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Competent Authority Approvals and Exemptions

As described below, the IMDG Code allows, and in certain circumstances requires, for the MCA to issue approvals and exemptions before dangerous goods can be carried by sea. Whilst every effort is made to process such requests as soon as possible, it is recommended that at least 28 calendar days are allowed for the processing of a request. This is to allow for the relative complexity of the process.

In addition, the IMDG Code now requires mandatory training for shore based personnel engaged in the transport of dangerous goods by sea. We will therefore, require appropriate training records of the consignor to be submitted with each request for an approval or exemption.

Approvals

Chapters 1 to 7.8 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code allows and requires competent authorities to issue approvals, including permits, authorizations or agreements, and certificates; such documents issued by the competent authority shall be recognised by other competent authorities.

Current Competent Authority Approval for UK Offshore Dangerous Goods in Machinery

To enable us to process an approval for packages and portable tanks the following information is required:

·Details of the containment system, where appropriate please supply photographs or drawing of the containment system.

A safety data sheet giving details of the material being carried.

For segregation in cargo transport unit (CTU) approvals under paragraph 7.2.2.3 of the Code, the following information is required:

·Details of the dangerous goods being transported

·Details of the other goods contained within the CTU

·An indication of how the CTU will be stowed.

Approvals are granted on a case by case basis with safe carriage being the primary and over-riding factor.

Note:

Any approval with an expiry date of more than 2 years may still be carried but the shipper must contact the MCA at the earliest opportunity for advice.

Exemptions

In certain circumstances an exemption may be given to a shipper to allow them to carry agreed dangerous goods which are not allowed under the provisions of chapters 1 to 7.8 of this Code (e.g. exemptions for limited quantities in 3.4.7) and to approvals (including permits, authorizations or agreements) and certificates which are referred to in chapters 1 to 7.8 of this Code.

Where this Code requires that a particular provision for the transport of dangerous goods shall be complied with, a competent authority or competent authorities (port State of departure, port State of arrival or flag State) may authorize any other provision by exemption if satisfied that such provision is at least as effective and safe as that required by this Code. Acceptance of an exemption authorized under this section by a competent authority not party to it is subject to the discretion of that competent authority. Accordingly, prior to any shipment covered by the exemption, the recipient of the exemption shall notify other competent authorities concerned

Information sources and publications
UK Maritime Legislation concerning Dangerous Goods
1987 No 37 Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations
1994 No 2464 Merchant Shipping (Gas Carriers) Regulations
1995 No 2498 Merchant Shipping (Reporting Requirements for Ships Carrying Dangerous or Polluting Goods) Regulations
1996 No 3010 The Merchant Shipping (Dangerous or Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk) Regulations 1997 No 2367 Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants) Regulations
1998 No 1153 Merchant Shipping (Dangerous or Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk) (Amendment) Regulations
1999 No 2121 Merchant Shipping (Reporting Requirements for Ships Carrying Dangerous or Polluting Goods) (Amendment) Regulations
The above Statutory Instruments are available from the Stationery Office: http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/stat.htm

MCA Publications