One of the major changes came in IMDG Code 36-12 is revision of stowage categories of class 1, explosives. Up to 35th amendment of IMDG Code explosives were assigned with one of the stowage categories 01 to 15.
In 36th amendment of IMDG Code, which can be used voluntarily from 1st January 2013 and will become mandatory from 1st Jan 2014, explosives are assigned with one of the stowage categories 01 to 05.
Below is the tabular format of stowage categories in IMDG 36-12, for operational reasons refer to individual entries in IMDG Code and other relevant provisions as applicable.
Stowage categories for Explosives (Class 1) – IMDG 36-12
Stowage on passenger ships
Division 1.4s compatibility group S may be transported without restriction on quantity.
No other goods of class 1 may be transported on passenger ships except:
Compatibility groups C, D and E and articles in group G if the total net explosive mass is not greater than 10 KG per ship and in closed transport unit on or under deck.
Articles in compatibility group B if the total net explosive mass is not greater than 10 kg per ship and in closed transport unit – on deck only.
Positioning of dangerous goods containers on board vessels are categorised by ‘stowage categories’ to ensure safety. Many points are considered by IMDG Code for safe carriage of dangerous goods by sea-going vessels.
container ship leaving bay area (Photo credit: Derell Licht)
On ships there are two different types of stowage (1) On deck and (2) Under Deck. When we look at a container vessel all those containers we see outside are stowed on deck. The containers stowed below the hatch covers are under-deck stowed units.
For other than class 1 ( explosives ) ships are divided into two groups for this purpose
1) cargo ships or passenger ships carrying a number of passengers limited to not more than 25 or to 1 passenger per 3 m of overall length, whichever is the greater number;
2) other passenger ships in which the limiting number of passengers transported is
exceeded.
For every dangerous goods listed in IMDG Code Dangerous Goods List column 16 specifies stowage requirement. This is indicated by Category A, B , C, D or E.
On Deck only stowage is always prescribed for cases where:
.1 constant supervision is required; or
.2 accessibility is particularly required; or
.3 there is a substantial risk of formation of explosive gas mixtures, development of
highly toxic vapours, or unobserved corrosion of the ship
Below is the entry for UN 2076 Class 6.1 CRESOLS, LIQUID, you can see in column 16 it is written Category B. Substances, Materials or Articles assigned with stowage Category B can be loaded on deck or under deck on a cargo ship but on a passenger ship where limitng number of passengers are exceeded Category B must be loaded on deck only!
Stowage Categories for Goods other than Class 1 (Explosives)
Stowage category A
Cargo ships or passenger ships carrying a number of Passengers limited to not more than 25 or to 1 passenger per 3 m of overall length, whichever is the greater number
ON DECK OR UNDER DECK
Other passenger ships in which the limiting number of passengers transported is exceeded
ON DECK OR UNDER DECK
Stowage category B
Cargo ships or passenger ships carrying a number of passengers limited to not more than 25 or to 1 passenger per 3 m of overall length, whichever is the greater number
ON DECK OR UNDER DECK
Other passenger ships in which the limiting number of passengers transported is exceeded
ON DECK ONLY
Stowage category C
Cargo ships or passenger ships carrying a number of passengers limited to not more than 25 or to 1 passenger per 3 m of overall length, whichever is the greater number
ON DECK ONLY
Other passenger ships in which the limiting number of passengers transported is exceeded
ON DECK ONLY
Stowage category D
Cargo ships or passenger ships carrying a number of passengers limited to not more than 25 or to 1 passenger per 3 m of overall length, whichever is the greater number
ON DECK ONLY
Other passenger ships in which the limiting number of passengers transported is exceeded
PROHIBITED
Stowage category E
Cargo ships or passenger ships carrying a number of passengers limited to not more than 25 or to 1 passenger per 3 m of overall length, whichever is the greater number
ON DECK OR UNDER DECK
Other passenger ships in which the limiting number of passengers transported is exceeded
PROHIBITED
You may refer IMDG Code 35th Amendment Chapter 7.1 for full details of stowage requirements including those for Class 1 ( Explosives ).
IMDG Code Compliance Centre 