1.1 The entry and presence of
dangerous
cargoes
in
port areas
and
any consequential
handling
should be controlled
to ensure the general safety and security of the area, the containment
of the cargoes, the safety of all persons in or near the
port
area
, and the protection of the environment.
1.2 The safety of life at sea and the safety and
security of a
ship
, its cargo and its crew
in a
port area
are directly related to the
care which is taken with
dangerous cargoes
prior
to loading or unloading, and during their
handling
.
1.3 These Recommendations are confined to
dangerous cargoes
which are in a
port area
as
part of the transport chain. These Recommendations do not apply to
dangerous substances which are used in a
port area
or
are for general storage in the
port area
,
but Governments may wish to control such use and storage by national
legal requirements. Should a substance covered by either of these
exclusions subsequently be shipped, these Recommendations should then
be applied, even though the substance is already in the
port
area
.
1.4 An essential pre-requisite for the safe
transport
and
handling
of
dangerous cargoes
is their proper identification, containment,
packaging, packing, securing, marking, labelling, placarding and documentation.
This applies whether the operation takes place in a
port
area
or at premises away from a
port area
.
1.5 Whilst the total transport chain includes
inland, port and marine elements, it is essential that every care
is taken by those responsible for the matters in 1.4 and that all
relevant information is passed to those involved in the transport
chain and to the final consignee. Attention should be paid to the
possible differing requirements for different modes of
transport
.
1.6 The safe transport and handling of
dangerous
cargoes
is based on correct and accurate application
of regulations for transport and handling of such cargoes and depends
on appreciation by all persons concerned of the risks involved and
on the full and detailed understanding of the regulations. This can
only be achieved by properly planned and carried out training and
retraining of persons concerned.
1.7 Surveys carried out by
regulatory
authorities
of many countries have indicated the need
for greater training activities. Therefore, chapter 4 has been updated
in response to those needs based on the provisions set out in chapter
1.3 of the reformatted IMDG Code.
1.8 Chapter 5 is addressed to the
regulatory
authority, port authority, berth operator
and
cargo
interests
and describes their roles in the transport
chain of
dangerous cargoes
and activities
in
port areas
in respect of such cargoes.
1.9 These Recommendations are intended to set
out a standard framework within which legal requirements can be prepared
by Governments, whether for the first time or as a revision, to ensure
the safe
transport
and
handling
of
dangerous cargoes
in
port areas
.
These Recommendations are not intended to specify standards of construction
and equipment.
1.10 The IMO has adopted over the years a number
of internationally recognized codes and guides, which are of direct
relevance to the safe and secure
transport
and
handling
of
dangerous cargoes
in
port areas
, and which may serve as valuable sources
of information in the development of national legal requirements. Appendix 2 is a bibliography which
lists the relevant IMO requirements and other relevant publications.
1.11 The codes and guides are under continuous
review and are regularly revised. It is essential that only the most
up-to-date editions are used. The contents of these codes and guides
have been repeated in these Recommendations only to the extent necessary.
1.12 Governments should ensure that national legal
requirements concerning the
transport
and
handling
of
dangerous cargoes
are
to the greatest extent possible compatible with the relevant codes
and guides (see operative paragraph 2 of IMO resolution A.717(17)
which: “STRONGLY URGES Governments to co-ordinate their work
in the different organizations to prevent conflicts with established
rules and regulations relating to the maritime transport of dangerous,
hazardous and harmful cargoes, including environmentally hazardous
substances (marine pollutants) and wastes”).
1.13 Governments may consider pursuing co-operative
programmes or agreements, between Member Governments and private industry,
to establish integrated supply chain safety and security standards
in the
transport
and
handling
of
dangerous cargoes
.