CARRIAGE OF

DANGEROUS

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GOODS (IMDG)
CODE
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 AIM

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1. To prevent hazards to personnel
handling the cargo and ship
2. To prevent marine pollution

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 REGULATION 1 (APPLICATION)

• Unless expressly provided otherwise, this Chapter applies to the

carriage of dangerous goods in all ships to which the present regulations
apply.

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• The provisions of this Chapter do not apply to ship’s stores and
equipment or to particular cargoes carries in ships specially built or
converted as a whole for that purpose, such as tankers.
 
• The carriage of dangerous goods is prohibited except in accordance with
the provisions of this Chapter.
 
• To supplement the provisions of this Chapter each contracting
Government shall issue, or cause to be issued, detailed instructions on
the safe packing and stowage of specific dangerous goods or categories
of dangerous goods which shall include any precautions necessary in
their relation to other cargo. 3
 
 REGULATION 2 (CLASSIFICATION)

Dangerous Goods shall be

divided into the following

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classes:

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 CLASS 1: EXPLOSIVES
– Explosives with mass explosion hazard
(RDX, Dynamite, Nitro-glycerine
– Explosives with severe projection
hazard

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– Explosives with a fire, blaze or
projection hazard but not a mass
explosion hazard.
– Minor fire or projection hazard
(includes ammunition and most
consumer fire works.
– An insensitive substance with a mass
explosion hazard (explosion similar to
1.1.
– Extremely insensitive articles.
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 CLASS 2 (GASES)
• Gases which are compressed, liquefied
or dissolved under pressure as detailed
below. Some gases have subsidiary risk
classes; poisonous or corrosive.

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– Flammable gas. Gases which ignite on
contact with an ignition sources (acetylene,
hydrogen)
– Non-Flammable Gases. Gases which are
neither flammable nor poisonous (nitrogen,
neon) Includes the cryogenic gases/liquids
(temperatures of below -1000 C) used for
cryopreservation and rocket fuels.
– Poisonous Gases. Gases liable to cause
death or serious injury to human health if
inhaled. (Fluorine, Chlorine, Hydrogen,
Cyanide) 6
 CLASS 3 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
• Flammable liquids included in Class 3 are
included in one of the following packing groups:
• Packing Group I, if they have an initial boiling
point of 35°C or less at an absolute pressure of

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101.3 kPa and any flash point; (Diethyl ether,
Carbon disulfide)
• Packing Group II, if they have an initial boiling
point greater than 35°C at an absolute pressure of
101.3 kPa and a flash point less than 23°C; or
(Gasoline (petrol), Acetone).
• Packing Group III, if the criteria for inclusion in
Packing Group I or II are not met. Kerosene,
Diesel.
• Note: For further details, check the Dangerous
Goods Transportation Regulations of the country
of interest.
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 CLASS 4 FLAMMABLE SOLIDS

– Flammable solids which are

easily ignited and readily
combustible. (Nitorcellulose,

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Magnesium, Matches)
– Spontaneously combustible
substances. (Aluminium
alkyls, White phosphorus.
– Substances which emit a
flammable gas when wet or
react violently with water.
(Sodium, Calcium, Potassium) 8
 CLASS 5 OXIDIZING AGENTS & ORGANIC PEROXIDES

– Oxidizing agents other

than
– organic peroxides.

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(Calcium hypochlorite,
Ammonium nitrate,
Hydrogen peroxide,
Potassium
permanganate)
– Organic peroxides,
either in liquid or
solid form. (Benzoyl
peroxides, Cumene
hydroperoxide).
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CLASS 5 NEW LABEL

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 There is a new yellow
and red label for Class
5.2 Organic Peroxides.
The present all-yellow
label can be used until
31 Dec. 2010.

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 CLASS 6 TOXIC AND INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE

• 6.1(a) Toxic substances which are liable to

cause death or serious injury to human
health if inhaled, swallowed or by skin
absorption. (Potassium cyanide, Mercuric

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chloride)
• 6.1(b) (Now PGIII) Toxic substances
which are harmful to human health (N.B
this symbol is no longer authorized by the
United Nations). ( low toxicity pesticides,
Methylene chloride)
• 6.2 Biohazardous substances. ( virus
cultures, Pathology specimens, used
intravenous needles) Divided into two
categories by the WHO: Cat. A (infectious)
and Cat. B (samples). 11
 CLASS 7: RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES

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 Radioactive
substances comprise
substances or a
combination of
substances which emit
ionizing radiation.
(Uranium, Plutonium)

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 CLASS 8: CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES

 Solids or liquids that can

dissolve organic tissue or
severely corrode certain

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metals.

 8.1 Acids (Sulphuric acid,

Hydrochloric acid)

 8.2 Alkalis (Potassium

hydroxide, Sodium
hydroxide)
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CLASS 9 MISCELLANEOUS DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES

 Hazardous substances
that do not fall into
the other categories.

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 (Asbestos, Airbag
inflators, Self
inflating life rafts, Dry
ice).

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OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
LABELS

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 REGULATIONS 3 (PACKING)
• The packing of dangerous goods shall be:

• Well made and in good condition of such a character that any interior
surface with which the contents may come in contact is not

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dangerously affected by the substance being conveyed ; and capable of
withstanding the ordinary risks of handling and carriage by sea.

• Where the use of absorbent or cushioning materials is customary in the

packing of liquids in receptacles that materials shall be;

1. capable of minimizing the dangers to which the liquid may give rise;
2. so disposed as to prevent movement and ensure that the receptacle
remains surrounded and
3. where reasonably possible of sufficient quantity to absorb the liquid
in the event of breakage of the receptacle. 16
 REGULATIONS 3 (PACKING)

• Receptacles containing dangerous liquids shall have an

ullage at the filling temperature sufficient to allow for
the highest temperature during the course of normal

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carriage.

• Cylinders or receptacles for gases under pressure shall be

adequately constructed, tested, maintained and correctly
filled.
 
• Empty receptacles which have been used previously for
the carriage of dangerous goods shall themselves be
treated as dangerous goods unless they have been
cleaned and dried or when the nature of the former 17
contents permit with safety, have been closed securely.
 REGULATION 4 (MARKING AND
LABELING)

• Each receptacle containing dangerous goods shall

be marked with the correct technical name (trade
names shall not be used) and identified with a

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distinctive label or stencil of the label so as to
make clear the dangerous character. Each
receptacle shall be so labelled except receptacles
containing chemicals packed in limited quantities
and large shipments which can be stowed,
handled and identified as a unit.

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 REGULATION 5 (DOCUMENTS)
• (a) In all documents relating to the carriage of dangerous goods
by sea where the goods are named the correct technical name of
the goods shall be used (trade names shall not be used) and the
correct description given in accordance with the classification set
out in Regulations 2.

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• (b) The shipping documents prepared by the shipper shall
include, or be accompanied by a certificate or declaration that the
shipment offered for carriage is properly packed, marked and
labelled and in proper condition for carriage.

• (c) Each ship carrying dangerous goods shall have a special list
or manifest setting forth, in accordance with Regulations 2, the
dangerous goods on board and the location thereof. A detailed
stowage plan which identifies by class and sets out the location of
all dangerous goods on board may be used in place of such special
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list or manifest.
 REGULATION 6 (STOWAGE
REQUIREMENTS)

• (a) Dangerous goods shall be stowed safely and

appropriately according to the nature of the goods.
Incompatible goods shall be segregated from one

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another.
 
• (b) Explosives (except ammunition) which present
a serious risk shall be stowed in a magazine which
shall be kept securely closed while at sea. Such
explosives shall be segregated from detonators.
Electrical apparatus and cables in any compartment
in which explosives are carried shall be designed
and used so as to minimize the risk of fire or 20
explosion.
 REGULATION 6 (STOWAGE
REQUIREMENTS)

• (c) Goods which give off dangerous vapour shall

be stowed in a well ventilated space or on deck.

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• (d) In ships carrying inflammable liquids or
gases special precautions shall be taken where
necessary against fire or explosion.
 
• (e) Substances which are liable to spontaneous
heating or combustion shall not be carried unless
adequate precautions have been taken to prevent
the outbreak of fire.
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 REGULATIONS 7 (EXPLOSIVES IN
PASSENGER SHIPS)
• Explosives are divided into subdivisions 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5. They
are further grouped into compatibility groups A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,J,K.L
and S
 

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1. Explosives in subdivision 1.4, compatibility group S may be carried in
any amount in passenger ships together with any one of the
following;
a) Explosives in compatibility groups C,D,E –maximum 10 kgs
b) Explosive articles in compatibility group G, not requiring special stowage –
maximum 10 kgs.
c) Explosive articles in compatibility group B – maximum 5 kgs.
d) Explosive articles for life saving purposes –maximum 50 kgs.

2. Additions quantities or types of explosives may be carried in

passenger ships in which special safety measures approved by the
Administration are taken. 22
 SEGREGATION

• Dangerous goods belonging to different classes

cannot be stowed together. They have to be
segregated from on another and the type of

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segregation depends on the properties of
substances in each class and the way they react
with substances of another class. The following
tables shows the general segregation requires
between each class. However individual entries
should always be consulted.

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 LEGEND
Package Containing Reference Package
Incompatible Goods

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TYPES OF SEGREGATION

• Away from” :
• Effectively segregated so that

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the incompatible materials
cannot interact dangerously in
the event of an accident but
may be carried in the same
compartment or hold or on
deck provided a minimum
horizontal separation of 3 m
(10 feet) projected vertically is
obtained.
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TYPES OF SEGREGATION

• Separated From” :
• In different compartments or
holds when stowed under deck.

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If the intervening deck is
resistant to fire and liquid, a
vertical separation (i.e., in
different compartments) is
acceptable as equivalent to this
segregation. For “on deck”
stowage, this segregation means
a separation by a distance of at
least 6 m (20 feet) horizontally.
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TYPES OF SEGREGATION

• Separated by a complete
compartment or hold from ” :
• Either a vertical or horizontal

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separation. If the intervening
decks are not resistant to fire and
liquid, then only a longitudinal
separation (i.e., by a intervening
complete compartment or hold) is
acceptable. For “on deck”
stowage, this segregation means a
separation by a distance of at
least 12 m (39 feet) horizontally.
The same distance must be
applied if one package is stowed
“on deck” , and the other one in
an upper compartment. 27
TYPES OF SEGREGATION

• Separated longitudinally by an
intervening complete
compartment or hold from ” :

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• Vertical separation alone does not
meet this requirement. Between a
package “under deck” and one
“on deck” a minimum distance of
24 m (79 feet) including a
complete compartment must be
maintained longitudinally. For
“on deck” stowage, this
segregation means a separation
by a distance of at least 24 m (79
feet) longitudinally. 28
SEGREGATION CHART

1. Away from
2. Separated from
3. Separated by complete

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compartment or hold
from
4. Separated longitudinally
by an intervening
complete compartment
or hold from
• X No general
segregation
recommended. Consult
individual entries
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SEGREGATION OF
CONTAINERS

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 GENERAL INDEX

• By looking up the substance or article in the

General Index, you can readily find the

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appropriate emergency schedules or Medical
First Aid Guide table.
• You will need this information to know not
only what first  aid  measures  and  safety
 precautions  to  take  when  handling various
hazardous class substances, but also to know
how to contact emergency  response  personnel
 if  a  spill  or  leak  of  a  hazardous substance
occurs (whether at sea or on land).   31
 GENERAL INDEX

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Substance IMDG UN No Class Packaging Subsidiary No. MFAG.
or article code Group Risk Label Table
page No
Potasium
cyanide 6241 1680 6.1 I - 6.1.04 215
solid

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 GENERAL INDEX

• Substance or Article: This is the first column. Proper shipping

names have been used. Other names have been included in the
index with a reference to the page on which the proper shipping

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name appears.
 
• IMDG Code Page: The second column shows the IMDG code
page where the particulars of the individual substance appears.
 
• UN Number: The United Nations committee of experts on
transportation of dangerous goods has compiled a report dealing
with the classification, listing and labelling of dangerous goods
and the transport documents required. It has assigned a number
for every substance, material or article and this number is called
the UN number. The UN No. helps overcome language barriers
when identifying dangerous goods. There is a numerical index 33
also which lists goods according to their UN. No.
 GENERAL INDEX

• Class: It lists the IMDG class and subdivision and for class 1,
the compatibility group also.

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• Packaging Group: Except for classes 1,2,6.2 and 7 dangerous
goods have been divided into three packaging groups according
to the degree of danger they present.
 
1. Great Danger – Packaging group 1 (I)
2. Medium Danger – Packaging group 2 (II)
3. Minor Danger – Packaging group 3 (III)
 
• Subsidiary Risk: Goods which present a secondary dangerous
property (properties) should be labelled with a secondary
label(s)showing the hazard (or hazards). Class number should 34
not be present on a subsidiary risk label.
 GENERAL INDEX

• Ems No.: The emergency procedures for ships carrying

Dangerous Goods is supplement to the IMDG code. It
describes the action, procedures and emergency equipment to

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be carried when carrying goods of that schedule number. In the
general index the substances for which emergency procedures
vary from group emergency schedule are underlined.
 
• MFAG Table: The Medical First Aid Guide for use in accidents
involving Dangerous Goods is a supplement to the IMDG code.
After looking up the MFAG Table No. see the Table in MFAG.
It gives likely signs, symptoms, treatment and other advice as
per the effect of goods under that table. It suggests treatment in
case of skin contact, eye contact, inhalation and ingestion. The
procedures for the treatment are also mentioned.
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PRECAUTIONS WHEN CARRYING DANGEROUS GOODS
• In addition to the normal precautions like hold cleaning,
ventilations, Dunnage requirements and against fire and
Contamination;

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1. Refer to the IMDG code and find out the particulars
for the cargo to be loaded with regard to hazards,
compatibility, stowage and segregation.
2. The appropriate international code of signals by day
and by night is to be displayed.
3. No bunkering operations are to be carried out during
loading or discharging.
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 PRECAUTIONS WHEN CARRYING
DANGEROUS GOODS
4. Wireless transmission should not be done of
voltage exceeding 50 volts.

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5. Radars should be switched off during loading
and discharging
6. Forklift trucks should not be used in the vicinity
of dangerous goods.
7. Loading or discharging should be suspended if
inclement weather presents.
8. Defective or damaged packages should not be
accepted.
9. Port regulations are to be complied with. 37
 ADDITIONALLY FOR EXPLOSIVES

1. Explosives should be stowed in a magazine,

which is wood or woodlined compartment,
sometimes specially constructed to stow

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explosives safely.
2. No electric cables should pas through the
magazine. If this is unavoidable, the cables
should be sheathed by an approved, sealed, non
combustible barrier and tested before loading.
3. Explosives are unstable when wet and should be
stowed in a cool, dry, well ventilated space away
from hot bulkheads or decks.
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 ADDITIONALLY FOR
EXPLOSIVES

1. Electrical fittings must be disconnected

in compartments containing dangerous

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goods; ventilation fans to the space must
be flame proof, if not disconnected.
2. Explosives must be stowed away from
living quarters.
3. Masts must be fitted with an efficient
lightning conductor as lightning presents
a grave danger.
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