Stowage and Segregation of Dangerous Goods on

Container Ships
Stowage of dangerous goods on board container ships are decided by two factors,
Document of Compliance and IMDG Code. IMDG Code sets forth the Stowage and
Segregation Rules which is executed on each vessel according to the Document of
Compliance issued to her. Document of Compliance is issued to a vessel if it meets
the requirements of SOLAS Regulation II-2/19, Construction Fire protection, fire
detection and fire extinction (Carriage of Dangerous Goods).

The Document of Compliance certifies that the construction and equipment of the
mentioned ship have been found to comply with the provisions of regulation II-
2/19 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as
amended; and that the ship is suitable for the carriage of those classes of
dangerous goods as specified in the appendix thereto, subject to any provisions in
the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and the International
Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code for individual substances, materials or
articles also being complied with.

In this document the under deck spaces and on deck spaces are marked
separately for carriage of Packaged Dangerous Goods, Bulk Goods and what is not
permitted.

Validity of the document of compliance will not exceed 5 years and will not be
extended beyond the expiry date of the valid Cargo Ship Safety Construction
Certificate issued to the ship concerned under the provisions of SOLAS regulation
I/12. See Maritime Safety Committee Circular MSC.1/Circ.1266 for full details.

Coming to IMDG Code stowage and Segregation rules for dangerous goods vessels
are categorized into two types, Cargo Ships and Passenger Ships. This
categorization further divides cargo ships and passenger ships for carriage of
Class 1, Explosives, and Classes 2 to 9. The differentiation is for Class 1,
Explosives, Cargo ships (up to 12 passengers) and Passenger ships. For Classes 2-
9 Cargo ships or passenger ships carrying a number of passengers limited to not
more than 25 or to 1 passenger per 3 m of overall length, whichever is the
greater numberand Other passenger ships in which the limiting number of
passengers transported is exceeded.
Segregation between containers carrying dangerous goods are different for
containerships with closed cargo holds and hatchless containerships. Vertical and
horizontal segregation, athwart ships, fore and aft is defined for Closed Versus
Closed, Closed Versus Open and Open Versus Open.
Two closed containers requiring segregation separated from each other when
loading vertically or horizontally they need to be segregated as shown.
Segregation and Stowage Requirements for Dangerous
Cargo IMDG Code Guideline

Handling dangerous cargo requires special care due to the inherent hazardous
nature of the cargo and applicable carriage regulations. The general provisions
for segregation between the various classes of dangerous goods are shown in
"Segregation table" (IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.1.16). In addition to the general
provisions, there may be a need to segregate a particular substance, material or
article from other goods which could contribute to its hazard.

D/G Cargo Onboard List

Where required for reporting to port authorities, the C/Off shall prepare an
updated dangerous cargo list. This list shall contain at least the following
information: a) Stow Position b) Container Number c) Line Operator
d) Port of Loading / Discharging e) DG Class f) UN Number
g) Proper Shipping Name h) Weight i) Flash Point and EMS
Such list for reporting to authorities shall be made with utmost caution .

D/G Cargo Stowage Plan

The C/Off shall prepare a copy of the Dangerous Cargo Stowage Plan (indicating
D/G class & Stowage Location), along with a D/G Cargo List (indicating Location,
Cntr No., D/G Class and UN No.).

And these along with any special guidelines from shippers, shall be kept:
- in Wheel House (for ready reference of the watch keeping officer) and
- in Fire Wallets at Gangways.

Particular provisions for segregation are indicated in the Dangerous Goods List
and, in the case of conflicting provisions, always take precedence over the
general provisions. For example:

a) In the Dangerous Goods List entry for ACETYLENE, DISSOLVED, class 2.1, UN
1001, the following particular segregation requirement is specified:
separated from chlorine

b) In the Dangerous Goods List entry for BARIUM CYANIDE, CLASS 6.1, UN 1565,
THE FOLLOWING PARTICULAR SEGREGATION IS SPECIFIED:
separated from acids
( IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.1.6 )
2. Where the Code indicates a single secondary hazard (one subsidiary risk label),
the segregation provisions applicable to that hazard should take precedence
where they are more stringent than those of the primary hazard.
( IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.1.6.1 )

3. Except for class 1, the segregation provisions for substances, materials or

articles having more than two hazards (2 or more subsidiary risk labels) are given
in the Dangerous Goods List.

For example:

In the Dangerous Goods List entry for BROMINE CHLORIDE, class 2.3 UN 2901,
subsidiary risk 5.1 and 8, the following particular segregation is specified:

segregation as for class 5.1 but separated from class 7

* (IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.1.6.2 )

4. Whenever dangerous goods are stowed together, whether or not in a cargo

transport unit, the segregation of such dangerous goods from others should
always be in accordance with the most stringent provisions for any of the
dangerous goods concerned.
(IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.1.9 )

5. No segregation need be applied between dangerous goods of different classes

which comprise the same substance but vary only in their water content, such as
sodium sulphide in classes 4.2 and 8, or for class 7 if the difference is due to
quantity only.
(IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.1.13)

6. Notwithstanding IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.1.6.1, 7.2.1.6.2 and 7.2.1.13,

substances of the same class may be stowed together without regard to
segregation required by secondary hazards (subsidiary risk label(s)), provided the
substances do not react dangerously with each other and cause:

.1 combustion and/or evolution of considerable heat;

.2 evolution of flammable, toxic or asphyxiant gases;
.3 the formation of corrosive substances; or
.4 the formation of unstable substances.
(IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.1.11)

Remark: As a general rule to carry these substances in same cargo transport unit,
this regulation should not be applied priority over Chapter 7.2.1.6.1, 7.2.1.6.2 and
7.2.1.13 without surveyors clarified assess that there is not the above danger
due to mixing these substances.

7. Dangerous goods which have to be segregated from each other should not be
carried in the same cargo transport unit. However, dangerous goods which should
be segregated away from each other may be carried in the same cargo
transport unit with the approval of the competent authority. In such cases an
equivalent standard of safety must be maintained.
(IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.2.3)

8. For the purpose of segregation, dangerous goods having certain similar

chemical properties have been grouped together in segregation groups as listed
in 7.2.1.7.2. The entries allocated to these segregation groups are listed in IMDG
Code chapter 3.1.4.4. Where in the Dangerous Goods List entry in column 16
(stowage and segregation) a particular segregation requirement refers to a group
of substances, such as "acids", the particular segregation requirement applies to
the goods allocated to the respective segregation group.
(IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.1.7.1.)

*Segregation groups referred to in the Dangerous Goods List* (IMDG Code

Chapter 7.2.1.7.2.)

.1 acids
.2 ammonium compounds
.3 bromates
.4 chlorates
.5 chlorites
.6 cyanides
.7 heavy metals and their salts
.8 hypochlorites
.9 lead and lead compounds
.10 liquid halogenated hydrocarbons
.11 mercury and mercury compounds
.12 nitrites
.13 perchlorates
.14 permanganates
.15 powdered metals
.16 peroxides
.17 azides
.18 alkalis

9. It is recognized that not all substances falling within a segregation group are
listed in this Code by name. These substances are shipped under N.O.S. entries.
Although these N.O.S. entries are not listed themselves in the above groups, the
shipper shall decide whether allocation under the segregation group is
appropriate. Mixtures, solutions or preparations containing substances falling
within a segregation group and shipped under an N.O.S. entry are also considered
to fall within that segregation group.
(IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.1.7.3.)

10. The segregation groups in this Code do not cover substances which fall
outside the classification criteria of this Code. It is recognised that some non-
hazardous substances have similar chemical properties as substances listed in the
segregation groups. A shipper or the person responsible for packing the goods
into a cargo transport unit who does have knowledge of the chemical properties
of such non-dangerous goods may decide to implement the segregation
requirements of a related segregation group on a voluntary basis.
(IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.1.7.4.)

In the last article, Stowage and Segregation of Dangerous Goods on Container Ships, dated
20th May, we looked at the provisions of stowage of containerized dangerous goods on
container ships. Let us look at the basic stowage and segregation provisions for carriage of
dangerous goods in packaged from and in solid bulk form on general cargo ships.

Flammable gases or flammable liquids having a flashpoint of less than 23C c.c, must be
stowed on deck only, unless otherwise approved by the Administration and must be stowed
at least 3 m from any potential source of ignition. Here possible sources of ignition may
include open fires, machinery exhausts, galley uptakes, electrical outlets and electrical
equipment including those on refrigerated or heated cargo transport units unless they are of
certified safe type. For interpreting what is certified type, for cargo spaces, refer to SOLAS
II:2/19.3.2 and for refrigerated or heated cargo transport units refer to Recommendation
published by the international Electrotechnical Commission, in particular IEC 60079.

When explosives are loaded the compartments or holds and containers must be locked to
pervert unauthorized access however when in emergency access to the locked places must
be able to be gained without delay. If the cargo compartment floors are not fitted with closed
boarded wood the loading/unloading equipment and process must ensure no sparks can
occur. If the cargo gets wet all handling operations must be stopped unless specialist advise
from shipper clears same. Personnel involved in cargo operations must be briefed prior work
regarding the potential risks and necessary precaution. When explosives belonging to
different compatibility groups are loaded they must be stowed not less than 6 meters from
each other unless mixed loading is permitted between the involved compatibility groups as
per section 7.2.7 of IMDG Code.

Non containerized flammable liquids packaged in plastics jerricans, plastics drums, plastics
IBCs must always be stowed on deck. There are special requirements for stowage
of FISHMEAL, UNSTABILIZED (UN 1374), FISHMEAL, STABILIZED (UN 2216, class 9) and KRILL
MEAL (UN3497), SEED CAKE (UN 1386), AMMONIUM NITRATE BASED FERTILIZER, UN 2071
and certain other goods.

When feeds or other edible substances intended for consumption by humans or

animals, foodstuff, is loaded it will require segregation separated from toxic, radioactive
and corrosive dangerous goods and Dangerous goods in other classes which has segregation
reference in column 16 (16b in 37th amendment of IMDG Code).
 There are four segregation rules for dangerous goods loaded in conventional way on board
ships.

1. Away from: Effectively segregated so that the incompatible goods cannot interact
dangerously in the event of an accident but may be transported in the same compartment
or hold or on deck, provided a minimum horizontal separation of 3 metres, projected
vertically is obtained.

2. Separated from: In different compartments or holds when stowed under deck.

Provided the intervening deck is resistant to fire and liquid, a vertical separation, i.e. in
different compartments, may be accepted as equivalent to this segregation. For on deck
stowage, this segregation means a separation by a distance of at least 6 metres horizontally.

3. Separated by a complete compartment or hold from: Either a vertical or a horizontal

separation. If the intervening decks are not resistant to fire and liquid, then only a
longitudinal separation, i.e. by an intervening complete compartment or hold, is acceptable.
For on deck stowage, this segregation means a separation by a distance of at least 12
metres horizontally. The same distance has to be applied if one package is stowed on deck,
and the other one in an upper compartment.

4. Separated longitudinally by an intervening complete compartment or hold from:

Vertical separation alone does not meet this requirement. Between a package under deck
and one on deck, a minimum distance of 24 m, including a complete compartment, must be
maintained longitudinally. For on deck stowage, this segregation means a separation by a
distance of at least 24 metres longitudinally.

Segregation rules between containerized dangerous goods and those loaded in conventional
ways are different. Dangerous goods stowed in the conventional way must be segregated
from goods transported in closed containers in accordance with segregation provisions
showed above except that for away from is required, no segregation between the
packages and the closed cargo transport units is required; and where separated from is
required, the segregation between the packages and the closed cargo transport units may
be as for away from.

Segregation between Bulk dangerous goods and packaged dangerous goods must be in
accordance with the table shown in section 7.6.3.5.2 of IMDG Code where all 4 segregation
terms have different rules from those listed above.

Chapter VII - Carriage of dangerous goods

The regulations are contained in three parts:

Part A - Carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form - includes provisions for
the classification, packing, marking, labelling and placarding, documentation and
stowage of dangerous goods. Contracting Governments are required to issue
instructions at the national level and the Chapter makes mandatory the
International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, developed by IMO, which is
constantly updated to accommodate new dangerous goods and to supplement or
revise existing provisions.
Part A-1 - Carriage of dangerous goods in solid form in bulk - covers the
documentation, stowage and segregation requirements for these goods and
requires reporting of incidents involving such goods.

Part B covers Construction and equipment of ships carrying dangerous liquid

chemicals in bulk and requires chemical tankers to comply with the International
Bulk Chemical Code (IBC Code).

Part C covers Construction and equipment of ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk
and gas carriers to comply with the requirements of the International Gas Carrier
Code (IGC Code).

Part D includes special requirements for the carriage of packaged irradiated

nuclear fuel, plutonium and high-level radioactive wastes on board ships and
requires ships carrying such products to comply with the International Code for
the Safe Carriage of Packaged Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level
Radioactive Wastes on Board Ships (INF Code).

The chapter requires carriage of dangerous goods to be in compliance with the

relevant provisions of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG
Code).