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It is the responsibility of shipper to classify dangerous goods. Classification includes assignment of UN Number, Proper shipping name, packing group when assigned etc. Once the dangerous goods is identified by classification then it is the shippers’ responsibility to pack in packages, mark and label the packages, placard the container and prepare and sign dangerous goods declaration.

From the information obtained from shipper’s declaration the carrier will decide stowage onboard ships and the vessel’s crew will act on emergency response if any incident/accident occurs.

I have not touched upon the responsibilities of competent authorities in classification of explosives, self-reactive substance, organic peroxides or issuing approvals as required by IMDG Code or the packer’s responsibilities for containerized shipments.

This is just to highlight that IMDG Code relies on classification and self-declaration of dangerous goods by shippers hence the accuracy of shipper’s declaration is penultimate in safety of life at sea and prevention of marine pollution.