Column 15 of dangerous goods list in chapter 3.2 of IMDG Code refers to emergency schedules for FIRE and SPILLAGE in the EmS Guide – Emergency Response Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods.

• The first EmS code refers to the relevant Fire Schedule (e.g. Fire Schedule Alfa “F-A” General Fire Schedule).
• The second EmS code refers to the relevant Spillage Schedule (e.g. Spillage Schedule Alfa “S-A” Toxic Substances).

As per IMDG Code dangerous goods under N.O.S. entries or other generic entries, the most relevant emergency response procedures may vary with the properties of the hazardous constituents. As a consequence, shippers may have to declare different EmS codes from those indicated, if, to their knowledge, such codes are more appropriate.

I have seen a shipping document for a UN number assigned in IMDG Code with EmS F–A GENERAL FIRE SCHEDULE changed by shipper to F–G WATER-REACTIVE SUBSTANCES.

In below table we can see the differences between F-A & F-G for water as a firefighting medium.

In this case shipper with her/his knowledge about the product changed the EmS for effective emergency response. If not, it may be goodbye to the vessel and her crew!!!

I wonder how those carriers having software with non-editable field for EmS in both dangerous goods approval and load list (DG Manifest) generation will convey this information to the Master. By a separate document? Email? And how many shippers show such due diligence!