The International Maritime Dangerous Goods code dictates how ships must package, label, stow and segregate hazardous cargo. It classifies risks into nine categories, ranging from explosives to radioactive materials, to prevent chemical reactions, fires and environmental disasters. Shippers and vessel operators rely on this strict framework to ensure compliant documentation and physical safety during sea transit.
Heard on the job
We can't load those chemical totes next to the fertilizer without checking the IMDG segregation tables first.
Insider tip
A common error is failing to update declarations when a substance is reclassified under a new IMDG amendment, which results in cargo being rejected at the loading terminal.
Also heard as
- IMDG Code