International cargo

Use content from cargo and carriage

Q. What are dangerous goods?

Dangerous goods (DG) are substances, materials, or articles, in packaged form or in bulk, that are

1. listed in Part 3 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.
2. assigned in Part 2 of the IMDG Code to one of the classes 1-9 according to the hazard they present

Empty receptacles that have been used to contain dangerous goods unless they contain no residue and are clean, dry, and gas free are also considered DG.

For transport, each dangerous good is assigned:

• a four‑digit UN number
• a proper shipping name written in capital letters
• a dangerous‑goods class or classes.

These identifiers and classes are common to all transport modes. They identify the hazardous properties of the substance. For example, petrol is identified and classified as:

• UN1203 MOTOR SPIRIT or GASOLINE or PETROL, Class 3, PG II (flammable liquid, packing group II).

All consignments containing dangerous goods should be clearly marked or labelled with this information.

Hazardous substances carried as part of the ship’s stores or equipment are not considered dangerous goods for transport and are not covered by Part 24A. Examples include:

• breathing‑apparatus gear or CO₂ cylinders for firefighting
• refrigerants for chillers and freezers
• paints or cleaning chemicals
• LPG for heating or cooking on board.

You must manage hazards from these substances in line with:

• any applicable maritime rules.

Any Marine Pollutants have to be managed under the IMDG Code

Q. What is the difference between packaged dangerous goods and dangerous goods in bulk?

Packaged dangerous goods are dangerous goods that are not carried in bulk, for example:

• dangerous goods in small packages
• dangerous goods in shipping containers
• dangerous goods in portable tanks or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs)
• dangerous goods in road tankers or rail wagons.

Dangerous goods in bulk are loaded directly into cargo spaces or other spaces on a ship without intermediate containment. Examples include:

• a solid cargo, such as sulphur, loaded into the holds of a bulk carrier.

“In bulk” refers to the method of containment, not the volume carried.

Q. What about materials hazardous only in bulk (MHB)?

Some solid cargoes, when carried in bulk, possess chemical hazards other than the hazards covered by the classification system of the IMDG Code. These materials present a significant risk when carried in bulk and require special precautions 

Q. What responsibilities do shippers, masters and vessel operators have?

Operators must:

• Carry a valid Document of Compliance issued in accordance with Chapter II-2 of SOLAS
• Carriage of dangerous goods should be managed through your safety management system as required by the ISM Code.
• identify and assess risks associated with dangerous goods in their operation, including different configurations
• ensure crew are trained to:
  • correctly identify and handle dangerous goods
  • understand the hazards
  • respond in emergencies
• establish procedures and arrangements for safe stowage and securing of dangerous goods, including:
  • segregation of incompatible substances
  • separation from passengers, accommodation, and ignition sources
• make passengers aware of dangerous‑goods hazards and have a system for advising foot passengers and vehicle passengers what they can and cannot bring
• establish a system to track all dangerous goods carried on board so information is readily available in an emergency or spillage.

If operators intend to carry unaccompanied vehicles containing dangerous goods, they should have procedures for treating these goods as cargo, which must be declared by the vehicle owner.

Masters must:

• ensure dangerous goods accepted for carriage are:
  • clearly and correctly identified and labelled
  • in original packaging or approved refillable containers
  • not damaged or leaking
• know what dangerous goods are on board and not accept dangerous goods without required documentation
• ensure dangerous goods are safely stowed and segregated in line with agreed procedures
• report any incidents involving dangerous goods.
• Operators and masters may refuse to accept dangerous goods if they believe it is not safe to carry them.

Shippers or carriers of dangerous‑goods consignments must provide ship operators with:

• the dangerous goods transport document
• if the goods are solid bulk cargo, confirmation that goods have been checked against the “Is your solid bulk cargo harmful to the environment?” criteria, and declaration of harmful goods as dangerous goods on relevant documentation
• any relevant container packing certificate
• any relevant vehicle packing certificate
• any additional information required to transport the dangerous goods.

If a shipper presents dangerous goods to a carrier, the shipper must provide the carrier with the relevant documentation.