This day long seminar was supported by Government Agencies & apex trade associations & was attended by 350 delegates from India & abroad.
The Objectives of the Seminar were :
- Sharing & dispatching knowledge across all levels of the transportation chain.
- Developing business through better understanding of the IMDG code.
- Providing an interface between the transport industry & the chemical industry to enhance efficiency through smoother operations.
- Preventing potential loss of human lives and property besides eliminating eco-hazards.
- Initiating compliance with IMDG code.
An array of speakers from different backgrounds and parts of the transport industry had gathered at HAZMAT seminar to speak on the various activities that comprise a Dangerous Goods transport process.
Chief Guest for the event Mr. D. T. Joseph (Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India) sought lowest cost measures (LCM) for safest handling of hazardous materials through seminars like HAZMAT.
Capt. Vivek Bhandarkar, CEO Bhandarkar Publications, highlighted the objectives of the seminar. He added that the industry requires to understand comprehensively the safety requirements for the transport of dangerous goods (DG).
Giving the general introduction to the seminar Capt. D. Gautam (Forbes Sea Consortium) said that information on the nature/ volume of cargo, attention on place of loading/ unloading and caution at cargo discharge point, are the fundamental parameters.
Capt. L. K. Panda from DG Shipping said that with technical advancements, new chemicals and new Maritime innovations, a uniform regulations regime was need of the hour. This dire need only forced IMO to come out with IMDG Code – 1965 and other regulations including SOLAS Convention – 1948 and subsequent UN Numbers.
Prof. N. C. Saha from the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) said packaging was the most vital aspect of IMDG Code compliance, particularly Combination & Composite Packaging.
Mr. Rob Kruyswijk (Per Plus Logistics, Rotterdam) gave a summary of all the necessary documents required under IMDG Code and also problems of incompatibility and segregation of DG.
Capt. S. Warty said, during his presentation on Planning and Stowage of hazardous materials, that a detailed and perfect planning of handling of DG was inevitable. Stressing the need to avoid human negligence, Capt. Warty commented in his inimitable witty fashion that 'Planning and Stupidity cannot go hand in hand.'
Mr. R. M. Panniker (CEO, Cargo Services Center, Mumbai) and Mr Amit Kumar (Railways) spoke on Requirement of HAZMAT by AIR and Rail, respectively.
Mr. Y. Sharma (IMTC) regaled the audience by his stylish mannerism and oratory while speaking on 'Training requirement on HAZMAT'. Presenting pictures of bizarre accidents, he wondered whether they occurred due to human ignorance or wilful violation of regulations!
The noted Maritime lawyer, Venkiteshwaran, popularly known as Venky, emphasized the need to determine person / organization / agency liable for any loss of life / property during handling and transportation of DG.
While Mr. P. K. Raman (All India Port and Dock Workers Federation) spoke on his federation's efforts and contribution in meeting any situation of accidents involving DG handling within ports.
Mr K R Shinde, in-charge DG in Mumbai Port made the audience burst into laughter when he described various hazardous chemicals being handled at the port.
Mr. John Risbridger ( M & S Tank Container Shipping, UK. Ltd; London) said, through his Vote of Thanks that 'Having listened to the all speaker's its very clear to me the reasoning behind HAZMAT', he stated candidly, adding, 'I personally look forward to being involved with future HAZMAT events.'
Summarizing the event as a success, we at IMTC feel proud to be associated with such seminars aiming at educating on such important issues & providing a platform for the maritime organizations for development of their skills on the same.
IMTC‘s role in safe transport of Dangerous Goods
Accepting consignments of containers and dangerous cargo can be fraught with dangers and expensive litigation, if personnel involved do not have good knowledge of these. A simple clause in the charter party, a missing word in the bill of lading and a missing UN No. in the DG Manifest, can make all the difference between either ending up in costly litigation or putting in danger the human life & the environment.
As per the International Maritime Organization's IMDG code, & also the US CFR 49 Part 172, personnel involved in consignments containing dangerous good should be trained in the IMDG Code.
A well trained staff understands these aspects of shipping.
IMTC specializes in developing customized training for personnel working in clearance agencies, import/export documentation, chartering and broking companies, freight forwarders and back office staff of shipping companies with special emphasis on:
• Container operations
• Dangerous cargo (IMDG) consignments
• Documentation
Many leading liner operators have trained their shore-based personnel.
Our faculty comprises experienced personnel involved in shipping, chartering, broking, sale & purchases and management of vessels, sailing and commanding ships, and involved in planning & stowage of containers.