Waterways - Carrier Requirements

Authority to enforce the HMR for vessel regulations is delegated to various agencies within the DOT , including PHMSA and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), which is a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The Hazardous Materials Division of the USCG is responsible for developing and maintaining regulations, standards, and industry guidance to promote the safety of life and protection of property and the environment during the marine transportation of hazardous materials. The Hazardous Materials Division provides expertise and technical support to the Commandant, Coast Guard units, U.S. Governmental agencies, other national governments, industries, and the public. The Hazardous Materials Division has four technical sections: the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee, the Vapor Control Systems, the Packaged Hazardous Materials & Solid Hazardous Materials in Bulk, and the Special Permits sections.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted, and universally implemented. The IMO regulations for dangerous goods (interchangeable with hazardous materials) are found within the IMDG Code. You may use the IMDG Code when carrying hazardous materials by vessel, as long as you follow the requirements listed in §171.12 and §176.11.

To learn more about Waterways HAZMAT visit our DOT Waterways HAZMAT Online Training web page.