We implement the IMO agreed international minimum requirements in Australia for all safety-related aspects of the handling and transport of cargoes and dangerous goods.
International maritime solid bulk cargoes (IMSBC) code
The current edition of the IMSBC code is available from IMO publications. Check their publications catalogue for details. The IMSBC Code is given effect in Australia by Marine Order 34.
International maritime dangerous goods (IMDG) code
Both the mandatory and recommendatory editions of the IMDG code are available through IMO publications. Check their publications catalogue for details. The IMDG Code is given effect in Australia by Marine Order 41.
In Australia the edition of the IMDG Code in recommendatory effect may be used as if it was in mandatory effect in accordance with Marine Order 41.
Dangerous goods training for shore-side personnel
Shore-side personnel must receive general and function-specific training if they are engaged in any of the shipping activities of dangerous goods.
The activities include:
- packing dangerous goods in packages
- marking, labelling or placarding dangerous goods
- loading or unloading cargo transport units
- preparing transport documents for dangerous goods.
See chapter 1.3 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and section 21 of Marine Order 41 for details:
We publish the Dangerous, harmful and hazardous cargoes handbook 3rd edition, which is both a training aid and a practical guide to compliance. It can be purchased from us for A$20 plus GST and postage, or for orders of 100 or more A$15 plus GST and postage.
Verified gross mass of containers
The shipper is responsible for verifying the gross mass (VGM) of a container and stating this VGM on the maritime shipping documents. The shipper can use either:
- Method 1—weighing the fully laden (packed) container
- Method 2—weighing the cargo, and adding the weight of the empty container (tare).
Weighing equipment used must meet standards of accuracy prescribed in the applicable legislation.
All containers being shipped from Australia must have a declared VGM on the maritime shipping documents.
Containers without a VGM on the maritime shipping documents cannot be loaded.