Thematic module · twelfth module developed

# Dangerous Goods & Chemical Cargo Live

Dangerous goods beyond basic IMDG: Dangerous Goods Manifest and notification to authorities, CTU Code, IBC Code and chemical tankers, lithium batteries and thermal runaway, EmS Guide/MFAG, IGC Code and liquefied gases, crew IMDG training, IMSBC Code and solid bulk cargo liquefaction, MARPOL Annex III, carriage of radioactive materials (Class 7/INF Code), dangerous goods on general cargo ships.

Each topic below brings together, in a single place: an operational explanation, the regulatory reference, scope of application, procedure, practical example, real cases, common mistakes, PSC observations, operational tips, a checklist and FAQ — regulations verified as of July 2026.

### Dangerous Goods Manifest and Notification to Port Authorities

Beyond the Dangerous Goods Declaration for each individual shipment, the ship must keep a complete Dangerous Goods Manifest and notify port authorities of the dangerous goods on board before arrival.

### CTU Code: Packing and Stowage of Cargo Transport Units

The IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for the packing of Cargo Transport Units provides practical guidance for filling, stowing and securing cargo inside containers and other transport units, with particular attention to dangerous goods.

### IBC Code and Operations on Chemical Tankers

The IBC Code governs the construction, equipment and operations of ships carrying dangerous chemicals in bulk, classifying ships into three types according to the risk level of the cargo they may carry.

### Lithium Batteries: Thermal Runaway and Fire Response on Board

Fires linked to lithium-ion batteries are growing sharply in maritime transport: understanding the thermal runaway phenomenon and response techniques is essential, since conventional extinguishers do not stop it.

### EmS Guide and MFAG: Responding to Emergencies Involving Dangerous Goods

The EmS Guide provides fire and spillage response procedures for every entry in the IMDG Code, while the MFAG guides medical first aid in the event of exposure to dangerous substances: both are mandatory on board and updated with the 2024 edition.

### Liquefied Gases and Operational Notes on the IGC Code

The IGC Code governs the construction and equipment of gas carriers (LNG, LPG and other liquefied gases in bulk): cryogenic temperatures, containment systems and boil-off gas require specific operational competence.

### IMDG Training and Crew Education

The IMDG Code imposes differentiated training requirements by role (general awareness, function-specific, safety training) with a mandatory periodic refresher: generic or expired training is among the most frequent deficiencies found by the PSC.

### Dangerous Solid Bulk Cargoes: the IMSBC Code, Liquefaction and Self-Heating

Nickel ore, bauxite fines and iron ore fines can turn from a solid into sludge during the voyage: liquefaction of Group A bulk cargoes has caused the loss of several ships and is now governed by increasingly detailed cargo schedules.

### MARPOL Annex III: Harmful Substances Carried in Packaged Form

If a substance is classified as a marine pollutant in the IMDG Code, it is automatically a harmful substance under MARPOL Annex III as well: two distinct regulatory frameworks that apply together to the same shipment.

### Carriage of Radioactive Materials: IMDG Class 7 and the INF Code

Carrying irradiated nuclear fuel requires more than the right packaging: it requires the explicit approval of the flag State and of every coastal State along the route.

### Dangerous Goods in Holds on Non-Containerised General Cargo Ships

Without a container's walls acting as a physical barrier, segregating dangerous goods in the hold of a general cargo ship depends entirely on the discipline of the stowage plan.

Coming in future updates to this module: formal adoption of the IGC Code amendment package expected in December 2026, first practical experience applying the new SP980 for the carriage of battery-powered vehicles following the start of voluntary application of Amendment 43-26, coordination between the INF Code and port radiological emergency response plans.

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