Cargo on seagoing vessels must comply with the requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), chapters VI and VII, and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex I, II or III. Additional laws and rules apply to dangerous goods and substances.
Rules per type of cargo
- Transporting solid bulk cargoes (IMSBC Code), loading and unloading
- Transporting liquid bulk cargoes (IBC Code)
- Transporting gases in bulk (IGC Code)
- Transporting packaged dangerous goods (IMDG Code, in Dutch)
- Carrying dangerous goods in waters and ports in the Netherlands
- Pre-washing of seagoing tankers
- Cleaning additives for seagoing vessels
For packaged nuclear materials, the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Packaged Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes on Board Ships (INF Code) applies.
Reporting incidents and accidents
In the Netherlands , you must report to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) if the transport of dangerous goods creates a risk to public safety. Use the online form Melding voorval/ongeval transport gevaarlijke stoffen binnenvaart, zeevaart, spoor en weg (in Dutch).