IMDG Code Training

In short yes if your business has shore-side personnel that come into contact with dangerous goods by sea then Marine Order 41 (Carriage of dangerous goods) 2017 mandates training.

Legislation is here:

https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L01578

21        Requirements for training

        (1)     An employer of a person, other than a seafarer, engaged in any activity relating to the handling, packing, stowing and carriage of dangerous goods must ensure that the employee is given training, including refresher training, in accordance with Chapter 1.3 of the IMDG Code.

Penalty:     50 penalty units.

Note   Chapter 1.3 of the IMDG Code requires general awareness or familiarisation training and function-specific training for shore-based personnel.

        (2)     The employer of a person mentioned in subsection (1) must also ensure that the following function-specific training is provided as part of the person’s training according to her or his responsibilities:

(a)   packing dangerous goods in packages;

(b)   marking, labelling or placarding dangerous goods;

(c)   loading or unloading cargo transport units;

(d)   preparing transport documents for dangerous goods.

Note   The training providers in Australia that provide training courses recognised by AMSA as accepted training courses are listed on the AMSA website at http://www.amsa.gov.au.

        (3)     The employer must keep evidence of training that an employee or contractor of the employer receives for subsection (1) for at least 5 years after the training occurred.

Penalty:     50 penalty units.

        (4)     An offence against subsection (1) or (3) is a strict liability offence.

        (5)     A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (1) or (3).

Civil penalty:        50 penalty units.

• General Awareness- This will familiarise the staff with IMDG Code requirements.
• Function-Specific Training- This is designed to help those with specific roles and responsibilities. Each one is outlined by the IMDG code.
• Full In-Depth Course- This is an advanced level course that provides detailed content for all function-specific modules.

In January 2025; Amendment 42 became effective and you need to do this training every 2 years with the latest amendments if you job involves shipping dangerous goods by sea. It offers a two-volume set that was developed to cover fires and spillage emergencies, but also focuses on:

• Container Traffic
• Packing
• Segregation of Incompatible Substances
• Stowage

Taking advantage of this training will allow companies to follow the IMDG Code more effectively. There will be tests at the end of each module in order to ensure that each student is competent. However, students can take these courses at their own pace, since there are no timeframes that are mandatory.

It’s an open-book course that allows students to reference the IMDG Code throughout the training.

You will find that our training provides increased operational flexibility and a reduced cost. You can contact AlertForce for a quote based upon your training requirements.

The sooner you get started the easier it will be for your staff to become more efficient. AlertForce can help them reach these plateaus and give you all the necessary services to become more successful when transporting dangerous goods by sea.

In short version 42-24 is the current version. Amendment 42-24 comes into force on January 1, 2026 but it’s available now

Background

From January 1, 2010, the IMDG Code Dangerous Goods training has been mandatory for all staff involved in dangerous goods transport by sea. On 1st January, 2012, Amendment 34 expired and Amendment 35 became the requirement. On January 1st, 2013 Amendment 36 came into being and that expired at the end of 2015. Amendment 37-14 took its place and lasted until the end of 2017. And so on. 42-24 expires Dec 31 2025 and 42-24 becomes mandatory from Jan 1 2025.

In Australia, this mandatory training is regulated by AMSA, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Companies failing to comply with these new DG regulations risk delays, rejected consignments, fines and/or a damaged reputation.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) enforces the training in Australia. If your company fails to adhere to these new rules then it could create delays, fines, or rejected consignments. Any of these can result in a damaged reputation.

The AlertForce IMDG Code dangerous goods training program is accepted by AMSA and delivers cost-effective compliance for all shore-side sectors including:

• • • Shippers and freight forwarders
    • Container packers and consolidators
    • Shipping line operations and booking staff
    • Stevedores
    • Port staff
    • Cargo surveyors

In Australia transporting hazardous substances and dangerous goods is regulated by AMSA. Companies must monitor dangerous goods movements at all times via the correct documentation.

As such if you are a consignor who sends dangerous goods internationally you MUST ensure the dangerous goods transport documents are correctly filled out and accompany your freight. The IMDG Code training is what you need to enable staff to produce AMSA’s MO41 form.

AlertForce currently offer the General Awareness course free without any certification attached. Should you have staff that need certification they should undertake the administrator course.

General Awareness Course

Module 1 – Introduction

Administrators Course 

Module 1 – Introduction
Module 4 – Consignment procedures
Module 5 – Documentation

Paperwork course

Module 1 – Introduction
Module 2 – Classification
Module 3 – Packaging
Module 4 – Consignment procedures
Module 5 – Documentation

Marking / labelling / loading course

Module 1 – Introduction
Module 2 – Classification
Module 3 – Packaging
Module 4 – Consignment procedures
Module 7 – Transport operations

Full Course

Module 1 – Introduction
Module 2 – Classification
Module 3 – Packaging
Module 4 – Consignment procedures
Module 5 – Documentation
Module 6 – Portable tanks
Module 7 – Transport operations

This varies depending on the experience of person taking the course (for example first timer new to IMDG versus experienced personnel doing refresher training). The course is delivered online but as a guide the full course may take 8-16 hours to complete.