| SHORT COURSE OUTLINE |
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| The globalisation of trade has led to a significant rise in the cross-border movement of goods in both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) markets. These flows are central to modern economic systems, enabling the distribution of products that support everyday life, commercial productivity, and societal wellbeing. However, not all goods are alike in their handling requirements, particularly when it comes to dangerous goods, which represent a specialised and high-risk category within international transport. |
| Dangerous goods are substances that, by their chemical or physical nature, pose potential threats to health, safety, property, or the environment. They may be found in solid, liquid, gaseous, or slurry form, and transported in bulk or packaged units, each requiring tailored handling protocols. Within the maritime sector, their transport demands rigorous adherence to international safety standards, underpinned by detailed classification systems, accurate documentation, and carefully controlled logistics procedures. |
| This short course on Dangerous Goods by Sea offers a focused introduction to the essential regulatory and operational principles governing their maritime transport. Emphasising packaged and containerised cargo, the course explores key provisions of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, including labelling, documentation, segregation, and emergency response requirements. |
| Recent years have seen a worrying increase in maritime incidents linked to misdeclared or improperly handled dangerous goods—often due to inadequate training, poor segregation, or failure to comply with labelling and documentation rules. Such failures can lead to fires, explosions, environmental damage, and human injury. As a result, robust training and awareness are not only regulatory obligations but critical risk mitigation tools. |
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| Key topics include: |
| TOPIC 01. Market Considerations and Definitions: Understanding the context of global trade and how dangerous goods are defined within regulatory frameworks. |
| TOPIC 02. Some Background Notes: Historical developments and major incidents that have shaped international regulations. |
| TOPIC 03. The IMDG Code and Other IMO Instruments: An in-depth look at the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and its role in preventing maritime accidents. |
| TOPIC 04. IMDG Training: The importance of certified training and awareness for personnel involved in handling and transporting dangerous goods. |
| TOPIC 05. The List and Types of Dangerous Goods: Exploring the classification system and how substances are categorised based on their hazard potential. |
TOPIC 06. Documentation: Reviewing the mandatory paperwork required for compliance, traceability and enforcement. |
| TOPIC 07. Cargo Segregation: Understanding the principles of separating incompatible substances to prevent hazardous reactions. |
| TOPIC 08. Packaging, Marking and Labelling: Guidelines on how dangerous goods must be packaged and identified to ensure visibility and proper handling. |
| TOPIC 09. Limited and Excepted Quantities and Aerosols: Clarifying exceptions and special provisions that apply under certain conditions. |
| TOPIC 10. Containerisation: Highlighting best practices in loading, stowage, and securing dangerous goods in containers. |
| TOPIC 11. Summary: Handling Dangerous Goods: A holistic overview of key responsibilities and preventive strategies for safe maritime transport. |
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| The main objective of this course is to provide participants with the essential knowledge and practical tools required to manage the maritime transport of dangerous goods in a safe, compliant, and efficient manner. Grounded in the regulatory principles of the IMDG Code, the course offers a structured introduction to the classification, labelling, documentation, packaging, segregation, and handling of dangerous goods, particularly in packaged and containerised forms. Participants will develop a clear understanding of the hazards associated with different classes of dangerous goods, the legal obligations of various supply chain actors, and the operational procedures necessary to minimise risks. Emphasis will be placed on the prevention of accidents, the promotion of regulatory compliance, and the ability to interpret and apply key safety protocols in real-world scenarios. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to act responsibly and confidently in roles involving the movement of dangerous goods by sea. |
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| TARGET AUDIENCE |
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| This Short Course targets all Players interested in Distribution Channels, Logistics and Maritime Economics issues. It includes University Students, Importers / Exporters, Shippers, Shipping Companies, Vessel Operators, Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Supply Chain Managers, 3PLs, Port Authorities, Port Terminal Operators, International and/or Intermodal Transport Companies, Maritime Lawyers, Consultants, and other parties with interest in the subject matter. |
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SHORT COURSES AT WORLD OF SHIPPING PORTUGAL
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| At World of Shipping Portugal, our Short Courses are thoughtfully designed to provide participants with a well-rounded understanding of key maritime and logistics topics. These courses are: |
| Broader in scope, allowing learners to explore a subject in depth while connecting it to a wider industry context. |
| Structured to deliver essential background knowledge, they bring together a range of interrelated topics, offering a cohesive and comprehensive learning experience. |
| Balanced between theory and practice, combining academic concepts with real-world applications, case studies, and industry examples to ensure practical relevance. |
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| Whether you’re seeking to strengthen your professional knowledge, explore a new field, or complement your academic studies, our short courses offer an accessible and engaging route to upskilling. |
| Short courses are available in-person and online, and are delivered in Portuguese or English, making them flexible and inclusive for a diverse audience of learners and professionals. These short courses are ideal for those who value both academic insight and industry relevance, taught by experienced professionals who understand the challenges and opportunities of the maritime world. |
| A certificate of completion will be awarded to all participants who successfully complete any of our short courses, serving as a formal recognition of their professional development in international trade and maritime transport. |
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| MEET OUR GUEST LECTURER: ANA CASACA, PhD, FICS |
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Ana Casaca was, first and foremost, a Deck Officer responsible for navigational watches. Being at sea gave her a thorough perspective of the operational side of the shipping industry. She holds a B.Sc. (Honours) in Management and Maritime Technologies from Escola Nautica Infante D. Henrique (Portuguese Nautical school), an MSc in International Logistics from the University of Plymouth and a PhD in International Transport/Logistics from the University of Wales-Cardiff. Next, she became an Experienced Lecturer, Researcher and Peer Reviewer in Maritime Economics and Logistics.
In between, numerous functions and roles. For more than 20 years, she has been an External Expert for the European Commission, evaluating R&D/CEF proposals within the scope of maritime transport. In parallel, she has carried out other projects. She has delivered training and has been invited, since 2002, to peer review academic papers submitted to well-known international Journals. She is the author of several research papers published in well-known academic journals and member of some journals’ editorial boards, namely, Maritime Business Review Associate Editor, Journal of International Logistics Editorial Board Member, Universal Journal of Management Editorial Board Member, Frontiers in Future Transportation Review Editor, and Journal of Shipping and Trade Guest Editor.She is also the founder and owner of ‘World of Shipping Portugal’ a website initiative established in 2018 focused on maritime economics. In addition, she is a Member of the Research Centre on Modelling and Optimisation of Multifunctional Systems (CIMOSM, ISEL), Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) and Member of the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME). |
 : Ana Casaca, PhD, FICS |
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