Maritime Dangerous Goods

Transporting dangerous goods by ship is a unique situation, due to the large quantities that are involved, the lengthy travel times, and other transportation factors (heat, humidity, exposure to water, severe movement, etc.). The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Dangerous Goods Code specifies the requirements that must be followed.

To order your copy of the IMO Regulations click here.

A thorough knowledge of dangerous goods must be obtained before you move dangerous goods by ship. Our Maritime Dangerous Goods Training Program is designed to assist you in helping your clients move dangerous goods efficiently and safely.  Even items that may not initially be considered dangerous goods may be hazardous ("hidden dangerous goods"):

• automobile/motorcycle parts ... may contain air bag inflators, fuel tanks containing fuel, shocks/struts filled with nitrogen, wet batteries, etc.

• electrical equipment ... may contain mercury or wet batteries - expeditionary equipment ... may contain explosives (flares), flammable gases (butane, propane), flammable liquids (kerosene, gasoline), flammable solids (matches), etc.

• household goods ... may contain corrosives (bleach, drain or oven cleaners, etc.), gases (aerosols, propane. etc.), flammable liquids (adhesives, paints, polishes, etc.), flammable solids (matches), etc.

• machinery parts ... may contain adhesives, cylinders of compressed or liquefied gases, paints, sealants, wet and lithium batteries, mercury, etc.

It is essential that everyone who deals with any cargo (whether it is initially thought to contain dangerous goods or not) is properly trained to look for these "hidden dangerous goods", and to ensure the whole supply chain is made safer.  Even if a company does not deal with dangerous goods, they should have some of their staff trained to recognize potential dangerous goods in their cargo.
 

Please note that Canadian law requires training for persons dealing with Dangerous Goods:

TDGR 6.1: "A person who handles, offers for transport or transports dangerous goods must

(a) be adequately trained and hold a training certificate in accordance with the Part; or

(b) perform those activities in the presence and under the direct supervision of a person who is adequately trained and who holds a training certificate in accordance with this Part."

Anyone who fail to comply with the TDGR, including the above mentioned training requirements, may be in violation of Canadian law, and are subject to legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.