ADR and Maritime Coordination for Hazardous Goods

For drivers transporting dangerous goods that involve both road and sea journeys, understanding how ADR regulations coordinate with maritime requirements is essential for safe and compliant operations. This coordination becomes particularly important at ports and during multimodal transport operations.

Maritime-Road Interface

When transporting dangerous goods that involve a sea crossing, drivers need to be aware that while ADR governs the road transport portions, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code sets the standards for the maritime segment. The IMDG code is implemented in UK law through the Merchant Shipping Regulations and applies to all dangerous goods transported by sea, including those carried on vehicles aboard ships.

Placarding and Documentation Flexibility

One of the most notable aspects of maritime-road coordination is the flexibility in placarding requirements. Vehicles displaying IMDG placards for sea transport are exempt from standard ADR placarding requirements, provided they fully comply with IMDG regulations. However, the vehicle must still display the basic orange plates at the front and back, ensuring essential hazard identification remains visible.

Documentation Requirements

For journeys involving sea crossings, drivers must ensure they carry both ADR-compliant transport documents and any additional documentation required by maritime regulations. This typically includes a dangerous goods declaration specific to maritime transport. The documentation must clearly detail the nature of the goods, their hazards, and appropriate emergency response procedures.

Port Operations and Safety

Special considerations apply when operating within port areas. The Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1987 govern the handling of dangerous goods in UK ports, adding another layer of compliance requirements. Drivers should familiarise themselves with specific port procedures and may need to undergo additional safety briefings or inductions.

Vehicle and Load Security

Maritime conditions demand extra attention to load security. Vehicles must be properly secured aboard vessels, and the cargo itself must be robustly stowed to withstand potential sea movements. This is particularly important for tank vehicles, where the movement of liquids could affect vessel stability.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency response procedures may differ between road and maritime environments. Drivers should be familiar with both ADR emergency instructions and maritime emergency procedures. When aboard vessels, the ship’s crew instructions take precedence over standard road transport emergency protocols.

Planning and Communication

Successful multimodal transport requires careful planning and clear communication between all parties involved. Drivers should ensure they have contact details for both road transport management and maritime authorities and understand the handover procedures at ports.

Understanding these coordination requirements helps ensure the safe and compliant transport of dangerous goods across both road and maritime segments of the journey, maintaining safety standards throughout the entire transport chain.