IMDG Online Course (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Shipping): 49 CFR 172 Training


IMDG - International Maritime Dangerous Goods Shipping

Our IMDG online course (Chapter 1.3 and 49 CFR 172 Training) has been designed with specific exercises related to the transportation of dangerous goods by water from a shipper's perspective. This course covers the fundamentals of shipping dangerous goods by vessel according to the IMDG regulations. Our 10-step approach encompasses all of the activities which must be addressed when preparing dangerous goods for shipment by water. This course is based on the 2020 Edition of the IMDG Code (Amendment 40-20).

The course is designed to help employers meet the requirements for training as specified in Section 1.3 of the IMDG Regulations and 49 CFR 172 Subpart H, including testing of participants. The focus of this course is on the preparation and shipment of non-bulk packages, intermediate bulk containers and large packagings.

The course does not address the packing of cargo transport units, as well as the stowage (placement), and segregation of dangerous goods on board a vessel. In addition, this course does not cover the more detailed requirements for the shipment of radioactive materials under IMDG.

In order to follow along with the examples and exercises presented in this course, you must have access to a copy of the IMDG.

The IMDG Code was established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency that enforces the international rules for hazmat shipping by vessel. The IMO announced a five-month delay in enforcement of the coming Amendment 40-20 of the IMDG Code due to the ongoing pandemic. The new mandatory date is June 1st, 2022 instead of January 1st, 2022. Voluntary compliance remains unchanged at January 1st, 2021.

IMDG Course Details (Chapter 1.3 and 49 CFR 172)

Eduwhere’s IMDG online course brings students up to date with the current International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. You will become informed on the rules established by the Code and learn how to quickly find the information you need in this lengthy document.
Course Fee
$225.00 USD

Includes:

  • Instant Access, Online, On-Demand
  • Training Documentation

For help call Toll-Free 866-523-9108

Group Discount Information

Topics

  • Introduction and general awareness of IMDG
  • Determine the Proper Shipping Name and Hazard Class (Identify material)
  • Determine the Basic Description, including Packing Group
  • Determine total quantity of material being shipped and identify relevant packing instruction
  • Select appropriate packaging
  • Ensure required labels and marks are affixed
  • Complete and sign the transport documentation
  • Determine safety and emergency response
  • Review security awareness requirements

Who Should Take Eduwhere’s International Maritime Dangerous Goods Shipping Training?

This IMDG training applies to any individual who:

  • Classifies dangerous goods and identifies goods by proper shipping name;
  • Packs, marks, labels, or otherwise prepares containers or packagings for transportation of dangerous goods by vessel;
  • Offers/accepts dangerous goods for transport;
  • Prepares transport documents for dangerous goods;
  • Is responsible for the safety and security of transporting dangerous goods.

Including job titles such as:

  • Shippers;
  • Shipping Clerks;
  • Stevedores, Longshoremen, and Dockworkers;
  • Port Personnel;
  • Cargo Handlers; and
  • Freight Forwarders.

Do You Work as a Shipping Clerk or Port Personnel?

According to IMDG Code 1.3.1 and DOT 49 CFR 172, both shipping clerks and port personnel are required to complete International Maritime Dangerous Goods Shipping Training. Eduwhere’s IMDG online training is designed for all personnel who participate in the workflow of shipping dangerous goods and thus must be compliant with US DOT, IMO, and IMDG regulations.

Are You Working as a Stevedore, Longshoreman or Dockworker?

Health and safety considerations are especially critical when shipping dangerous goods by sea, as accidents can result in damage to marine habitats, as well as health problems, injuries and even fatal injuries among workers.

Professionals involved with shipping by vessel at any stage of the workflow must complete international maritime dangerous goods shipping training to protect themselves and the environment. This includes dockworkers, port staff, freight forwarders, longshoremen, stevedores, and container packers. It also relates to any land-based workers who have a role in the shipping process.

Eduwhere’s IMDG online course satisfies the requirements of the IMDG code, educating all workers involved in maritime dangerous goods shipping on best practices for storing, packing, labeling, loading, and tracking hazardous materials.

Do You Regularly Handle Cargo or Work as a Freight Forwarder?

Professionals who work in freight forwarding or cargo handling must earn IMDG shipping certification to comply with the IMDG Code as well as the Hazardous Materials Regulation (HMR) section of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). This training informs personnel handling these tasks of how to safeguard themselves and their crew from danger and protect marine ecosystems from contamination by hazardous materials.

By properly training all individuals involved in handling or forwarding hazardous materials that are being shipped by vessel, organizations can vastly improve efficiency, ensure safety, and lower costs from civil penalties associated with noncompliance.

Course material includes broad overviews of the IMDG Code as well as specific details on procedures such as package marking and labeling and identifying hazard class. Students thus become prepared for any contingency related to international maritime dangerous goods shipping.

Do You Prepare Hazardous Materials for Transportation?

All individuals who contribute to the preparation, handling, transporting, and shipping of hazardous materials by sea must complete IMDG shipping training or risk noncompliance with the International Maritime Organization. IMDG certification ensures that a crew will be authorized to transport non-radioactive, non-bulk hazardous materials by sea and U.S. ground transportation in accordance with 49 CFR Part 171, Subpart C.

Tasks that fall under the umbrella of hazmat shipping preparation include creating labels or placards for packages, packing or marking packages, selecting appropriate shipping names, classifying hazardous materials, completing or signing shipping paperwork, and loading or unloading transport units. Eduwhere’s IMDG online course satisfies the requirements for the IMDG course as well as refresher training, which must be completed every three years.

Do You Ship or Receive Dangerous Goods via Maritime Shipping in Your Department?

In the same way that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) requires that individuals whose work involves the transport of dangerous materials by air comply with the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), all personnel who play a role in the maritime shipping or receiving of dangerous goods are required to comply with the IMDG Code. Section 1.3 of this code explains that IMDG shipping training is mandated for all shipping and receiving employees who handle dangerous goods.

Although shore-based employees are not mandated to complete the IMDG shipping training class, this training is often required by carriers who receive shipments from shore-based facilities. If you work on shore rather than on ship, check with your employer to find out if you should complete IMDG shipping training.

All students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the elements and requirements of the IMDG Code. You will gain knowledge on how to identify hazardous materials by name and class, determine the packing group and select the appropriate packaging, complete marking and labeling correctly, complete and sign transport documentation, select the appropriate safety and emergency response, and much more.

Industries that Require IMDG Online Training

An incredible variety of industries ship or receive non-radioactive hazmat materials by vessel, and thus require their employees to complete IMDG shipping certification. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Cosmetology
  • Electronics
  • Manufacturing
  • Demolition
  • Automotive
  • Painting
  • Refrigeration

Whether or not shore-based personnel need to complete IMDG online training depends on the particular company and the requirements of the vessels that ship and receive its hazardous materials. Employees who are involved in the transportation of hazmat materials at ports or on vessels must complete IMDG shipping training to comply with the IMDG Code. Penalties for noncompliance include civil penalties, failed shipments, and even blacklisting.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this online course, participants should be able to:

  • understand and use the IMDG Regulations;
  • select proper packaging for dangerous goods;
  • properly label and mark dangerous goods containers for shipment;
  • complete transport documentation for dangerous goods;
  • understand safety and security responsibilities;
  • develop appropriate emergency response information to accompany shipments;
  • identify all steps needed for compliance.

Instructor

Kirstin B. Thesing & Linda R. Taylor, PE

Kirstin is an environmental professional with over 20 years of experience in the air pollution consulting field, with a focus on air quality and emissions inventory development. She has provided both live and webinar based training on topics such as offroad source inventory preparation, hazardous air pollutant emission estimation, and continuous emissions monitoring for electric utilities. Ms. Thesing’s offroad engine projects involved estimating emissions from marine vessels using fleet characteristics and real-time ship activity. She currently is a member of Keika Venture’s Products team, and supports both domestic and international customers in the purchase of equipment and sampling materials needed for their air quality monitoring and testing projects.

Ms. Thesing received a BS in Biology from Syracuse University and a MSPH in Environmental Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Linda is the owner of Taylor Engineering, and a former faculty member in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Technology at NC State University and the former Director of Environmental Health & Safety at North Carolina State University's IES. She has over 30 years of engineering experience working in industry, academia, and environmental consulting, including over 25 years at North Carolina State University. She has provided instruction on a wide range of environmental, health, transportation, and safety topics at conferences and training courses, both live and online, and she is a licensed Professional Engineer and an OSHA authorized instructor.

Ms. Taylor received a BS in Civil Engineering from Stanford University and a MS in Environmental Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Contact Hours

4 Contact Hours
This represents the estimated time to complete the online course, including exercises. Actual times may vary from user to user.

Training Requirement

Citation: IMDG Chapter 1.3 and 49 CFR 172.704

Section 1.3 of the IMDG Code requires that:

Initial training occur for all “shore-based personnel engaged in the transport of dangerous goods intended to be transported by sea. The training shall be periodically supplemented with refresher training to take account of changes in regulations.”

US DOT's training requirements for shipping hazardous materials is located in 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart H. In addition to initial training [49 CFR 172.704(c)(1)], DOT requires "recurrent training" every 3 three years. 

"A hazmat employee shall receive the training required by this subpart at least once every three years." [49 CFR 172.704(c)(2)]

The IMDG Code does NOT reference a time frame for recurrent training. As such, the 3-year recurrent period stated in 49 CFR 172, Subpart H, applies.


Refresher Training Required: Every 3 year(s).

Why Choose Eduwhere for Your Online IMDG Course?

Led by two hazmat experts with a combined 50 years of experience in health and safety, Eduwhere’s IMDG online training course will bring you to compliance with the IMDG Code in just four contact hours.

An environmental consultant who has contributed to EPA initiatives and managed the tracking of marine emissions, Kirstin B. Thesing will share her firsthand experience with dangerous goods transportation in the maritime space. Linda Taylor, former Director of Environmental Health and Safety at North Carolina State University’s Industry Expansion Solutions, is an OSHA-authorized trainer for both in-person and online environmental, health, and safety courses. Through Thesing and Taylor’s combined instruction, students will acquire the knowledge they need to comply with the IMDG Code and observe best practices for maritime hazmat shipping at their worksite.

For over 25 years, Eduwhere has made affordable, accessible hazmat training available to professionals in a wide range of industries. Recognizing the multiple demands that professional students face, we make it possible for you to complete this on-demand, online IMDG shipping training at the time and place of your choosing. Upon course completion, you will receive a hardcopy certificate certifying that you are up-to-date with the IMDG Code and in compliance with IMDG regulations.

The course fee entitles a single user to participate in the online course for at least six (6) months. Requests for additional time will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but are almost always honored. Hardcopy certificates are mailed (first class for domestic locations/standard airmail for international locations) and included in the course fee. Expedited shipping costs are additional.