Answer
When a vessel is carrying dangerous goods (packaged form or solid bulk), specific international statutory documents must be placed onboard to comply with SOLAS Chapter VII and MARPOL:
Document of Compliance (DoC) for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods: Issued under SOLAS Regulation VII/1.1, this certificate certifies that the vessel’s construction, electrical installations, and fire-fighting systems comply with the specific requirements for carrying dangerous cargo. Attached to it is a detailed product schedule/table showing exactly which classes of dangerous goods can be loaded in each specific hold or deck space.
Dangerous Goods Manifest / Detailed Stowage Plan: A mandatory list that sets out the exact location, technical name, UN number, class, and total quantity of all dangerous goods onboard. This must be kept on the navigation bridge for immediate access in an emergency.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): Required for all marine cargoes under SOLAS Regulation VI/5-1, providing detailed chemical profiles, reactivity hazards, and first-aid measures.
IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code): The mandatory operational manual for packaged dangerous goods.
IMSBC Code (International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code): If the dangerous cargo is carried in solid bulk form (e.g., direct reduced iron, ammonium nitrate fertilizers).
Emergency Response Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods (EMS Guide): Provides specific emergency schedule numbers for fire and spillage based on the cargo's UN number.
Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods (MFAG): Provides detailed instructions for treating chemical exposure or poisoning injuries.