Responding to Incidents

In incidents involving dangerous goods, no single recommendation on emergency action can be put forth due to differences in substances, location on the ship, and other factors. In general, the recommendation is to wash any spillage overboard with a lot of water, keeping in mind that the safety of the crew has precedent over the protection of the sea. Dangerous vapors in under-deck cargo spaces must be dispersed before undertaking emergency action; entry into the affected area must be undertaken only by trained crewmembers wearing appropriate protection. Special provisions are laid out for incidents involving infectious substances (Section 7.8.3) and for those involving radioactive materials (Section 7.8.4).

Beginning in Section 7.8.5, precautions relating to fire are spelled out. These encompass general fire precautions and those for Classes 1 (Explosives), 2 (Gases), 3 (Flammable Liquids), and 7 (Radioactive materials).

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