Upcoming IMDG Code Dangerous Goods Training Classes

Sep 14 Multi-Modal 4-Day Initial Training Where: Los Angeles, CA Tuition: $1,160.00		Sep 17 IMDG 1-Day Recurrent Training Where: Los Angeles, CA Tuition: $350.00		Sep 24 IMDG 1-Day Recurrent Training Where: Monroe Township, NJ Tuition: $350.00
Sep 24 Multi-Modal 4-Day Initial Training Where: Monroe Township, NJ Tuition: $1,160.00		Oct 12 Multi-Modal 4-Day Initial Training Where: Los Angeles, CA Tuition: $1,160.00		Oct 15 IMDG 1-Day Recurrent Training Where: Los Angeles, CA Tuition: $350.00

IMDG Code Dangerous Goods Training Introduction

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) is used worldwide by vessel carriers who accept and transport shipments of dangerous goods. All shore-based personnel and individuals involved in the handling, packaging, transporting, offering, acceptance, loading and unloading of dangerous goods should have the proper training to do so (IMDG Code 1.3.1.1).

Shippers and freight forwarders (brokers) of dangerous goods to be transported by vessel must comply with training requirements and regulatory guidelines of the IMDG Code, often as a condition for vessel carriers to accept shipments of dangerous goods and hazardous materials for ocean transport. The Bureau of Dangerous Goods provides initial and recurrent training courses to meet these requirements with out instructor-led classroom training programs.

Additionally, anyone involved in the transportation of hazardous materials within the United States must be properly trained to do so, under the requirements described in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), Subpart H, governed by the United States Department of Transportation.

Basic Training Requirements

All shore-based personnel must be trained in the following areas dealing with dangerous goods to be shipped by vessel, as required in IMDG Code 1.3.1.2.1, 1.3.1.2.2, and 1.3.1.2.3:

• General awareness training - provides familiarity with general regulatory requirements and allows employees to recognize dangerous goods in the workplace environment,
• Function-specific training - detailed job-specific training in preparing, handling or transporting shipments of dangerous goods,
• Safety training - includes emergency response and measures to be taken in case of an emergency or hazmat spill, and
• Security training - security risks associated with dangerous goods transport and the enhancement of transportation safety (must be included for United States purposes under 49 CFR §172.704(a)(4); recommendatory under IMDG Code 1.4).

Shore-based personnel include individuals who (IMDG Code 1.3.1.2):

• classify dangerous goods and identify proper shipping names of dangerous goods,
• pack dangerous goods into packages,
• mark, label or placard dangerous goods,
• pack and/or unpack CTUs,
• prepare documentation for the transport of dangerous goods,
• offer, accept, handle or carry dangerous goods for transport,
• prepare dangerous goods loading/stowage plans,
• load and unload dangerous goods into/from ships,
• enforce, survey or inspect for compliance with applicable rules and regulations, or
• are otherwise involved in the transport of dangerous goods as determined by a competent authority.

Initial Training Requirements

Since there are no specific initial training requirements within the IMDG Code and for domestic purposes regarding the United States, initial training requirements for dangerous goods vessel transport must adhere to the requirements of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 100-185.

Employers and employees involved with hazardous materials within, destined to or from the United States must adhere to the training requirements as described in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart H, governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation. For all modes and job functions, the following regulations apply (DOT 49 CFR §172.702):

• It is the employer's responsibility to ensure their employees receive training,
• The employee may not perform their duties unless they are under direct supervision of a properly trained and knowledgable hazmat employee, until they have received training,
• Employees must be trained within 90 days of hire or change in job function(s),
• The employer may provide training or use an outside source, and
• The training must include a test.

Recurrent Training Requirements

There are no specific recurrent training requirements within the IMDG Code regarding the frequency of training for vessel dangerous goods transport. For domestic purposes regarding the United States, those transporting dangerous goods within, destined to or from the United States must adhere to the recurrent training requirements of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 100-185.

Regulatory law for recurrent hazmat training requires that all hazmat employees are to receive mandatory recurrent training within a three-year time period, under Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, for shipping hazardous materials by vessel transport within, destined to or from the United States.

Recurrent training is also required whenever changes to the regulations have been made pertaining to the hazardous materials that you transport or regarding your job function.

Hazmat Training Record Retention

For United States purposes, a record of current training, including the last thirty-six months (three years), must be kept and maintained for each hazmat employee while they remain an employee, and must be made available upon request of an appropriate national authority (IMDG Code 1.3.1.3).

The following information must be kept in the record:

• Hazmat employee's name,
• Most recent training completion date,
• Description, copy or location of training materials used to meet the training requirements,
• Name and address of the person or organization providing the training, and
• Certification that the hazmat employee has been trained and tested.