IMDG ( International Maritime Dangerous Goods ) Code

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code was developed as a uniform international code for the transport of dangerous goods by sea covering such matters as packing, container traffic and stowage, with particular reference to the segregation of incompatible substances.

For the purposes of this Code, dangerous goods are classified in different classes, to subdivide a number of these classes and to define and describe characteristics and properties of the substances, material and articles which would fall within each class or division. General provisions for each class or division are given. Individual dangerous goods are listed in the Dangerous Goods List, with the class and any specific requirements. 
 

Substances (including mixtures and solutions) and articles subject to the provisions of this Code are assigned to 9 classes.

Class 1: Explosives

Class 2: Gases

Class 3: Flammable liquids

Class 4: Flammable solids

Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides

Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances

Class 7: Radioactive material

Class 8: Corrosive substances

Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles

The numerical order of the classes and divisions is not that of the degree of danger.

Marine pollutants and wastes :

Many of the substances assigned to classes 1 to 9 are deemed as being marine pollutants. Certain marine pollutants have an extreme pollution potential and are identified as severe marine pollutants.

IMDG Code :

The Code lays down basic principles; detailed recommendations for individual substances, materials and articles, and a number of recommendations for good operational practice including advice on terminology, packing, labeling, stowage, segregation and handling, and emergency response action. 

The two-volume Code is divided into seven parts:

Volume 1 (parts 1, 2 and 4-7 of the Code) contains sections on:

→ general provisions, definitions, training

→ classification

→ packing and tank provisions

→ construction and testing of packagings, IBCs,large packagings, portable tanks and road tank vehicles

→ consignment procedures

→ transport operations 

 

Volume 2 contains the Dangerous Goods List (equivalent to the schedules in previous editions of the Code), presented in tabular format.

→ limited quantities exceptions

→ the Index

→ appendices 

 

The Supplement contains the following texts related to the IMDG Code:

→ EMS ( The Emergency Schedules ) Guide 

 

This EmS Guide contains recommendations on Emergency Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods including Emergency Schedules(EmS) to be followed in case of incidents involving dangerous, hazardous or harmful substances, materials or articles regulated under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code).

Content Of EMS Guide :

→ PREAMBLE

→ HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

→ FIRE :

       → Introduction to the Emergency Schedules for FIRE

       → General Guidelines for FIRE

       → Emergency Schedules for FIRE

→ SPILLAGE :

       → Introduction to the Emergency Schedules for SPILLAGE

       → General Guidelines for SPILLAGE

       → Emergency Schedules for SPILLAGE

             → Medical First Aid Guide

             → Reporting Procedures

             → Packing Cargo Transport Units

             → Safe Use of Pesticides

             → INF Code ( Code for the Safe Carriage of Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes on Board Ships ). Dedicated to the safe, efficient and reliable transport of radioactive materials.