IMDG Code: For Safe Transportation Of Hazardous Goods

Posted by Harry Voges on August 10th, 2018

Have you always been a sea fanatic? Well, as a seafarer, there are number of codes, conducts and rules to be followed, one of them being the IMDG Code. IMDG stands for International Maritime Dangerous Goods and its codes are accepted all around the world for safe transportation or shipment of goods that are found to be hazardous. The primary aim of these codes is to enhance the safety of the crew members while also taking checking marine pollution. High care is taken that all the ships abide by these codes for they can really help to increase the safety for both the members as well as water.

The IMDG Code came into practice in 1965 by the Safety for Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention of 1960 under the International Maritime Organization (IMO). There are a number of ships that carry cargo around the world. IMDG Code ensures all these goods are carefully packed and sealed in a way to not only make them easier to load but also to maximize the safety. These rules literally apply to any ship that’s into carrying cargo. There is a listicle of dangerous goods that has been created keeping the guidelines of United Nations’ panel and IMO in mind.

Though the IMDG code was initially drafted in the year 1961, but it has undergone several changes ever since. There have been several alterations in marine transportation since many years. Due to this, there have been several amendments in the IMDG code as well. Usually, few changes are made in every two years. This means that new guidelines come up in every two years.

There are many companies who provide these IMDG code in the form of books. There are mainly two volumes of these books. They separate all he goods in ten categories that include dangerous goods like explosives, gases, flammable liquids, oxidizing substances and organic peroxides, toxic and infectious substances, radioactive material, corrosive substances and miscellaneous dangerous goods and substances. These editions talk about general provisions, training, large packaging, first aid guide, reporting procedures, transport operations and lot more.

As far as IMDG code is concerned, simply laying the guidelines won’t help. It’s also important to ensure they’re properly implemented. Here, various guides like IMDG code 2014, IMDG code 2016 or IMDG code come into play. These publications include all the texts and instructions that can be helpful for sea personnel. So, get buying detailed guides or supplements of IMDG code at the earliest.

Author’s Bio: The author is an ardent writer and this article talks about IMDG code.