IMDG

Question 1

What is the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code?

Answer 1

The IMDG code was introduced by the IMO to enhance and harmonise the carriage of dangerous goods and pollution prevention.

Consists of 2 volumes and 1 supplement.

Volume 1 
The main parts of volume one are;
Part 2 - Different classifications of DG's
Part 4 - Packing and tank provisions 
Part 7 - Segregation for transport

Volume 2
Part 3 - Dangerous goods list
Appendix A - List of generic and N.O.S (not otherwise specified) proper shipping names
Appendix B - Glossary of terms

Supplement

• Emergency response procedure for ships carrying DG
• Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG)
• Reporting procedures
• Safe use of pesticides in ships, cargo holds and CTU’s
• Nuclear code (INF code)

Question 2

What are the different classes of dangerous goods?

Answer 2

There are 9 in total
Class 1 - Explosives
Class 2 - Gases
Class 3 - Flammable liquids
Class 4 - Flammable solids
Class 5 - Oxidising substances and organic peroxides
Class 6 - Toxic + infectious substances
Class 7 - Radioactive material
Class 8 - Corrosive substances
Misc - Miscellaneous dangerous substances and environmentally hazardous substances

A way to remember: Ed, Goes, Licking, Shit, Off, Trainees, Rectal, Cavities, Mmm

Question 3

How would you find the emergency schedule (EmS) for a particular hazardous cargo?

Answer 3

Every cargo has a UN number.
Using the UN number you can find out the corresponding EmS number
This will give you specific info on firefighting, spillage.

Question 4

What is a vessel’s dangerous goods Document of Compliance (DOC)?

Answer 4

A ship must have a DG’s DOC to legally be allowed to carry dangerous cargo on board. A DOC includes;

• What DG’s a ship can carry
• How much of each DG a ship can carry
• Where it can carry each DG

A ship’s DOC is renewed every 5 years by class

Question 5

Where can you find info in the event of a DG’s emergency?

Answer 5

All DG's will come with a specification sheet on ARR detailing requirements for;
- Loading/unloading
- Stowage
- Segregation
- Emergency Response
- Class
- UN number/PSN
Subsidiary Group 

The specification sheets will make up the ships hazardous cargo manifesto.
Any DG without a spec sheet should be refused
As a backup, you can use the supplement for advice

Question 6

How are DG’s segregated?

Answer 6

DG’s are segregated using the IMDG segregation table. It has four levels of segregation 1 being the least and 4 being the most. Segregation level is dictated by the packing group and the stowage group:

• Packing group, 1 to 3, is how dangerous a DG is
• Stowage group, A - E, this will denote if it can be stored on deck or under deck

Question 7

What document could you use to find advice in a medical emergency?

Answer 7

Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG)

Question 8

What is a Marine Safety Data Sheet?

Answer 8

• Document that should be kept at the entrance to all stores where chemicals are stored
• Details; Class, hazards, protective measures, stowage, handling, transportation

Question 9

AB comes to the Bridge and says there has been a spillage on deck, what are your actions?

Answer 9

• Inform Chief
• Isolate the area
• Get the EmS spec sheet from the DG manifest
• Ask AB if he has been in contact (possible medical treatment)
• Investigate incident further