The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code was first published in 1965 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO formerly International Maritime Consultative Organization IMCO). The IMO is responsible for periodic updating of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) which governs the vast majority of shipments of hazardous materials by water. The IMDG Code is intended to provide for the safe transportation of hazardous materials by vessel and to prevent marine pollution. The Code is based on the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods but also includes additional requirements applicable to the transport of hazardous materials by sea (e.g. requirements for marine pollutants, freight containers, stowage and segregation as well other requirements applicable to shipboard safety and preservation of the marine environment) that are not covered by the UN Recommendations. The IMDG Code is maintained and updated by IMO's Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC) Sub-Committee. The Code is recommended to governments for adoption as the basis for national regulations in conjunction with the governments' obligations under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.

Today at least 150 countries whose combined merchant fleets account for more than 98% of the world's gross tonnage use the IMDG Code as a basis for regulating sea transport of hazardous materials. The U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations authorize use of the IMDG Code as a means of compliance with the HMR when at least one segment of transport involves sea transport. The IMDG Code is currently up-dated every two years. The latest revision, Amendment 33-06, became effective on January 1, 2007. The IMO’s Marine Safety Committee has recommended a twelve month transitional period through December 31, 2007 to allow users to become familiar with the new format.

Since its inception, the IMDG Code has undergone many changes, both in layout and content, in order to keep pace with the rapid expansion of the shipping industry.

The latest IMDG Code on CD Version 8.0, Amendment 33-06 contains the complete and unabridged text of the Code and Supplement. Among the many convenient features on the CD:

• The Dangerous Goods List is searchable by Proper Shipping Name, UN Number and IMDG Code references.
• There are easy to use menus and context-sensitive help.
• You can print a Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form, with information on individual substances or any other part of the Code.
• English, French, and Spanish language versions of the Code are included on one CD.

System requirements: CD version: IBM-compatible PC, Windows 95, 98 or NT; 16 Mb RAM; 16 Mb hard-disk space; CD-ROM drive.

Style IM33N1SS, CD-ROM...................... $495.00

Also available online as part of the Compliance Network.