Amendments to Marine Orders Part 41 and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
Marine Notice 18/2006
Supersedes 02/2006
The purpose of this Marine Notice is to highlight the forthcoming introduction of the latest edition, Amendment 33-06, (2006 Edition) of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) and the subsequent amendment to Marine Order Part 41, to ship operators, crews and all other persons involved in the preparation, handling or transportation of dangerous goods for shipment by sea.
Chapter VII of the International Convention for the Safety of life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, as amended requires compulsory adherence to the IMDG Code and is given effect in Australia by Marine Order Part 41. This Order currently mandates the use of Amendment 32-04 (2004 Edition) of the IMDG Code.
Marine Order Part 41 can be obtained from the AMSA website at www.amsa.gov.au
Users of the Code should also be aware that “Errata and Corrigenda” to the Amendment 32-04 of the IMDG Code is available via Internet on the website of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at www.imo.org
Every two years the IMO publishes a new Amendment to the IMDG Code, incorporating changes approved by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC). Each Amendment is compulsory for two years and commences on the 1st January of an even year. One year prior to this compulsory introduction the IMO invites member Governments to introduce the amended code on a voluntary basis. During this transitional period both Amendments of the Code may be used.
Amendment 33-06 was approved by the MSC at its 81st session in May 2006 and will be introduced in Australia by an amendment to Marine Order Part 41, entering into force on the 1st January 2007. The Amendment will provide for the use of both IMDG Code 2004 and 2006 Editions up to 31 December 2007. From the 1st January 2008 the IMDG Code 2004 Edition will become invalid and only the IMDG Code 2006 Edition will be applicable.
Interested parties are urged to review the IMDG Code 2006 Edition, in the context of their particular involvement with dangerous goods to ensure that their operations remain in compliance with Marine Order Part 41 and the IMDG Code requirements for packing, stowage and carriage of dangerous goods.
In order to ensure the safety of those engaged in the transport and handling of dangerous goods it is essential that the correct packing and documentation of consignments be undertaken.
Personnel engaged in the packing of dangerous goods and the preparation of documentation should be competent to perform these tasks. Where declarations are required for container packing and the packaging of goods inside, those persons who are directly responsible for the supervision of these activities should complete the declarations.
Management should ensure that training has been provided commensurate with these responsibilities. Further guidance on training can be found in the Code.
Persons responsible for accepting dangerous goods for consignment should only do so when they are satisfied that the consignment and its associated documentation has been provided in accordance with IMDG Code requirements.
Personnel involved in the transport of dangerous goods should be familiar with subsection 253(1) and (2) of the Navigation Act 1912 which prescribes penalties for falsely describing dangerous goods, and also section 253A(2) which prescribes penalties for the incorrect packing, stowage and carriage of dangerous goods.
Interested parties are reminded that a Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form is available from the AMSA website, www.amsa.gov.au
Enquires regarding the purchase of the IMDG Code can be made to:
International Maritime Organization
4 Albert Embankment
LONDON SE1 7SR
UNITED KINGDOM
Phone: +44 20 7735 7611
Fax: +44 20 7587 3210
Boat Books Australia Pty Ltd
31 Albany Street
Crows Nest NSW 2065
Phone: (02) 9439 1133
Fax: (02) 9439 8517
Boating Books and Charts Australia Pty Ltd
214 St Kilda Road
St Kilda VIC 3182
Phone: (03) 9525 3444
Fax: (03) 9525 3355
Hunter Publications
58A Gipps Street
Collingwood VIC 3066
Phone: (03) 9417 5361
Fax: (03) 9419 7154
Clive Davidson
Chief Executive Officer
31 October 2006
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
GPO Box 2181
CANBERRA ACT 2601
File No: 030153
Term of Validity:- Temporary
Internet address for all current Marine Notices: www.amsa.gov.au