Anglo-Eastern Maritime Training Centre

Participant Hand-out
SECOND MATE (FOREIGN GOING)
Sec: SM (FG) Date: 18.01.2013 Revision: 0 Prep: SN Appr: KND Page 1 of 3

Competence No. 10: Monitor the loading, stowage, securing and unloading of
cargoes and their care during the voyage

10.3 Dangerous, Hazardous and Harmful (Marine Pollutants) Cargoes

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10.3.2 Keeping a safe deck watch in port when carrying hazardous cargo

INDEX

Define:

Hazardous cargo

Explain:

Special requirements when carrying hazardous cargo

Procedure for entry into enclosed spaces and permit to work and for rescue

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 Anglo-Eastern Maritime Training Centre
Participant Hand-out
SECOND MATE (FOREIGN GOING)
Sec: SM (FG) Date: 18.01.2013 Revision: 0 Prep: SN Appr: KND Page 2 of 3

Description

Hazardous cargo

Dangerous goods is a general term used to describe materials and objects which pose
particular hazards to life, property and environment by virtue of their nature, properties or

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condition and that therefore require special safety-intensive transport. Dangerous goods
are classified in nine different classes for each of which specific safety requirements have
to be met.

In the event of any dangerous goods or harmful substances being carried aboard the
general cargo ship, reference to ‘The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG)’
code (volume 1, 2 and supplement) should be consulted. Additionally, the Material Safety
Data Sheets contained in the Tanker Safety Guide (Gas and Chemical) issued by the
International Chamber of Shipping may be appropriate.

Such goods/substances must be classified, packaged and labeled in accord with the
Merchant Shipping Regulations. Such trailers or vehicles should be given special
consideration when being loaded and inspected for leakage prior to loading on the vessel.
Such vehicles/containers should also be provided with adequate stowage that will provide
good ventilation in the event of leakage whilst in transit, e.g., upper deck stowage,
exposed to atmosphere is recommended as a general rule.

Deck Officers should pay particular attention to the securing of such transports to ensure
negative movement of the unit. Special attention should also be given to the securing of
adjacent units to prevent escalation of cargo shifting in a seaway. Tank vehicles may not
necessarily be carrying hazardous goods, but any spillage of the contents could act as a
lubricant on surrounding units and generate a major cargo shift on Ro-Ro vessels in heavy
seas.

In the event that a cargo parcel/unit is found to be ‘leaking’ or have exposed hazards, the
nature of the cargo should be ascertained and personnel kept clear of the immediate area
until the degree of hazard is confirmed. In any event the unit should not be accepted for
shipment and rejected until satisfactorily contained.

Where a hazardous substance is discovered at sea, to be a threat to personnel, full

information should be sought as soon as possible. Any action taken would reflect on the
nature of the substance and the emergency actions stipulated in carriage instructions. It
may become prudent to seek additional instructions from the manufacturer of the
substance and act accordingly.

The shipping procedure for hazardous/dangerous goods is as follows:

1. The shipper is responsible for obtaining the ‘Export License’ for the shipment.

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 Anglo-Eastern Maritime Training Centre
Participant Hand-out
SECOND MATE (FOREIGN GOING)
Sec: SM (FG) Date: 18.01.2013 Revision: 0 Prep: SN Appr: KND Page 3 of 3

2. The shipper would also be responsible for marking and labeling the goods to be
shipped in accord with the IMDG Code.

3. The shipper would then be in a position to contact the Shipping Companies Agents and
must provide: The Number of packages, their weight, the value, the volume, and any
special requirements that may be required for the cargo.

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4. Customs clearance would be required, and the goods may be liable to inspection.

5. The bill of lading is also liable to be endorsed, especially if packages are damaged and
are rejected.

6. The goods would be listed in the ship’s manifest and on the ship’s cargo plan.

7. Ship’s Officers would check the details of the goods including the labeling, the
respective UN Number, the condition of the package, together with any special stowage
requirements prior to loading the cargo.

8. Throughout this procedure the Ship’s Master has the right to accept or reject the cargo
prior to loading.

Once stowed on board the vessel the IMDG Code requirements would be followed
throughout the period of the voyage.

Procedure for entry into enclosed spaces

The topic of enclosed spaces has been covered under header 10.5 which shall be referred
to for further details.

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