With multiple agencies weighing in on regulations for transporting hazardous materials by vessel, it’s important to understand the differences to make sure your shipments are properly prepared and transported.

Anyone shipping or transporting hazmat by vessel within the U.S. must follow the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) required by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). However, PHMSA provides an alternative, allowing shippers and transporters to follow the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by vessel.

Following the IMDG Code allows for greater flexibility and fewer restrictions for those needing to transport hazmat by vessel domestically and internationally. However, as required by the HMR, shipments offered under the IMDG Code must also conform to:

• All applicable requirements of Subpart C of Part 171,
• Part 176, and
• The conditions or requirements of a United States variation when specified in the IMDG Code.