Waterways - Certificates

To transport HAZMAT by vessel, a certificate prepared in accordance with §172.204 is required.

If an import or export shipment of a hazardous material will not be transported by rail, highway, or air, the shipper can certify on the bill of lading or other shipping paper that it is properly prepared, marked, labeled, and packaged according to Part 172 or the requirements of the IMDG Code.

Signed packing certificates must be provided to the vessel operator when transporting hazardous materials in a freight container or transport vehicle within a manned vessel in ocean or coastwise service. At a minimum, the certificate must state the following:

• The freight container or transport vehicle is serviceable for the materials loaded within, contains no incompatible goods, and is properly marked, labeled, or placarded.
• If the freight container or transport vehicles contain packages, those packages have been inspected before loading, and are properly marked, labeled or placarded, secured, and not damaged.

The certification can be on a shipping paper or on a separate document as a statement.

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