What are precautions while carrying dangerous cargo in container vessel?

  1. Every dangerous cargo shipment shall be made in line with IMO policy and be accompanied by required documentation.
  2. Dangerous cargo with restricted/prohibited UN numbers shall not be accepted for shipment unless under special circumstance express permission is obtained from the company. 
  3. DG containers must be checked for condition prior loading and leaking or damaged containers posing a hazard, shall be rejected.
  4. Before loading dangerous cargo, the company or agent must make available to the ship a copy of the shippers declaration which contains the 
    • Correct Technical Name of the contents of the container.
    • N Number
    • Class according to the IMDG Code
    • Weight
    • Container Number
    • A Statement that the goods have been properly packed & the container is
  5. All Dangerous goods containers must be checked for proper label/placard as required by the IMDG code. A stock of spare labels/placards must be kept on board.
  6. From the Technical Name, look up the index in volume ‘I’ of the IMDG Code & find out the volume & page number where the Individual Schedule of the cargo is listed. Also identify the EMS & MFAG Numbers .
  7. From find out the action to be taken in case of various emergencies. Medical aid & promulgate this information to concerned members of the ship’s staff.
  8. It must be ensured that all DG containers are loaded in the planned stow position. Any discrepancies shall be brought to the notice of the Terminal planner / Central planner and / or local agent as required. 
  9. The requisite day/night signals for vessels carrying / loading / discharging dangerous cargo shall be displayed.
  10. Carry out drills & instruct the crew members regarding action to be taken in an emergency & use of emergency equipment.
  11. Check lashing frequently y especially if bad weather is expected.

The final condition may be accepted only if meeting all stowage and segregation requirements; else it must be corrected by discharging / shifting concerned container(s). 

SHASHI RANJAN

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