TT Talk - IMDG Code Revision
Readers of TT Talk may well remember the article we published about the IMDG Code Amendment 34-08 which came into mandatory force in January this year. The article pointed out that a major change in the IMDG Code was the introduction of new mandatory training requirements for shore side staff involved in the preparation, handling and transport of dangerous goods by sea. Accidents involving packaged dangerous goods continue to occur and this measure was seen as an important element in the wider programme of tackling this issues.
The IMDG Code revision affects all those involved in classifying, consigning, packaging, marking, declaring, documenting, container packing, handling and accepting dangerous goods - a vast array of people throughout the entire supply chain, not just those involved at the port or onboard ship. As the Club has previously advised, everybody involved in the chain, including booking staff, carry responsibility to be aware of and apply these important international rules. Where customers are unable to find appropriate training, help is at hand. The Club is aware of a number of different approaches being taken - from face-to-face training courses to online tools. One example of the latter is an e-learning system developed by Exis Technologies. The course has been developed by a dedicated team of specialists and the support of industry and IMO, and has been certified against the DNV (Det Norske Veritas) Standard for Certification of Learning Programmes. It is tailored to the IMDG Code requirements for both general awareness and function specific training. The course comprises modules dealing with topics such as classification or consignment, with elements corresponding to lessons. There are self assessment tests at the end of each element to ensure that a good understanding of the course content is being gained as the student progresses, building towards a Course Completion Certificate and overall score. The next amendment of the IMDG Code (35-10) will be issued later this year and enter transitional force from 1 January 2011; the Club will provide further advice on the changes nearer the end of this year.
The Club recommended that those who deal with shippers, consignors and consolidators develop a simple strategy aimed at informing and, eventually, achieving the goal of the new requirement as far as its customers are concerned. It is recognised that certain jurisdictions already have training requirements relating to dangerous goods.
A demonstration of IMDG Code e-learning and online brochure can be found at
. For further information please contact Melanie Stephenson at Exis Technologies (+44 1325 467836 or melanie.stephenson@existec.com). Other information can be found also at
, including validation of products against the IMDG Code requirements, from packing to segregation and marking and placarding to documentation.
