What are the rules for shipping dangerous goods by sea?

1, Basic content of maritime dangerous goods regulations
The Maritime Dangerous Goods Code usually refers to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), which is the core rule developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to guide the global ocean transportation of packaged dangerous goods. This rule was developed by an expert working group appointed by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) and has undergone multiple revisions and improvements to adapt to the constantly changing international maritime environment and the development of dangerous goods transportation technology.
The content of IMDG Code includes multiple parts, covering various aspects such as classification, packaging, labeling, labeling, transportation, loading and unloading, and storage of hazardous materials. Among them, the classification of dangerous goods is the core of the rules, which divides them into nine categories based on their physical and chemical characteristics, including explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidants and organic peroxides, toxic and infectious substances, radioactive substances, corrosive substances, and miscellaneous dangerous substances and items. Each type of hazardous material has its specific transportation requirements and safety precautions.
2, Purpose of Implementing the Maritime Dangerous Goods Regulations
The implementation purposes of the Maritime Dangerous Goods Regulations mainly include the following aspects:
Ensuring maritime transportation safety: By standardizing the classification, packaging, labeling, and transportation of hazardous materials, we ensure their safety during maritime transportation and prevent accidents from occurring.
Reduce casualties and property damage: Once accidents occur during the transportation of dangerous goods, they often result in serious casualties and property damage. By implementing dangerous goods regulations, the probability of accidents can be reduced, thereby reducing casualties and property damage.
Protecting the marine environment from pollution: Leakage or discharge of hazardous materials into the ocean can cause serious damage to the marine ecosystem. By implementing hazardous material regulations, it is possible to prevent the leakage or discharge of hazardous materials into the ocean, protecting the marine environment from pollution.
Promoting international trade and economic development: The transportation of dangerous goods is an important component of international trade. By implementing dangerous goods regulations, the safety and stability of dangerous goods transportation can be ensured, providing strong guarantees for international trade and promoting the healthy development of the global economy.
3, Main classifications of maritime dangerous goods regulations
According to the IMDG Code, dangerous goods are divided into nine categories, each with specific transportation requirements and safety precautions. Here is a brief introduction to the nine major categories of dangerous goods:
Explosive: a substance or item that poses a risk of overall explosion or ejection, such as detonators, detonators, etc.
Gases: including flammable gases, non flammable and non-toxic gases, and toxic gases such as hydrogen, methane, chlorine, etc.
Flammable liquid: a liquid that is easily volatile and flammable at room temperature, such as gasoline, alcohol, etc.
Flammable solids, self igniting substances, and substances that release flammable gases when in contact with water: including flammable solids, self reactive substances, solid desensitized explosives, self igniting substances, and substances that release flammable gases when in contact with water, such as red phosphorus, sulfur, yellow phosphorus, etc.
Oxidants and organic peroxides: substances with strong oxidizing properties that can react violently with flammable substances, such as sodium nitrate, potassium permanganate, etc.
Toxic and infectious substances: substances that harm human health, cause death, and substances known or reasonably believed to contain pathogens, such as mercuric chloride, medical waste, etc.
Radioactive material: a substance, such as uranium, that can emit a large amount of radiation from within an atomic nucleus that is imperceptible to human senses.
Corrosive substances: substances that can burn human tissues and cause damage to metal and other objects, such as sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, etc.
Miscellaneous dangerous substances and items: Other dangerous goods besides the above eight categories, such as batteries, magnetic substances, etc.
4, The specific application of maritime dangerous goods regulations in international maritime transportation
The specific application of maritime dangerous goods regulations in international shipping is reflected in the following aspects:
Classification and packaging of goods: Based on the physical and chemical characteristics of dangerous goods, classify them correctly and package them according to the prescribed packaging requirements to ensure the safety of dangerous goods during transportation.
Marking and labeling: Correctly mark and label dangerous goods packaging to alert relevant personnel to the presence of dangerous goods and take corresponding safety precautions.
Transportation and loading/unloading: Transport and load/unload dangerous goods according to the prescribed transportation methods and loading/unloading procedures, ensuring the stability and safety of dangerous goods during transportation.
Storage and management: When storing hazardous materials, appropriate safety measures should be taken, such as setting up fire prevention, explosion prevention, leak prevention facilities, and conducting regular safety inspections and maintenance.
Emergency response: Develop emergency plans and conduct regular drills and training to respond to potential hazardous material accidents, reduce casualties and property damage.