EmS Guide and MFAG: Responding to Emergencies Involving Dangerous Goods
The IMDG Code requires appropriate emergency information immediately available; the EmS Guide and MFAG are recognised IMO tools, while specific carriage duties depend on flag, law and SMS.
Operational Explanation
IMDG 5.4.3 requires appropriate emergency response information immediately available. The EmS Guide and MFAG organise that response and are normally adopted by flag/SMS, while Chapter 7.8 remains recommendatory. Mere absence of the latest publication is not automatically a deficiency in every regime.
Regulatory Reference
IMDG 5.4.3: appropriate information immediately available. EmS/MFAG: recognised IMO tools normally expected where adopted by flag/SMS. Directive 92/29/EEC: ships flying a Member State flag or registered under its plenary jurisdiction, subject to categories, annexes and exceptions.
MSC.1/Circ.1588/Rev.3 (19 June 2024) reflects IMDG 42-24. The newer Rev.4 of 14 July 2026 supersedes Rev.3 and reflects IMDG 43-26, whose voluntary application starts on 1 January 2027 and mandatory entry into force is envisaged for 1 January 2028. Distinguish the latest circular from the IMDG amendment applicable to the cargo and coordinate the transition with flag requirements and the SMS. The EmS column identifies fire (F) and spillage (S) schedules; several substances may share a schedule. Consult the introductions, general guidance and cargo-specific schedules. EmS — MSC.1/Circ.1588/Rev.4, 5–7.
MFAG addresses first aid and complements onboard medical information; it does not replace medical advice. Check telemedical contacts and communication means, personnel competence and availability of required medical supplies. Directive 92/29/EEC: medical assistance.
Scope of Application
Ships carrying dangerous goods: emergency information adequate to the actual cargo. A specific EmS/MFAG edition, medical supplies and antidotes follow applicable flag, national/regional law and SMS, not mere entry into an EU port.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Link every UN entry to appropriate emergency information and make it immediately available.
- Check current EmS/MFAG where adopted by flag/SMS.
- Align manifest, stowage, emergency organisation and medical inventory.
- Apply Directive 92/29/EEC only to ships within scope and under its categories/annexes.
- Train personnel to access applicable information rapidly.
Practical Example
Example: for a corrosive spill, alert the emergency organization and protect responders; identify the UN entry and schedule S from the documentation. Trained personnel provide first aid under MFAG and ship procedures and obtain remote medical assistance when needed, reporting the substance, exposure route and casualty’s condition. Do not improvise treatments or antidotes.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| EmS Guide or MFAG on board in an edition not consistent with the IMDG edition applied to the cargo | Absence of emergency procedures for the new entries introduced by the latest amendment | Check and update the EmS Guide and MFAG with every new amendment to the IMDG Code |
| Personnel not trained to quickly identify the applicable EmS schedule during a real emergency | Delay in the appropriate response during the critical first minutes of the emergency | Include practical EmS/MFAG consultation exercises in periodic drills, not just classroom theory |
| Generic firefighting procedures applied without consulting the substance-specific EmS schedule | Actions that may be ineffective or counterproductive for substances with specific behaviour | Always consult the specific EmS schedule before acting, when safety conditions allow |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Keep the emergency information required for the actual cargo immediately accessible; where flag, law or SMS adopts EmS/MFAG, provide a current usable copy in the approved medium and test access during drills.
- Train personnel to find the correct UN entry and F/S codes in the Dangerous Goods List; a trade name or class alone is insufficient.
- Review the contingency plan when cargo, EmS or applicable requirements change; document necessary changes and familiarization.
Preparation checklist
- Adequate emergency information immediately available
- Current EmS/MFAG where adopted
- UN entries linked to schedules
- Directive 92/29/EEC applied only within scope
- Medical supplies/antidotes checked against applicable requirements
FAQ
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 16 September 2026 · page fingerprint 64af9b431a16