Many things can go wrong, a typing error of missing “hyphen” in flashpoint in dangerous goods declaration may result in unit being loaded in a cargo hold not certified for same.

Poorly packed containers may result in damage to dangerous goods packages and escaped cargo causing fire or toxic exposure to personnel or grievous injury even death.

Misdeclaration and non-declaration is a terrible thing. Vessel staff will not know the nature of the goods and the location stowed may adversely affect the cargo which may en route start a fire or explosion.

Firefighting and spillage control on misdeclared or undeclared dangerous goods may be with ineffective or incompatible extinguishing media further increasing the fire or resulting in explosion.

The latest TT Talk highlights on how and why things go wrong includes

1. Interpretation and application of regulations.
2. Shipper’s declaration – Accuracy of dangerous goods declaration
3. Classification
4. Application of special provisions
5. Safety Data Sheets

Read “TT Talk – Ship fires often start ashore” here

Complexity of IMDG Code requires detailed understanding of the Code and ability to interpret the provisions commensurate with the dangerous goods process which includes classification, packaging, marks/labels/placards, prepare DG declaration, interpret and apply segregation so no incompatible goods are loaded in same CTU and more.

Each person involved in transport of dangerous goods must have and understanding on the risks posed by the cargo, its nature and according to the function related to dangerous goods must have detailed understanding of the regulations for the said function.

This is why IMDG Code chapter 1.3, Training, starts with the statement

“The successful application of regulations concerning the transport of dangerous goods and the achievement of their objectives are greatly dependent on the appreciation by all persons concerned of the risks involved and on a detailed understanding of the regulations. This can only be achieved by properly planned and maintained initial and retraining programmes for all persons concerned with the transport of dangerous goods.”

IMDG Code Chapter 1.3, Training, 1.3.0 Introductory note