IMDG Training and Crew Education
IMDG Chapter 1.3 governs shore-based personnel; crew competence follows STCW, ISM/SMS, flag requirements, duties and any applicable specialised training.
Operational Explanation
Two separate paths apply. IMDG 1.3 gives shore-based personnel mandatory general awareness and function-specific training, with recommended safety training under 1.3.1.4, with employer records and refresher as appropriate. Seafarers and shipboard personnel follow STCW, ISM/SMS, flag, assigned duties, emergency organisation and tanker/specialised requirements.
Regulatory Reference
IMDG 1.3 addresses shore personnel involved in maritime dangerous-goods transport: training proportionate to functions before assuming responsibilities, except under the prescribed direct supervision. For officers and ratings check STCW and applicable shipboard requirements. IMO: IMDG 2024, chapter 1.3.
Chapter 1.3 requires periodic refresher training to address regulatory and operational changes, without a universal interval. The employer retains records for the period established by the competent authority. Crew training evidence must be maintained under STCW, SMS and flag requirements; the distinction in scope does not remove those duties.
For crew check STCW VI/1, competences A-II/1 and A-II/2 and, for relevant tanker duties, A-V/1-1 and A-V/1-2. ISM 6.3 and 6.5 address familiarization and training needs. The SOLAS II-2/19 dangerous-goods Document of Compliance, where required, certifies ship construction and equipment: it is neither a personal certificate nor the general source of crew training requirements.
IMDG 1.3.0 explicitly makes paragraphs 1.3.1.4–1.3.1.7 recommendatory, including safety training. Distinguish them from mandatory training and records under 1.3.1.1–1.3.1.3. Address the security training provisions in chapter 1.4 as well; applicable national requirements may impose further duties. IMO — MSC.556(108), IMDG 42-24, 1.3.
Scope of Application
Shore-based personnel with dangerous-goods functions: IMDG 1.3. Crew: shipboard familiarisation and competence under STCW/ISM/SMS and flag. A Company may reuse the 1.3 structure in its SMS, but as a training choice, not direct application of the shore-based requirement.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Map shore functions subject to IMDG 1.3 and provide mandatory awareness and function-specific training; include the recommended safety training.
- Train before responsibility or use direct supervision; retain employer records and refresh as appropriate.
- Map shipboard duties and training from STCW, SMS, flag, emergency organisation and tanker/specialised requirements.
- Record crew training under SMS/flag without automatically calling it IMDG 1.3.
- Verify operational competence against assigned duties.
Practical Example
A shore planner receives the three IMDG 1.3 elements for the function and the employer retains the record. A deck officer receives DG familiarisation and emergency training under STCW/SMS/flag; the Company may use similar modules but states the correct basis.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Directly imposing the three IMDG 1.3 levels on every crew member, inventing a universal refresher interval or treating an onboard register as an express Chapter 1.3 requirement.
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Shore-based Chapter 1.3 training and shipboard competence requirements not distinguished | The wrong legal basis and training path are assigned to personnel | For shore-based personnel apply IMDG 1.3 by function; for crew apply STCW, SMS, flag and assigned-duty requirements |
| Crew training evidence not maintained under the applicable STCW, SMS or flag requirement | Required competence or evidence cannot be demonstrated under the basis that applies | Maintain the records required by STCW, SMS and flag; do not label them an IMDG 1.3 onboard register |
| 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) | Assess relevant changes and complete refresher training before assigning affected duties |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Separate IMDG 1.3 training for shore-based functions from crew familiarisation and competence under STCW, SMS, flag and assigned duties.
- 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 Port State Control Officer (PSCO) on the training content received: paper documentation alone is not enough to demonstrate effective training.
Preparation checklist
- Shore personnel and crew separated
- IMDG 1.3 training proportionate to shore functions
- Employer records available
- Refresher as appropriate without invented interval
- Crew training based on STCW/SMS/flag/duties
- Any 1.3-style crew structure labelled as SMS choice
FAQ
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Last substantive revision of this page: 16 September 2026 · page fingerprint 5dec5b2d38d7