Carriage of Radioactive Materials: IMDG Class 7 and the INF Code
Carrying irradiated nuclear fuel requires more than the right packaging: it requires the explicit approval of the flag State and of every coastal State along the route.
Operational Explanation
Class 7 of the IMDG Code governs the carriage of radioactive materials, identified by the characteristic yellow and white label bearing the radiation trefoil symbol, which must show the radionuclide identity, the activity level and the transport index. Packages are classified into categories of increasing robustness (Type A, Type B, and other IP categories) depending on the activity, heat, radiation and fissile properties of the contents, according to the classification of IAEA transport regulations incorporated into the IMDG Code.
For irradiated nuclear fuel, plutonium and high-level radioactive waste, the INF Code also applies (International Code for the Safe Carriage of Packaged Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes on Board Ships), which adds specific ship design and equipment requirements. Every carriage of products subject to the INF Code must be approved by both the flag State and every coastal State along the intended route.
Regulatory Reference
IMDG Code, Class 7 (radioactive materials): package classification according to IAEA transport regulations (Type A, Type B, IP categories), with trefoil labelling and indication of radionuclide, activity and transport index. INF Code: additional ship design and equipment requirements for irradiated nuclear fuel, plutonium and high-level waste, with approval required from the flag State and from every coastal State crossed.
Scope of Application
Every ship carrying IMDG Class 7 radioactive materials; for irradiated nuclear fuel, plutonium and high-level radioactive waste subject to the INF Code, with the additional responsibility of obtaining approval from the flag State and from every coastal State along the route.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Check the IMDG Class 7 classification of the material carried and the type of package required (Type A, Type B, or IP category) based on activity, heat, radiation and fissile properties.
- Apply the correct trefoil labelling, showing the radionuclide, activity level and transport index on the package.
- For products subject to the INF Code, check that the ship has the required design and equipment features before accepting the cargo.
- Obtain the explicit approval of the flag State and of every coastal State crossed by the intended route, for carriage subject to the INF Code.
- Prepare the IMDG transport documentation, the Container/Vehicle Packing Certificate if applicable, and the information for the Master supporting stowage and segregation.
Practical Example
Example: a ship designated to carry irradiated nuclear fuel checks in advance, before accepting the cargo, that its configuration meets the INF Code's design requirements, and obtains formal approval from the flag State and from all coastal States along the planned route before departure.
Real Cases
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Approval from the coastal States along the route requested too late relative to the planned departure date | Significant operational delay, with the ship unable to depart on schedule | Start the flag State and coastal State approval process well in advance of the departure date |
| INF Code design and equipment requirements not checked before accepting the cargo | Late discovery of the ship's non-compliance with the specific requirements | Always check the ship's compliance with the INF Code before accepting a cargo subject to this regime |
| Package type (A, B, IP) determined without considering all the relevant properties of the material (activity, heat, radiation, fissility) | Package not compliant with the robustness level required for the specific material | Always determine the required package type considering all the relevant properties of the radioactive material carried |
PSC Observations
Operational Tips
- Start the flag State and coastal State approval process well in advance: it involves multiple authorities and takes time.
- Always check the ship's compliance with the INF Code requirements before accepting a cargo of irradiated nuclear fuel, plutonium or high-level waste.
- Determine the required package type (A, B, IP) considering all the relevant properties of the material, not just the activity level.
Checklist
- IMDG Class 7 classification and package type correctly determined
- Trefoil labelling applied with radionuclide, activity and transport index
- Ship's compliance with the INF Code requirements checked, where applicable
- Approval from the flag State and from every coastal State crossed obtained in advance
- Transport documentation and information for the Master prepared