The safe carriage of dangerous goods at sea is governed internationally by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. To ensure compliance, every ship carrying such cargo must hold a valid Document of Compliance (DOC) for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods. This certificate confirms that the vessel is constructed, equipped, and operated in accordance with the requirements for transporting hazardous cargoes by sea.
What is the IMDG Document of Compliance?
The Document of Compliance for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods is a statutory certificate issued by or on behalf of the Flag State Administration after verifying that the ship meets the requirements of the IMDG Code.
It is not the same as the ISM Document of Compliance (which certifies a company’s safety management system). The IMDG DOC is ship-specific and relates only to the vessel’s ability to safely carry dangerous goods.
Why is the IMDG DOC Required?
- Dangerous goods pose risks of fire, explosion, toxic exposure, pollution, and loss of life if not carried under strict safety standards.
- Many bulk carriers, container ships, general cargo ships, and even passenger ships carry cargoes falling under IMDG categories (e.g., chemicals, explosives, gases, flammable liquids).
- The DOC ensures that ships have the structural fire protection, ventilation, detection systems, segregation arrangements, and crew training necessary to handle such cargoes.
- It is a Port State Control (PSC) and charterer’s requirement—absence of this document can lead to detention, delays, or refusal of cargo loading.
Issuing Authority
The certificate is issued by the Flag State Administration or a Recognized Organization (RO) such as a Classification Society authorized to act on behalf of the Flag.
Validity of the Certificate
- The IMDG DOC is generally valid for 5 years, subject to annual endorsements or intermediate surveys as required by the Administration.
- The certificate becomes invalid if the ship undergoes major modification affecting its dangerous goods compliance.
Key Requirements Checked Before Issuance
Before a DOC is granted, surveyors inspect whether the ship complies with the following IMDG Code requirements:
Structural Safety
- Fire-resistant bulkheads and deck divisions.
- Ventilation systems suitable for dangerous goods spaces.
Fire Protection and Detection
- Fixed fire-fighting systems (CO₂, foam, water spray).
- Portable extinguishers in cargo spaces.
- Gas detection and alarm systems.
Cargo Handling Arrangements
- Proper segregation between incompatible cargoes.
- Safe stowage spaces for explosives, flammable goods, or toxic cargoes.
Marking and Documentation
- Cargo holds/compartments designated for dangerous goods.
- Compliance with placarding, labeling, and manifest documentation.
Crew Training and Procedures
- Officers and crew trained as per STCW in dangerous goods handling.
- Emergency response plans on board.
Information Contained in the IMDG DOC
The certificate typically specifies:
- Ship’s particulars (name, IMO number, flag).
- Types and classes of dangerous goods permitted to be carried (based on IMDG Code classification 1–9).
- Cargo spaces approved for such carriage (holds, decks, or container slots).
- Special conditions or restrictions imposed by the Administration.
- Dates of issue, expiry, and endorsements.
Responsibility of the Master and Crew
- Ensure the certificate is valid and up to date.
- Verify that dangerous goods loaded are within the categories approved by the DOC.
- Maintain safe stowage, segregation, and handling procedures as per IMDG Code.
- Train crew for emergency response involving hazardous cargo.
Key Takeaways
- The IMDG DOC is mandatory for any ship carrying dangerous goods.
- Issued by the Flag State or authorized Class society.
- Valid for 5 years with endorsements.
- Covers ship’s compliance with structural safety, fire protection, detection systems, segregation, and crew training.
- Essential for avoiding PSC detentions and ensuring the safe transport of hazardous cargoes at sea.
With this certificate, ships demonstrate their readiness and compliance for handling one of the riskiest aspects of maritime trade: the carriage of dangerous goods.
