Interpretations, amplifications and requirements

supplementary to the IMDG Code

1 Application

The provisions of this Appendix apply to a ship:

(a) registered in Australia
  (i) when loading dangerous goods in an Australian port; and
  (ii) when loading dangerous goods in a port of another country provided that such loading must, in the case of conflict, comply with the statutory requirements of that country; and
(b) registered in a country other than Australiawhen loading dangerous goods in an Australian port.

2 Interpretation of the IMDG Code

In applying the IMDG Code, foodstuffs means any food, pharmaceutical or other material intended for human or animal ingestion but does not include skin creams and liniments etc. not meant for ingestion.

3 Packaging Approval

3.1 Subject to 3.2, packagings for dangerous goods must be tested to the requirements of Part 6 of the IMDG Code and approved by the competent authority.[23]

3.2 All Type B packaging for radioactive materials must be approved by the Manager, Ship Inspections.

4 Cargo transport units

4.1 The packing of cargo transport units must comply with the IMO/ILO/UN ECE Guidelines for Packing of Cargo Transport Units.[24]

4.2 The packing of dangerous goods into cargo transport units must be supervised by a competent person[25] with a knowledge of the requirements of the Code and of the IMO/ILO/UN ECE Guidelines for Packing of Cargo Transport Units.

4.3 A cargo transport unit in transit under fumigation must comply with the relevant provisions of the Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships[26] and must, as far as practicable, comply with the relevant provisions of the IMO/ILO/UN ECE Guidelines for Packing of Cargo Transport Units.

5 Portable Tanks, including Tank Containers

5.1 Interpretations

5.1.1 In Chapters 6.7, 6.8 and 6.9 of the IMDG Code:

authorized body means a survey authority approved for the purposes of the Navigation Act[27] or a State or Territory competent authority for road or rail transport;

national material standards means the yield and ultimate strength, ductility and other mechanical or chemical criteria specified in Australian Standard AS 1210 (Pressure Vessels) or, if such details are not specified in AS 1210, as determined by the Manager, Ship Inspections; and

recognised pressure vessel code means, for tanks designed and built for registration in Australia, the Australian Standard AS 1210 (Pressure Vessels) or other standard which is:

(a) applicable to marine transport;
(b) suitable for pressures under consideration;
(c) suitable for the types of substances to be carried in the portable tank; and
(d) otherwise appropriate and acceptable to the Manager, Ship Inspections.

5.1.2 Where the IMDG Code specifies compliance with the requirements of the competent authority for road or rail transport, this means compliance with the relevant sections of the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail.

5.2 Additional requirements

In addition to the requirements of this Part:

(a) the frames of tank containers must be constructed, tested and marked in accordance with the requirements of Marine Orders, Part 44 (Safe containers); and
(b) portable tanks, other than tank containers, that are designed to be lifted must be tested and marked in accordance with Marine Orders Part 32 (Cargo Handling Equipment).

6 Stowage on deck

If dangerous goods are stowed on deck, they must not:

(a) obstruct the approach to, or exit from (including an emergency escape route), any accommodation space, working space, hold, or underdeck space; or
(b) obstruct the access to, or interfere with the operation of, any lifesaving appliances, fire-fighting appliances, closing appliances, or the proper navigation of the ship.

7 Special requirements for particular substances

7.1 Interpretations

In 7.8.3.1 of the IMDG Code, the competent authority is Department of Environment & Heritage.

7.2 Class 1 substances (explosives)[28]

7.2.1 The detailed examination required by 7.4.6.4.2 of the IMDG Code of a cargo transport unit to be loaded with goods of Class 1 must, subject to 7.2.2, be carried out by a surveyor. [29]

7.2.2 Because the nature and quantity of goods of Class 1.4S may be of low risk, the surveyor-in-charge may determine that an inspection by a surveyor of a cargo transport unit to be loaded only with goods of Class 1.4S is not necessary. In such cases the shipper must :

(a) ensure that the cargo transport unit is structurally serviceable; and
(b) meet other requirements of 7.4.6.4.2 of the IMDG Code.

7.2.3 Explosives must not be carried in a tanker except with the approval of the Manager, Ship Inspections, such approval being subject to such conditions as the Manager, Ship Inspections, may consider necessary.

7.3 Class 7 substances (radioactive)

The safe stowage and securing of Class 7 substances, both in a cargo transport unit and on board ship, is to be verified by examination by a surveyor in a manner determined by the Manager, Ship Inspections, to be appropriate to the radioactive hazard presented by the cargo.

7.4 Hazardous waste materials

All export shipments of hazardous waste materials must comply with the provisions of this Part. A copy of the waste movement document as required by 7.8.3.2 of the IMDG Code and provided by Department of Environment & Heritage must be attached to the Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form.[30]