Carriage, Handling and Storage of Dangerous Goods along

Institutional and Capacity Building (continued)
VESSELS 89
Each person should receive training, proportional to risks in the event of a release of dangerous cargoes
and the functions he/she performs, on:
1. methods and procedures for accident avoidance, such as proper use of package handling
equipment and appropriate methods of stowage and segregation of dangerous cargoes;
2. necessary emergency response information and how to use it;
3. general dangers of the various types and classes of dangerous cargoes and how to prevent
exposure to their hazards including, if appropriate, the use of personal protective clothing
and equipment; and
4. immediate procedures to be followed in the event of an unintentional release of dangerous
cargoes, including any emergency procedures for which the person is responsible and the
personal protection procedures to be followed.
Such training should be provided or verified upon employment in a position involving the transport or
handling of dangerous cargoes and should be periodically supplemented with retraining, as deemed
appropriate by the regulatory authority.
The regulatory authority should establish minimum requirements for training and, where appropriate,
qualifications for each person involved, directly or indirectly, in the transport or handling of dangerous
cargoes. Regulatory authorities involved in the development or enforcement of legal requirements
relating to the supervision of transport or handling of dangerous cargoes should ensure that their
personnel are adequately trained, the level of training according with their responsibilities.
The minimum staffing level for (tanker) barges should be regulated by the authorities as well as the
required competence. To obtain this, courses should be provided and followed by examination and
certification. Courses should include ship technology, safety, regulations, mechanical equipment and
maintenance and handling of dangerous goods. These courses should have a theoretical as well a
practical part.
The maximum number of (consecutive) working hours, the minimum number of resting hours per
day, the minimum age of crewmembers should be regulated by the authorities.
The number of days crewmembers are onboard should be recorded, and controlled by the respective
authorities. This can be used to check on their experience and gives possibilities in limiting the years
or months of duty required to obtain a higher rank, such as from mate to master.
Important Note:
The Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration (VIWA) operates three vocational schools. These are
the Inland Waterway School in Nam Dong Village near Hanoi, the Inland Waterway School in Ho Chi
Minh City and the Inland Waterway Technical Worker School in Haiphong.
3.3.4.2 Drugs and Alcohol
RECOMMENDATION
Member Countries should ensure that ship operators develop a drug and alcohol policy.
CHALLENGE
Recognising the potentially serious impact of marine incidents, the Oil Companies International
Marine Forum (OCIMF), and the marine industry in general have developed guidance aimed at
encouraging safe ship operation and protection of the environment. Guidelines for the control of
drugs and alcohol onboard are in the best interests of the whole maritime industry and in doing so