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International Code for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Sea (RID MC) IMDG CODE

The International Code for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Sea (RID) was introduced by the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on 27.09.1965 (Resolution A.81(IV)) and recommended for use in countries that have signed the International Convention for the Safety of Human Life at Sea. At present, the RID MC is a generally recognized international document regulating the maritime transport of dangerous goods.

Compliance with the RID Code ensures compliance with the mandatory provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS-74), as amended, and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78).

In 1960, the Conference on the Protection of Human Life at Sea recommended that Governments adopt a unified international classification for the transport of dangerous goods by sea to supplement the provisions contained in the 1960 International Convention for the Protection of Life at Sea (SOLAS). And so the RID MK appeared.

The resolution adopted at the conference in 1960 approved that the proposed code should cover issues such as packaging, container transportation and storage, with particular emphasis on the segregation of incompatible substances.

The IMO Maritime Safety Committee Working Group began preparing the Code in 1961, in close cooperation with the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, which in a 1956 report established minimum requirements for the transport of dangerous goods by all modes of transport.

Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Sea. The RID MC was developed as a single international agreement for the carriage of dangerous goods by sea, it covers issues such as packaging, container transportation and storage, with special emphasis on the segregation of incompatible substances. 

Since its adoption by the Fourth IMO Assembly in 1965, the RID MC has undergone many changes, both in appearance and content, to keep pace with the ever-changing needs of the industry. 

Amendments to the IMDG Code originate from a proposal submitted directly to IMO by Member States and amendments required for adoption due to a change in the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, which establishes basic requirements for all modes of transport.

Amendments to the provisions of the United Nations Recommendations are made on the principle of a two-year cycle and approximately two years after their adoption, they are adopted by the bodies responsible for regulating various modes of transport. Thus, a basic set of requirements applicable to all modes of transport is established and implemented, thereby ensuring that difficulties are not encountered on intermodal interfaces.

For the purposes of this Code, dangerous goods are classified in different classes, subdivide a number of these classes, and define and describe the characteristics and properties of substances, materials and products that fall within each class or subclass. General provisions for each class or subclass are given.

Individual dangerous goods are listed in the list of dangerous goods, with class and specific requirements.
In accordance with the criteria for the selection of marine pollutants for the purposes of Annex III of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1973, as amended by the Protocol of 1978 thereto (MARPOL 73/78), a number of hazardous substances in various classes have also been identified as substances harmful to the marine environment.

The RID MC has been adopted as an international guideline for the safe transportation or transportation of dangerous goods or hazardous materials.

The implementation of the Code is mandatory in connection with the obligations of the members of the unified National Government under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78). It is intended for use not only by the navigator, but also by all those who are associated with cargo transportation.

MK RID Contains recommendations on terminology, packaging, labeling, separation, handling and emergency response. The HNS Convention covers dangerous and harmful substances that are included in the RID MC.

The Code is updated and maintained by CCC (formerly DSC) Subcommittee on the International Maritime Organization every 2 years.