Dangerous Goods are substances, materials, and articles that, by their inherent nature, can cause harm to people, property, or the environment when transported by sea — through fire, explosion, toxicity, corrosivity, or environmental damage.
Following the sinking of RMS Titanic in 1912, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) was adopted in 1914. Chapter VII of SOLAS contains the mandatory provisions governing the carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form and in solid form in bulk.
SOLAS and Dangerous Goods
Chapter VII Part A of SOLAS governs the carriage of packaged dangerous goods by ships and is amplified by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. Carriage of dangerous goods is prohibited except in accordance with Chapter VII Part A.
MARPOL and Dangerous Goods
MARPOL Annex III contains the mandatory provisions for preventing pollution by harmful substances carried by sea in packaged form. Carriage of marine pollutants is prohibited except in accordance with Annex III.
Where the Code Stands Today
The IMDG Code attained mandatory status on 1 January 2004. The current edition, Amendment 42-24, became mandatory on 1 January 2026 — bringing significant changes to the classification and placarding of battery-powered vehicles, lithium and sodium-ion batteries, and related Special Provisions.
Training
Correct application of the IMDG Code depends on properly planned, current training for everyone involved in the dangerous goods supply chain. Chapter 1.3 of the Code sets out training requirements for all shore-based personnel engaged in the transport of dangerous goods by sea.
About Shashi Kallada
I've spent 35+ years in merchant shipping, the last 23+ working exclusively on dangerous goods compliance. I sailed as a Merchant Navy officer before moving ashore to lead Global Dangerous Goods management at Maersk Line and P&O Nedlloyd.
- STCW Certified Trainer / Assessor
- Host, "Introduction To IMDG Code" podcast
Services We Offer
- IMDG Code — Awareness & Function-Specific
- IMSBC Code
- GHS
- IMDG Code 42-24 eLearning
- DG compliance across Rail, Road, River & Sea
- Monthly retainer support
- Safety Data Sheet preparation
Our Clients
See our full client list.