7.1 Special purpose ships sometimes carry a wide
range of dangerous goods classified in accordance with the IMDG Code
for use in scientific or survey work or a variety of other applications.
These dangerous goods are often carried as ships’ stores and
are used on board and, therefore, they are not subject to the provisions
of the IMDG Code. However, dangerous goods that are carried on board
for shipment as cargo and are not used on board, are clearly subject
to the provisions of the IMDG Code.
7.2 Notwithstanding the fact that the IMDG Code
does not apply to dangerous goods carried as ships’ stores and
used on board, it contains provisions that are relevant to their safe
stowage, handling and carriage on special purpose ships. The IMDG
Code also contains requirements for electrical equipment, wiring,
fire-fighting equipment, ventilation, smoking provisions and requirements
for any special equipment. Some of the provisions are general and
apply to all classes of dangerous goods, whilst others are specific,
e.g., Class 1 Explosives.
7.3 Therefore, it is important to take into account
the appropriate provisions of the IMDG Code when planning to carry
dangerous goods, so that the relevant provisions can be taken into
account to ensure appropriate construction, loading, stowage, segregation
and carriage provisions are put into place.
7.4 Although the IMDG Code does not apply to ships’
stores, the master and persons on board the ship responsible for the
use of ships’ stores should be aware of the provisions of the
IMDG Code and should apply them as best practice whenever possible.
7.5 The issues of stowage, personal protection
and emergency procedures when dangerous goods are in use, and the
subsequent stowage of opened dangerous goods, should be addressed
through a formal safety assessment. In addition to the IMDG Code,
to carry out such a formal safety assessment, suppliers and safety
data sheets for the dangerous goods should also be consulted.
7.6 The provisions of the IMDG Code are based
on intact and unopened packaging and the removal of explosive articles
or substances from a complete pack may invalidate its IMDG Code classification.
This aspect should be taken into account when carrying out the formal
safety assessment to ensure an equivalent level of safety is maintained
when dangerous goods remain after use.