A Notification to Captain (NOTOC) is a document that is used to inform the captain of a vessel of the presence of dangerous goods or special loads on board. It is required by international regulations to ensure that the captain is aware of the risks associated with these materials and to provide guidance on how to handle them safely.

Dangerous goods are substances or materials that pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment due to their physical, chemical, or toxic properties. They include items such as explosives, flammable liquids and gases, corrosive materials, and radioactive substances, among others. The transport of dangerous goods is regulated by international conventions and national laws to ensure the safety of the public, workers, and the environment.

Special loads refer to cargo that requires special handling or transportation conditions due to its nature or size. Examples of special loads include live animals (AVI) and human remains (HUM).

The NOTOC is typically prepared by the shipper or freight forwarder and includes information on the nature and quantity of the dangerous goods or special loads, as well as any special handling or transportation requirements. It is provided to the captain of the vessel before the voyage, and the captain is responsible for ensuring that the necessary precautions are taken to handle and transport the goods safely.

Why is NOTOC important?

There are several reasons why a Notification to Captain (NOTOC) is important:

1. Emergency response drills: A NOTOC is often used to inform the captain of the vessel and other crew members of the presence of dangerous goods or special loads on board,
   which may require special handling or emergency procedures in the event of an accident or incident. The NOTOC provides the necessary information for the captain to plan and execute emergency response drills, ensuring that the crew is prepared to handle any potential emergencies that may arise during the voyage. The crew need also the information directly/indirectly obtain the Emergency Response Guide (ERG) code.
2. Air Traffic Control (ATC): In the case of air transport, the NOTOC is used to inform Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the presence of dangerous goods or special loads on board the aircraft. This will be done by the Pilot-In-command (PIC). This is important for the safety of the aircraft and its passengers, as it allows ATC to take the necessary precautions
   and make any necessary arrangements, such as diverting the aircraft to a suitable airport in the event of an emergency.