classified under the IMDG Code as posing risks to health, safety, property, or the environment during sea transport.
Quick facts
Regulation
SOLAS Chapter VII
In practice
Before accepting dangerous goods, the master or chief mate must verify that each consignment is correctly classified, packaged, labelled, marked, and documented under the IMDG Code, that the vessel is certificated to carry the class in question, and that the proposed stowage position satisfies the Code's segregation requirements. The dangerous goods manifest must be lodged with the port authority before arrival and departure. The OOW on watch must know the location and class of all dangerous goods on board and be ready to implement the appropriate EmS emergency schedule in the event of a fire or spillage. Port State Control inspectors scrutinise dangerous goods compliance closely, as non-compliance is a serious deficiency.
Regulatory detail & full definition
Dangerous goods are substances and articles classified under the IMDG Code (adopted under SOLAS Chapter VII, Part A) as posing a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment when transported by sea. The Code assigns each hazardous material to one of nine classes based on its primary hazard, and further divides classes into divisions and packing groups according to the degree of danger. Each substance is identified by a UN number, a proper shipping name, a hazard label, and specific packing, marking, documentation, stowage, and segregation requirements. Carrier liability for dangerous goods casualties is addressed in the Hague-Visby Rules.
Before accepting dangerous goods, the master or chief mate must verify that each consignment is correctly classified, packaged, labelled, marked, and documented under the IMDG Code, that the vessel is certificated to carry the class in question, and that the proposed stowage position satisfies the Code's segregation requirements. The dangerous goods manifest must be lodged with the port authority before arrival and departure. The OOW on watch must know the location and class of all dangerous goods on board and be ready to implement the appropriate EmS emergency schedule in the event of a fire or spillage. Port State Control inspectors scrutinise dangerous goods compliance closely, as non-compliance is a serious deficiency.