Operational Guide · Registers & Logbooks

# 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.

IMDG training training dangerous goods crew

## Operational Explanation

Chapter 1.3 of the IMDG Code sets out three levels of mandatory training for personnel involved in the carriage of dangerous goods: General Awareness/Familiarization Training (for all personnel, on the general nature of the risks), Function-Specific Training (for personnel with direct responsibility for classification, packing, stowage or documentation) and Safety Training (on specific risks, emergency procedures and first aid).

Training must be updated periodically (typically every two years, or with every significant new amendment to the Code, such as Amendment 42-24) and documented with a record kept on board, verifiable by the PSC.

## Regulatory Reference

IMDG Code Chapter 1.3 (Training) sets out the three levels of mandatory training and the update frequency; training must be documented and made available for verification. The ISM Code requires this specific training to be integrated into the company's training plan.

## Scope of Application

All crew members involved, in any capacity, in the acceptance, stowage, documentation or emergency management of dangerous goods, with the company responsible for ensuring differentiated training paths by role.

## Procedure / How to Complete It

1. Identify, for each crew member, the level of IMDG training required based on their role and specific responsibilities.
2. Check the date of the last training received and its consistency with the IMDG Code edition currently in force.
3. Schedule the training update before the periodic deadline, and in any case with every significant new amendment (such as Amendment 42-24).
4. Document the training received (date, content, reference edition) in a register available for PSC verification.
5. Integrate IMDG training with periodic practical drills, not limiting it to theoretical shore-based modules.

## Practical Example

Example: an officer with cargo acceptance responsibilities receives Function-Specific Training updated to Amendment 42-24, which includes the new classifications for sodium-ion batteries, with a corresponding entry in the ship's training register, available for PSC review.

## Real Cases

International PSC analyses report training that is not up to date or not documented as one of the most common deficiencies in the area of dangerous goods, often more frequent than classification errors themselves: a crew that has been trained but whose refresher is not documented still risks a deficiency, showing how the traceability of training is as important as the training itself.

## Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it
--- | --- | ---
Generic IMDG training for the entire crew, without distinguishing between the three levels required by Chapter 1.3 | Personnel with direct responsibilities not adequately prepared for their specific functions | Differentiate training paths for General Awareness, Function-Specific and Safety Training according to the actual role
Training register not updated or not immediately consultable on board | PSC deficiency even when the substantive training has actually been delivered | Maintain a structured training register, with date, content and reference edition, always available
Training not updated after a significant new amendment to the IMDG Code | Personnel not prepared for new classifications (e.g. sodium-ion batteries under Amendment 42-24) | Schedule the training update to coincide with the entry into force of every new amendment

## PSC Observations

PSCOs check for the presence of an IMDG training register differentiated by level and role, its consistency with the edition of the Code in force, and may directly question personnel to verify practical understanding of the training content received, not just the formal documentation.

## Operational Tips

- Do not settle for a single generic course for everyone: check that each role receives the level of IMDG training actually required by their responsibilities.
- Schedule the training update ahead of the mandatory entry into force of a new amendment, not just before the deadline.
- Prepare the crew to answer direct questions from the PSCO on the training content received: paper documentation alone is not enough to demonstrate effective training.

## Checklist

- IMDG training level identified for each role on board
- Training register updated with date, content and reference edition
- Training scheduled to coincide with significant new amendments
- Practical periodic drills integrated with theoretical training
- Personnel able to answer direct PSC checks on the content received

## FAQ

What are the three levels of training required by Chapter 1.3 of the IMDG Code?
General Awareness/Familiarization (for all personnel), Function-Specific Training (for those with direct responsibility for classification, packing, stowage or documentation) and Safety Training (on specific risks and emergencies).
How often must IMDG training be updated?
Typically every two years, and in any case with every significant new amendment to the Code that introduces substantial changes, such as Amendment 42-24.
Is paper documentation enough to demonstrate training to the PSC?
No: although the training register is necessary, PSCOs may directly question personnel to check their practical understanding of the content, rather than relying solely on documentary verification.
🎬 Additional photos, videos and interactive diagrams for this topic will be available in a future version of the platform.

## Related Topics

IMDG Code — Carriage of Dangerous Goods in Packaged Form EmS Guide and MFAG: Responding to Emergencies Involving Dangerous Goods

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