Course Description:

HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials) General Awareness and Familiarisation Training is mandatory for all crew members involved in the transport and handling of dangerous and hazardous cargoes. This course provides comprehensive familiarisation with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, and U.S. CFR 49 requirements. It covers the description and classification of dangerous goods, IMDG classes, labelling, marking, placarding, packing, stowage, segregation, and compatibility provisions. Learners will also gain knowledge on the handling and care of hazardous solid bulk cargoes, including those presenting chemical hazards or classified as Materials Hazardous Only in Bulk (MHB). The course further explains the purpose and content of dangerous goods transport documents and provides guidance on available emergency response procedures and recommended safety measures in accordance with the IMO MFAG and relevant international regulations.

Learning objectives: At the end of the training course the participant shall:

HAZMAT 1 – Introduction to Dangerous Goods 

• Understand the legal requirements of the IMDG Code and CFR 49 
• Explain the ship’s related documentation requirements when carrying Dangerous cargoes 
• Memorise the structure of the International Maritime Dangerous Code (IMDG Code) 
• Interpret the structure of the IMDG Code Volume II – Dangerous Goods List and its content 
• Map the Dangerous and Hazardous cargoes with their corresponding hazards and risks 

HAZMAT 2 – Identification, Marking, Labelling 

• List the different classes of Dangerous cargoes 
• Explain the proper marking, labelling and placarding requirements of Dangerous cargoes 
• Describe what is considered as Dangerous goods, hazards and dangers 
• Identify the compatibility among dangerous cargo classes 
• Identify what is considered to be Dangerous cargoes based on two elements 

 HAZMAT 3 – Quantities and Packaging 

•  List the requirements of Limited and Excepted Quantities 
• Differentiate the Limited and Excepted Quantities 
• Identify the proper placarding of Dangerous cargoes in Limited and Excepted Quantities 
• Describe the packaging requirements of Dangerous and Hazardous cargoes as described by the Code 
• Explain the importance of proper packaging of dangerous cargoes 
• List the Codes’ different packaging group requirements 

HAZMAT 4 – Documentation and Stowage Segregation 

•  List the requirements of Portable Tanks; Road Vehicles and Multiple Element Gas Containers (MEGCs) 
• Understand Bulk Containers’ characteristics, markings and their provision as described by the Code 
• Memorise the contents of the Dangerous cargo manifest 
• Demonstrate how to apply the emergency procedure in the event of Fire and Spillage involving dangerous cargoes 
• Explain the stowage and segregation provision 

HAZMAT 5 – Multi-modal Transportation 

•  List the carrying requirements of the Cargo Transport Unit 
• Describe the security measures of carrying highly dangerous cargo 
• Identify the different forms of transporting dangerous cargoes and their corresponding regulation 

Course Sections:

HAZMAT 1 – Introduction to Dangerous Goods 

• Section 1: Dangerous Goods 
• Section 2: The IMDG Code
• Section 3: International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC)
• Section 4: Structure of Dangerous Goods List
• Section 5: Dangerous Cargo Related Shipping Documents
• Section 6: Medical First Aid Guide (IMO MFAG)

HAZMAT 2 – Identification, Marking, Labelling and Placarding

• Section 1: Identification of Dangerous Cargo
• Section 2: Marking, Labelling and Placarding

HAZMAT 3 – Quantities and Packaging of Dangerous Goods

• Section 1: Limited and Expected Quantities
• Section 2: Packaging of Dangerous Cargo

HAZMAT 4 – Documentation and stowage/segregation 

• Section 1: Portable Tanks; Road Vehicles and Multiple- Element Gas Containers (MEGCs) 
• Section 2: Dangerous Cargo Documentation
• Section 3: Emergency Response Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods (EmS Guide)
• Section 4: Stowage and Segregation

HAZMAT 5 – Multi-modal transportation

• Section 1: Use and Transport of Cargo Transport Unit (CTUs) 
• Section 2: Highly Hazardous Dangerous Goods- Security 
• Section 3: Multi-Modal Publications 

Target Audience:

Master; Deck Officers and Ratings responsible for cargo handling on ships carrying dangerous and hazardous substances in bulk or in package form.

Accreditation/Recognition:

This course is recognised by and meeting the requirements of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology. (IMarEST)

Regulations and Further Resources:

· International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG)

· US CFR 49- Code of Federal Regulation 171-173, 176 and subchapter C

· STCW Section B-V/b and section B-V/c

· IMSBC Code

· Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP) – section on Handling Dangerous

Substances and Chemical Hazards

· MARPOL, 1973/78 – Annex III: Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged

Form

· International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, 2024 Edition (Amendment 42-24) – IMO