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IMDG Code Explained | Mariners Circle

by Mariners Circle

14-18 minutes

The IMDG Code regulates the transport of dangerous

goods by sea in order to prevent injury to persons or
damage to ships and their cargoes. Dangerous Goods
means the substances, materials and articles in packaged
form covered by IMDG Code.

Transport of marine pollutants is primarily regulated to

prevent harm to the marine environment. The objective
of the IMDG Code is to enhance the safe transport of
dangerous goods while facilitating the free unrestricted
movement of such goods.

The IMDG Code contains details of all the numerous

dangerous cargoes offered for carriage by sea and
includes solid, liquid and gaseous substances.
Explosive, flammable, oxidising and radioactive
substances are also included and recommended means
of their containment or packing are listed, as is all
manner of other information relating to the product.
Future updating of the Code, on two-year basis, are
foreseen in order to take into account technological
developments.

The IMDG Code applies to all ships carrying dangerous

goods in packaged form, which are covered by the
code.
The objective of IMDG Code is to:

Protect human life.

Prevent marine pollution
Facilitate the free movement of dangerous goods.
to give an uniform approach for the handling and for
the safe transport of dangerous goods by sea.
to guide the technical information for all dangerous
cargoes in order for them to be carried by ship safely
without causing damage to the environment.

The IMDG Code also covers:

Packing;
Marking;
Labelling;
Placarding;
Documentation;
Stowage;
Segregation

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG)

Code was adopted in 1965 as per the SOLAS (Safety for
Life at Sea) Convention of 1960. This code was formed
to prevent all types of pollution at sea.

IMDG Code or International Maritime Dangerous Goods

Code was accepted by MSC (Maritime Safety
Committee) as an international guideline to the safe
transportation or shipment of dangerous
goods or hazardous materials by water on vessel. The 
Code is intended to protect crew members and to
prevent marine pollution in the safe transportation of
hazardous materials by vessel. It is recommended to
governments for adoption or for use as the basis for
national regulations’s mandatory in conjunction with the
obligations of the members of united nation government
under the SOLAS Code and the MARPOL 73/78. It is
intended for use not only by the mariner but also by all
those involved in industries and services connected
with shipping.

IMDG Code contains advice on terminology, packaging,

labelling, placarding, markings, stowage, segregation,
handling, and emergency response. The HNS
Convention covers hazardous and noxious substances
that are included in the IMDG code.

The code is updated and maintained by the CCC

(formerly DSC) Sub-Committee of the IMO every 2
years.

The IMDG Code’s latest 2018 Edition (inc. Amendment

39-18) comes into force on 1 January 2020 for two years
and may be applied voluntarily as from 1 January 2019. 

The IMDG Code Supplement, 2018 Edition renders

obsolete the previous 2014 edition.

Volume 1
Part 1 General Provisions, definitions and training
Application, Definitions, Training, Security, general
provisions for radioactive material
Part 2 Classification: The IMDG goods classes, 1
to 9, explained
Part 3 Dangerous goods list – contained in
Volume 2
Part 4 Packing and tank provisions
Part 5 Consignment procedures
Part 6 Construction and testing of packages,
 IBCs, portable tanks, MECGs and road tank
vehicles
Part 7 Provision concerning transport operations

Volume 2
Part 3
3.1 General
3.2 Dangerous goods list
3.3 Special provisions applicable to certain
substances, materials or articles
3.4 Dangerous goods packed in limited
quantities
3.5 Dangerous goods packed in excepted
quantities

Appendix A List of generic and N.O.S. proper

shipping terms
Appendix B Glossary of terms

Classification of Dangerous Goods

Class 1: Explosives;
e.g. Nitroglycerine, Cyclonite (RDX), Ammunition
Division 1.1: Substances and articles which have
a mass explosion hazard;
 Division 1.2: Substance and articles which have
projection hazard but not a maximum explosion
hazard;
Division 1.3: Substance and articles which have a
fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a
minor projection hazard or both, but not a mass
explosion hazard;
Division 1.4: Substance and articles which
present not significant hazards;
Division 1.5: Substance and articles which are
very insensitive substances which have a mass
explosion hazard;
Division 1.6: Extremely insensitive articles which
do not have a mass explosion hazard

Class 2: Gases, Compressed, Liquefied or Dissolved

under pressure;
e. g.- Argon (Ar), Nitrogen (N2)
Class 2.1: Flammable Gases;
Class 2.2: Non-flammable, Non-toxic Gases;
Class 2.2: Toxic Gases

Class 3: Flammable Liquids

Class 4: Flammable Solids, Substances liable
to spontaneous combustion, substances which, in
contact with water emit flammable gases
Class 4.1: Flammable Solids, Self reactive
substances and desensitised explosives;
E.g. Zinc Dust, Paint;
Class 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous
combustion;
Eg. Iron and Steel Phosphorus;
Class 4.3: Substances which in contact with
 water, emit flammable gases;
Eg. Sodium (Na), Potasium (K)

Class 5: Oxidising Substances and Organic

Peroxides
Class 5.1: Oxidizing Substances,
Eg: Potassium Chlorinate, Sodium Peroxide;
Class 5.2: Organic Peroxide,
Eg: Peroxyacetic Acid

Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances

Class 6.1: Toxic Substances,
Eg: Tear Gas, Prussic Acid;
Class 6.2: infectious Substances,
Eg: Biological Substances

Class 7: Radioactive Materials,

Eg: Thorium, Cobalt and even Iron
Class 8: Corrosive Substances;
Eg: Sulphuric Acid. Caustic Soda
Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and
Articles;
Eg: Dry Ice, Ammonium Nitrate Fertilisers

Packaging of Dangerous Goods

Packaging including Intermediate bulk containers

and large packaging is to be of good quality and
capable of withstanding shocks normally
encountered during transportation.
The packaging should be constructed and closed so
as to prevent loss of content by vibration or by
change in temperature, humidity or pressure during
 transportation.
No dangerous residue shall adhere outside of
packages
The packaging part which are in direct contact with
Dangerous Goods should not be weakened, react or
catalysis a reaction.
Packaging should be tested for vibration, drop test,
etc.
Outer packaging material should not produce heat
while transport.
An ullage to be kept sufficient to allow for expansion
at temperatures during transportation.
Dangerous Goods and other substances shall not be
packed together as they may react.
Cushioning and absorbent material should be inert
and suitable to the nature of the content.
Packages containing dangerous cargo which evolve
flammable, toxic, corrosive gases or vapours or
become explosive if allowed to dry or which may
react dangerously with the atmosphere should be
hermetically sealed (Vapour tight closure)

Marking, Labelling and Placarding of

Dangerous Goods

Labels has to be 100 x 100 mm in size and fixed to

individual packages.
Placards will show same information i.e. Class
Number, and Dangerous Properties but are larger in
size 250 x 250 mm and fixed to cargo transport unit.
The proper Shipping Name and the corresponding UN
Number shall be marked on each package.
 These marking, labels and placards shall be readily
visible, on a background of a contrasting colours and
on the external surface of the package.
Labels should be placed placed near the markings,
with subsiding risk labels.
Information provided on label, markings and placards
should be still identifiable if immersed in sea for
three months.
Salvage packaging shall be marked by word
SALVAGE (Salvage means defective packaging)
Large packaging should be marked on two opposing
sides and placards pasted on CTU on four sides.
Package containing marine pollutants shall be
marked with environmentally hazardous substance
mark.
Class 7 packages shall be marked with the name of
the Consigner or Consignee or both and if over 50 kg
shall also be durably and legibly marked with the
Gross Mass.
A package containing Dangerous Goods of a low
degree of danger may be exempted from labelling
requirements and will be indicated in the Dangerous
Goods list.

Documents required as per IMDG Code

Shipping Declaration;
Document of Compliance (DOC);
Dangerous Goods Manifest

These documents should be retained on board.

Shipper of a Dangerous material required to prepare a

shipping document that should be as per IMDG Code.
Manifest should contain at least:

Container Number;
Number and kind of packages
Proper Shipping Name;
IMO Class;
UN Number;
Packaging Group;
Subsiding Risk;
Flash Point;
Marine Pollutant;
Dangerous Goods Net Mass;
Stowage Location;
Port of loading;
Port of Discharge;
EMS;
MFAG Table Number

Stowage means proper placement of dangerous

goods on board the ship to ensure safety and
environmental protection during transport.
Stowage on deck means on weather deck and
stowage under deck means, not on the weather deck.
Closed transport unit means fully enclosed unit that
enclosed contents by permanent structures and can
be secured to ship structure and is serviceable.
Dangerous Goods of Class 1, except for Division 1.4
shall be stowed on cargo ship and passenger ship in
one of the five stowage categories, which specify
where and how the Dangerous Goods can be stowed.
12 m away from living quarters, LSA and Public
access areas, B/8 or 2.4 m away from the ship-side
 which even is greater and 6 meters away from
sources of ignition.
Dangerous Goods of Class 2-9 shall be stowed in
cargo and passenger ships in one of the five stowage
categories (A to E) which specifies where cargo can
be stowed.
Marine Pollutants should preferably be stowed under
deck but if required to be stowed on deck then they
should be stowed inboard in sheltered areas on well
protected decks.

Segregation Table
Effective segregation is required but may be carried in
the same compartment or deck provided minimum
horizontal separation of three meters projected vertically
is maintained.

Can be carried in the same compartment if the

intervening deck is resistant of fire and liquids, otherwise
separate holds. On deck, horizontal separation of at
least six meters.

3. Separated by a complete compartment or hold from

These must be either a vertical or longitudinal
separation by a complete hold or compartment and two
bulkheads or decks resistant to fire and liquids. On deck,
12 meters horizontal separation even if the package is
stowed below deck.

4. Separated Longitudinally by an intervening complete

compartment or hold from

A vertically separation is not allowed. The packagers

must be horizontally separated by a complete
compartment. On Deck, a 24 meters Horizontal
separation and between deck packages and and under
deck packages, 24 m + an intervening compartment.

Precautions while loading Dangerous Goods

General inspection of hold which include structural

damage and defects
Refer to the IMDG Code and find the particulars of
cargo to be loaded with regards to hazards,
compatibility, stowage and segregation.
Appropriate International Code Signals by day and by
 night is to be posted.
No Bunkering operation to be done during loading or
discharging.
Wireless transmission should not be done of voltage
exceeding 50v
Radars should not be operated during loading or
discharging of Dangerous Cargo.
Forklift should not be used in vicinity of Dangerous
Goods
Defective packages should not be accepted.
Port regulations are to be complied with.

Precautions while loading Explosives

Explosives must be stowed in magazines, tht is a wood

or wooden compartment.
No electric cable should pass through the magazine. If
not possible, them cable should be coated by approved,
sealed, non-combustible barrier.
Explosives are unstable when wet, should be stowed in
dry, cool, well ventilated space.
Masts must be fitted with an efficient lightening
conductor, as lighting presents a grave danger.

The Dangerous Goods List is contained in Chp 3.2 in

Volume 2 of IMDG Code. This list contains the data from
each dangerous substances which can be transported
by the sea.
Information contained in the Dangerous goods list of
IMDG Code is as follows:

UN number;
Proper shipping name;
Class or division;
 Subsidiary risks;
Special provisions;
Limited and excepted;
Quantity provisions;
Packing;
IBC Portable tanks and bulk containers;
EMS;
Stowage and handling;
Segregation;
Properties and observations

This list contains 18 columns. Which are:

Column 1 – UN Number Contains the United Nations

Number assigned by the United Nations Committee
of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN
List).
Column 2 – Proper Shipping Name (PSN) Contains
the Proper Shipping Names in upper case characters
which may have to be followed by additional
descriptive text in lower-case characters.
Column 3 – Class or Division Contains the class and,
in the case of class 1, the division and compatibility
group.
Column 4 – Subsidiary Risk(s) Contains the class
number(s) of any subsidiary risk(s). This column also
identifies dangerous goods as a marine pollutant or a
severe marine pollutant as follows: P Marine
pollutant PP Severe marine pollutant ? Marine
pollutant only when containing 10% or more
substance(s) identified with ‘P’ or 1% or more
substance(s) identified with ‘PP’ in this column or in
the Index.
Column 5 – Packing Group Contains the packing
group number (i.e. I, II or III) where assigned to the
substance or article. Column 6 – Special Provisions
Contains a number referring to any special
provision(s) indicated in chapter 3.3.
Column 7 – Limited Quantities Provides the
maximum quantity per inner packaging.
Column 8 – Packing Instructions Contains packing
instructions for the transport of substances and
articles.
Column 9 – Special Packing Provisions Contains
special packing provisions.

Column 10 – IBC Packing Instructions Contains IBC

instructions which indicate the type of IBC that can
be used for the transport. A code including the letters
‘IBC’ refers to packing instructions for the use of IBCs
described in chapter 6.5.
Column 11 – IBC Special Provisions Refers to special
packing provisions applicable to the use of packing
instructions bearing the code ‘IBC’ in 4.1.4.2.
Column 12 – IMO Tank Instructions This column only
applies to IMO portable tanks and road tank vehicles.
Column 13 – UN Tank and Bulk Container
Instructions Contains T codes (see 4.2.5.2.6)
applicable to the transport of dangerous goods in
portable tanks and road tank vehicles.
Column 14 – Tank Special Provisions Contains TP
notes (see 4.2.5.3) applicable to the transport of
dangerous goods in portable tanks and road road
tank vehicles. The TP notes specified in this column
apply to the portable tanks specified in both columns
12 and 13.
Column 15 – EmS Refers to the relevant emergency
schedules for FIRE and SPILLAGE in ‘The EmS Guide
– Emergency Response Procedures for Ships
Carrying Dangerous Goods’.
Column 16 – Stowage and Segregation Contains the
stowage and segregation provisions as prescribed in
part 7.
Column 17 – Properties and Observations Contains
properties and observations on the dangerous goods
listed.
Column 18 – UN Number Contains the United
Nations Number assigned to a dangerous good by
the United Nations Committee of Experts on the
Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN List).