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London & Darlington, UK, 3 December 2009 TT Club and ICHCA International Welcome Mandatory IMDG Code Training An e-learning tool from Exis Technologies receives endorsement from both TT Club and ICHCA International after lobbying at the IMO makes IMDG Code training mandatory for shore-based staff from 1st January 2010. IMDG Code training for all shore side staff involved in dangerous goods transported by sea, including shipping line booking staff, container packers, consolidators, shippers, forwarders, stevedores and other port staff becomes mandatory next month. TT Club and ICHCA International lobbied strenuously for this change which has been incorporated in Amendment 34-08 of the IMDG Code and enters into full effect 1st January 2010. These two bodies - the leading international liability insurance provider in transport and logistics industry and the international organisation concerned with safety and security in cargo operations - consider this an essential move in their fight to improve compliance of dangerous goods in the supply chain. As a consequence, both organisations are actively promoting the e-learning course provided by Exis Technologies. This is an efficient and cost-effective training resource fulfilling the mandatory requirements. Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Risk Management Director, TT Club, commented, "The IMDG Code training requirement affects all shore-side staff involved in the transport of dangerous goods by sea. The real challenge for this training is not so much those who have awareness of maritime carriage - although reports to the IMO continue to demonstrate significant non-compliance - but particularly shippers and those who have little appreciation of the stresses and vagaries of transport. Internet based training is the only effective way of reaching this mass market and supplementing national training facilities that are already in place in some jurisdictions." The IMDG Code revision affects all those involved in classifying, consigning, packaging, marking, declaring, documenting, container packing, handling and accepting dangerous goods. It is impossible to calculate accurately the numbers involved in these processes globally and many will not previously have been aware of the safety requirements demanded by dangerous goods transportation. Raising the competence levels of shore-side staff is an urgent regulatory and safety requirement. The Club continues to work with Exis Technologies to develop this particular product further. Mike Compton, Chairman of the International Safety Panel of ICHCA International added, "This initiative of the IMO to make such training on the shoreside mandatory is warmly welcomed and, after careful consideration, it has been decided to promote the Exis e-learning package as the most effective way to carry out the worldwide training that is now required. Ordering through ICHCA International, which is an IMO distributor, will additionally attract a discount for ICHCA members, which includes all TT Club Members." IMDG Code e-learning IMDG Code e-learning was developed by Exis Technologies with the support of industry bodies including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and is independently certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV). The course is individually configured to the student's job role and precisely follows the IMDG Code general awareness and function specific training requirements. The course comprises modules corresponding to the chapters in the IMDG Code dealing with topics such as classification and packing, subdivided into individual lessons. There are self-assessment tests at the end of each element to ensure that a sound understanding of the material is being gained as the student progresses, with scores building towards a Course Completion Certificate. The IMDG Code for Windows can be co-loaded with the e-learning course so that Code text relevant to a particular study subject can be displayed. IMDG Code e-learning is already in use by many shore side staff employed by container shipping lines, ferry lines, logistics companies, freight forwarders and shippers. e-learning minimises training time away from normal duties and students are able to study at their own pace and at any location, within targets set by management. Costs are greatly reduced, which is appealing especially in situations where high staff turnover is the norm. IMDG Code e-learning can be downloaded from the course website for standalone applications and is also available for corporate intranets allowing a supervisor to set up courses locally, regionally or globally, set study targets and monitor student progress. Intranet versions can also be customised to include the operator's dangerous goods procedures and practice.   About the IMDG Code The IMDG Code is the regulatory framework for all aspects of handling dangerous goods and marine pollutants in sea transport. Its provisions are adopted as national law by all SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea Convention) signatory States. Amendment 34-08, mandatory from January 2010, for the first time requires training of shore-side staff involved in dangerous goods transport by sea. About TT Club The TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry's leading provider of insurance and related risk management services. Established in 1968, the Club's membership comprises ship operators, ports and terminals, road, rail and airfreight operators, logistics companies and container lessors. As a mutual insurer, the Club exists to provide its policyholders with benefits, which include specialist underwriting expertise, a world-wide office network providing claims management services, and first class risk management and loss prevention advice.
About ICHCA International ICHCA International is dedicated to the promotion of safety and efficiency in the handling and movement of goods by all modes and throughout the supply chain. Originally established in 1952 and incorporated in 2002, it operates through a series of Local, National and Regional Chapters, Panels, Working Groups and Correspondence Groups and represents the cargo handling world at various international organisations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Standards Organisation (ISO). ICHCA International members include ports, terminals, transport companies and other groups associated with cargo handling and coordination. Members of its Panels represents a substantial cross-section of senior experts and professionals from all sectors of the cargo transport industry globally. Members benefit from consulting services and informative publications dealing with technical matters, "best practice" advice, and cargo handling news. Enquiries to:
About Exis Technologies Exis Technologies, headquartered in Darlington, UK, is the supplier of Hazcheck Systems for the management of dangerous goods in sea transport and provider of IMDG Code e-learning courses. Hazcheck Systems offer a complete solution for every link in the sea transport chain, backed by technical support and consulting services. Exis has over 23 years experience in supporting major shipping lines, distributors and warehouse operators, ports and terminals, government and regulatory organisations worldwide. The company's specialist teams combine chemistry, hazardous materials expertise, computer programming, quality assurance and project management skills that deliver the most efficient and user-friendly systems available. For further information, please see www.hazcheck.com Enquiries to:
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