Dangerous Goods

All shipments of dangerous goods by sea are strictly governed by The Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants) Regulations 1997 and enforced by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), which has the power to impose penalties.

All shipments of dangerous goods must be declared to the port of departure at least 24 hours in advance in order to ensure proper notification of third parties and the vessel itself.

All dangerous goods shipments must be accompanied by a Dangerous Goods Note (DGN), and CalMac Ferries Ltd will only accept the DGN produced by the Simpler Trade Procedures Board (SITPRO) in conjunction with the FTA. These notes are updated as regulations change. Currently the only form which complies with present legislation is the SITPRO ‘99 or later. Consequently, this is the only DGN which will be accepted.

SITPRO DGNs may be available from the following suppliers:

Formecon Services 01270 500800
Lonsdale Business Forms 01933 228855
LT Printing 0151 647 8006
Regent Print Group 01484 530789
Stationery Office 04603 530789
Tate Freight Forms 01908 221162

As well as a declaration of the goods being carried, vehicles carrying dangerous goods should display placards on both sides and the rear of the vehicle corresponding to the label for the class of goods being carried. These placards are diamond in shape and are 250mm x 250mm (approx. 10’’ x 10’’) in size. If more than one class of dangerous goods is being carried the vehicle should display placards for each class or subsidiary class. Placards are available from various suppliers, including:

Signs & Labels Ltd 0800 132 323 Seton Ltd 0800 585 501

Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVM carrying dangerous goods must be fitted with lashing points on all routes, and vehicles not complying with any of the above regulations will be refused shipment.

If in any doubt as to their duties in law, hauliers are advised to seek advice from their own designated Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor.