Ensuring safety in handling high consequence dangerous goods transported by sea and inland waterway transport

The 13th edition of the UN Model Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods, published in 2003, first introduced Chapter 1.4 – Security provisions, which formulated the definition of high consequence dangerous goods and gave a list of them. It was determined that high consequence dangerous goods (HCDG) refers to cargo that can be used not for its intended purpose, but for terrorist purposes and, therefore, lead to serious consequences, such as numerous human losses, massive destruction and massive socio-economic consequences.

Thus, the features of HCDG largely determine the level of vulnerability of transport infrastructure and vehicles. This is especially true for port areas where HCDG are processed and for ships carrying such goods.

Measures for the protection of coastal facilities and merchant ships must necessarily take into account the specifics of HCDG and their damaging properties, both during the actions of attackers and in case of inadequate handling under normal conditions. This must certainly be taken into account when establishing different levels of security for ships and port facilities, as well as when transitioning between different levels of security. Accordingly, security plans for both ships and port facilities must take into account the characteristics of HCDG and the procedure for handling them. Practicing the actions of personnel during exercises and training in terms of countering terrorism is also a mandatory condition for ensuring the safety of ships and port facilities. Shipping companies, port facilities and ship security officers must also undergo specialized training as required by Chapter 1.4 Security Provisions of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code and Chapter 1.10 Security Provisions of the Regulations to the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways.

Course graduates who successfully pass the exam based on the training results are submitted for certification by the International Dangerous Goods and Containers Association, after which they receive certificates.