40
CHANGE WAS NEEDED CARGO • NATIONAL CARGO BUREAU CELEBRATES ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2022. THINGS HAVE CHANGED A LOT OVER THAT TIME, WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF DIGITAL TOOLS
Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation Code, later renamed the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. In 1975 the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA) was enacted as the principal federal law in the US regulating the transport of hazardous materials. By 2004, the IMDG Code became mandatory for the carriage of dangerous goods by sea for all signatory nations to the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), after previously being a recommendatory instrument. The Code, which applies to the transport of dangerous goods in packaged form, covers matters such as packing, container traffic and stowage, with particular reference to the segregation of incompatible substances. It was developed to enhance and harmonise the safe carriage of dangerous goods and to prevent pollution to the environment. In 2011, the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code entered into force, mandatory under the provisions of SOLAS. The Code addresses the prime hazards associated with the shipment of bulk cargoes relating to structure damage due to improper cargo distribution, loss or reduction of stability during a voyage and chemical reaction of cargoes.
IN THE YEARS leading up to the incorporation of the National Cargo Bureau (NCB) in 1952, there was a string of maritime disasters brought about by the shipment of dangerous goods – including ammonium nitrate, a very common cargo used as a fertiliser or explosive. The deadliest industrial incident in US history happened on 16 April 1947 when the Liberty ship Grandcamp exploded in the port at Texas City, Texas (above). It was one of history’s largest non-nuclear explosions. A fire discovered by stevedores preparing to resume loading of ammonium nitrate aboard the ship resulted in the first of two disastrous explosions which destroyed the entire dock area, numerous oil tanks, the Monsanto Chemical plant, numerous dwellings and business buildings. The second explosion, some 16 hours later, resulted from a fire in
Although the US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) regulations were first published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in 1938, at the time very little was known about how to handle, store and transport such dangerous substances and safety was very low down on the list of priorities. It was obvious that there was a need for uniform standards and regulations to stop such disasters and loss of life occurring. REGULATORY RESPONSES The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which began life in 1958 as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO), had a remit in 1965 to facilitate cooperation and the exchange of information among governments on all technical matters affecting shipping and to
A ROLE FOR NCB In 1952 the National Cargo Bureau was incorporated as a not-for-profit organisation to assist the US Coast Guard (USCG) in discharging its responsibilities under the 1948 International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (superseded by the 1960 and 1974 SOLAS Conventions). NCB is a continuation and amplification on a broader base of inspection services formerly performed by the Board of Underwriters of New York and the Board of Marine Underwriters of San Francisco, with a mission of ‘Safety of Life and Cargo at Sea’.
ammonium nitrate aboard the vessel High Flyer. At least 581 people were killed and the disaster drew the first class action lawsuit against the US government. The loss of property excluding marine (which was not ascertainable) is estimated to have been $35m and $40m.
achieve the highest practicable standards of maritime safety and efficient navigation, with special responsibility for the safety of life at sea. In that year the IMCO Assembly approved three codes: the revised International Code of Signals, the Code of Safe Practice for Bulk Cargoes (other than grain) and the Inter-
With offices in 18 US port locations, NCB can operate on a nationwide basis, helping to enhance safety and ensure compliance with regulations through inspection and surveying activities predominantly relating to hazardous materials incidents and the stability of ships carrying bulk cargoes.
HCB MONTHLY | MARCH 2022
