Safety is a major concern on all ships especially passenger ships. In the article titled Do ships have specific holds for Dangerous Goods? we discussed the basic requirement for a ship to carry dangerous goods.
IMO defines passenger ship as a ship carrying more than 12 passengers – on international voyages. Let us look at the provisions for carriage of dangerous goods on passenger ships which also includes ROPAX (roll-on/roll-off passenger) ships.
Permission to load dangerous goods on deck or under deck is specified through stowage categories assigned in column 16a of dangerous goods list in chapter 3.2 of IMDG Code.
Explosives on Passenger ships
For Class 1, Explosives, stowage categories are assigned as 01 to 05.
Section 7.1.4.4.5 of IMDG Code restrict the total quantity of explosives according to compatibility group of explosives.
In the above list, UN Number 0073 DETONATORS FOR AMMUNITION, Class 1.1B may be loaded maximum 10 Kg net explosive content in a closed container only on deck on passenger ship.
Non-explosives Dangerous Goods on passenger ships
For classes 2 to 9 stowage categories assigned are A to E.
In above list, only UN 1002 may be loaded on deck or underdeck on passenger ship.
UN Nos. 2930 & 1457 can only be loaded on deck.
UN 1001 & 1035 are prohibited on passenger ships.
Vessel operators must be very careful while accepting to load dangerous goods on passenger ships as stowage categories may change as per packing group assigned to the goods or whether goods are containerized or not.
Example:
- UN 1993, FLAMMABLE LIQUID, N.O.S., Class 3, PG I – Category E
- UN 1993, FLAMMABLE LIQUID, N.O.S., Class 3, PG II – Category B
- UN 1993, FLAMMABLE LIQUID, N.O.S., Class 3, PG III – Category A
- UN 2794 BATTERIES, WET, FILLED WITH ACID, Class 8 in closed container – Category A
- UN 2794 BATTERIES, WET, FILLED WITH ACID, Class 8 unit loads in open container – Category B
Flammable liquid
On Passenger vessels flammable liquids having a flashpoint of less than 23°C.c.c, must be stowed on deck only.
Ventilation provisions for Passenger vessels
Under deck spaces must be provided with mechanical ventilation for below goods, if they are permitted under deck in IMDG Code
- dangerous goods of class 2.1;
- dangerous goods of class 3 with a flash point of less than 23°C c.c.;
- dangerous goods of class 4.3;
- dangerous goods of class 6.1 with a subsidiary risk of class 3;
- dangerous goods of class 8 with a subsidiary risk of class 3, and
- dangerous goods to which a specific stowage requirement requiring mechanical ventilation assigned by IMDG Code.
Access to cargo spaces
On passenger vessels and RO-RO vessels access to cargo spaces must be restricted unless accompanied by ship’s authorized officer or crew member.
Radioactive Materials
Radioactive materials loading on passenger ships are restricted by radiation levels.
For more information, refer to chapter 7.1 & 7.5 of IMDG Code 37th amendment.