The IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) is an international guideline for the safe transportation of dangerous goods or hazardous materials by sea on ships and boats. It is developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and it is recommended to governments for adoption or use as the basis for national regulations. The Code is mandatory in conjunction with the obligations of member governments under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78).
The IMDG Code provides detailed guidance on the transportation of dangerous goods by sea, covering topics such as:
- Classifying and identifying dangerous goods
- Packaging, labeling, placarding, marking, stowage, segregation and handling
- Emergency response procedures
- The transport of hazardous and noxious substances (HNS)
- Training requirements for personnel involved in the handling and transport of dangerous goods
It is intended for use by all those involved in industries and services connected with shipping, including shipowners, operators, charterers, shippers, terminal operators, and maritime authorities. It is also widely used by anyone who is involved in the transport, handling, or stowage of dangerous goods.
It is important to note that the IMDG Code is updated and maintained by the CCC (formerly DSC) Sub-Committee of the International Maritime Organization every two years, that's why it's very important to check the latest edition, As you mentioned the 2020 edition, incorporating Amendment 39-18 is the current edition.
Overall, the IMDG Code is a critical tool for ensuring the safe transportation of dangerous goods by sea, and it plays an important role in protecting ships, mariners, and the marine environment from the risks associated with the transport of hazardous materials.
IMDG Codes
Regulatory frameworks incorporate comprehensive classification systems of hazards to provide a taxonomy of dangerous goods. Classification of dangerous goods is broken down into nine classes according to the type of danger materials or items present. (Click on a class to read more details)