IMDG Training for Shipping Dangerous Goods

International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code

Prerequisite: TDG Handler training

This training is suitable for any person handling, packaging and storing in accordance with the regulations on the transport of dangerous goods by sea as per the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code).

We cover the following topics:

• How to navigate through IMDG Code volumes 1&2
• Proper shipping names and safety marks
• Appropriate standardized containers
• Packing instructions
• Special provisions applicable
• Compliant shipping documents preparation
• Exemptions allowed to help limit costs
• Segregation of dangerous goods

We privilege enjoyable learning with the help of games and didactic material. Each participant will receive a training booklet for future reference and a training certificate in accordance with Transport Canada standards.

Summary and objectives of the training

Who is this training for?

This training is intended for people who have already taken IMDG training and who need to update their certification, since certification in the transport of dangerous goods by sea must be renewed every 3 years.

If you send dangerous goods by sea, even in small quantities, this training is mandatory. If you wonder about any of the following questions in the course of your work, IMDG training will allow you to be able to send compliant packages and avoid rejected and returned shipments. The shipment of a dangerous product by ship begins in the laboratory with a good classification and the choice of packaging. 

• Are you able to properly classify your product for transport?
• Are you able to choose the right container?
• Do you know the packaging standards?
• Would you be able to recognize non-compliant packaging?
• Do you know how to fill out the appropriate documentation?
• Do you know the legal repercussions and dangers of a non-compliant shipment?

Do I need to have any prerequisites to take this course?

This training focuses on shipping hazardous materials by sea. You will learn how to prepare your packages so that they comply with the regulations in force and how to produce the necessary documents for these shipments. This is a refresher course, so you must have completed IMDG training in the past. This training will allow you to update yourself with the regulations.

Learning Objective

This training aims to support companies that must send their dangerous goods by sea according to the IMDG Code. Each participant will learn to master all the steps from classification to documentation for their shipments. 

We will deal with the following topics: 

• Classification according to the 9 classes
• Particularities of maritime transport
• How to find the information in the IMDG Code
• Packaging requirements
• Documentation Requirements

The training also includes practical exercises to make the learning a reality. Each participant will receive a training workbook for future reference and a training certificate.

Training outline 

Module 1: Regulatory Context 

Objective of the module: to be able to

• Understand everyone's responsibilities.
• Find information in regulations
• Understand the need for comprehensive classification.

1.1 Legal responsibilities of each of the TDGR actors
1.1.1 The shipper and importer, the carrier and the handler
1.1.2 Offences and Penalties
1.2 IMDG Code
1.2.1 Transport's Conditions
1.2.2 Regulatory structure

Module 2: Classification

Objective of the module: to be able to

• Understand the need for comprehensive classification.
• Know the particularities of maritime transport
• Understand the hazards associated with lithium batteries
• Understand the Dangerous Goods List

2.1 Classification
2.1.1 What is a dangerous good?
2.1.2 Definitions of classes 1 to 9
2.1.3 Lithium batteries (an introduction)
2.1.4 Marine pollutants
2.2 Dangerous Goods Numerical and Alphabetical Lists
2.3 Stowage and segregation

Module 3: Documentation

Objective of the module: to be able to

• Judge the conformity or not of a shipping document
• Write compliant shipping documents.

3.1 Shipper's declaration
3.1.1 Formats and requirements
3.2 Emergency Response Instructions

Module 4: Marking, Labelling and Packaging

Objective of the module: to be able to

• Judge the conformity of safety marks on a package
• Properly complete the marks and labelling of a package 
• Recognize standardized packaging. 
• Understand packing instructions. 
• Choose the right packaging

4.1 Requirements for marking and labelling
4.2 Placards
4.3 Overpack
4.4 Characteristics of standardized packaging
4.4.1 Types and packaging codes
4.4.2 Requirements
4.4.3 Packaging groups
4.5 Packing instruction
4.5.1 Small packages
4.5.2 Large packaging
4.5.3 Bulk packaging
4.6 Load
4.7 Report

Module 5: Exemptions and Training

Objective of the module: to be able to

• Justify the need to be trained in the IMDG
• Properly apply limited and excepted quantity exemptions
• Synthesize regulations in real situations

5.1 Limited quantity exemption
5.2 Excepted quantity exemption
5.3 Training
5.4 Package Checklist