Transport of Dangerous Goods on Domestic Car Ferries

Section 10, eighth paragraph of the Regulations on Dangerous Goods on Norwegian Ships states:

“The shipping company shall ensure that personnel performing tasks involving the assessment and handling of dangerous goods receive training in accordance with the requirements of the IMDG Code and ADR.”

This provision refers to both the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) and ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) and applies to personnel in the company’s shore-based organization, masters, and other crew members working onboard.

The IMDG Code, Chapter 1.3, emphasizes that the successful implementation of the dangerous goods provisions—and the attainment of their safety objectives—depends heavily on the competence of all personnel involved.

Personnel must understand the associated risks and have a detailed knowledge of the applicable regulations. This can only be achieved through well-structured training programs, including refresher courses for all individuals involved in the transport of dangerous goods.
Chapter 1.3 of the ADR also outlines training obligations, stating that:
“Personnel shall be trained, commensurate directly with their duties and responsibilities in the requirements of the regulations concerning the carriage of dangerous goods. The training provided aim to make personnel aware of the safe handling and emergency response procedures.”

As a minimum, training should cover:

• Contents of §§ 10 and 11 and the appendices to the Regulations on Dangerous Goods on Norwegian Ships
• How to use the ADR and IMDG Codes as reference tools
• Dangerous goods hazard classes and the ADR Dangerous Goods List
• Transport documents and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Risks associated with transporting dangerous goods, including emergency procedures and first aid
• Risks related to the combined carriage (co-loading) of different types of dangerous goods

Chapter 1.3.1.7 of the IMDG Code recommends that the following topics be included in personnel training. The shipping company must assess what is relevant for each vessel and crew member:

• International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, with amendments
• EmS Guide – Emergency Response Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods, with amendments
• Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods (MFAG), with amendments
• United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Model Regulations, with amendments
• United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Manual of Tests and Criteria, with amendments
• Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code)
• Recommendations on the Safe Transport of Dangerous Cargoes and Related Activities in Port Areas
• International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), 1972, with amendments
• Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code), with amendments
• Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships and fumigation of cargo transport units (MSC.1/Circ.1361)

Training must be regularly supplemented with refresher courses to reflect changes in regulations and the personnel’s need for professional development. The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) recommends refresher training at least every three years.

A record of completed training in accordance with this guidance shall be maintained by the shipping company and made available upon request to the employee or the Norwegian Maritime Authority.

The employer shall retain training records for a period determined by the competent authority. The training record must be verified upon new employment.