HAZMAT Training for Mariners
US-flag vessel mariners and officers handling hazardous material, “HAZMAT”, must comply with USCG, US Department of Transportation (DOT) and international STCW training requirements. Requirements in the STCW include reference to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) Code which is satisfied within the normal training requirements for STCW endorsement. US DOT requires formal HAZMAT training specific to vessels within 49 CFR 176, recurring every 3 years. Additionally, mariners serving on tank vessels (Oil, Chemical, or Liquefied Gas) must obtain appropriate USCG dangerous cargo endorsement.
The purpose of the US DOT HAZMAT training requirement is to increase a hazmat employee’s safety awareness and to be an essential element in reducing hazmat incidents. The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) includes training requirements in several sections of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Training requirements for Vessels are found in 49 CFR 176.13.
An overview of DOT HAZMAT TRANSPORTATION TRAINING REQUIREMENTS can be found in the document at the following link: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/2023-11/Hazmat-Transportation-Training-Requirements-0158-1016.pdf
Vessel operators, as the “Hazmat Employer”, are responsible for training and records for their hazmat employes. Generally, vessel provided this training in a variety of ways in line with their respective needs including onboard or through their SMS system with some conducting the training during onboard safety meetings.
STAR Center does not provide formal US DOT HAZMAT training.
The US Department of Transportation provides a formal online program and training available to all who require it. This training can be completed for free online at < a href="http://dothazmat.vividlms.com"> http://dothazmat.vividlms.com . Printed records of modules completed online may serve as proof of completion.
In addition, there are formal courses which can be completed online including by the National Cargo Bureau https://natcargo.org/train/49-cfr-hazardous-materials-regulations-uscg-approved-distance-learning-course-49-cfr-parts-100-185/
HAZMAT Training Requirements: Compliance Overview
Mariners and officers handling hazardous materials (HAZMAT) on US-flagged vessels must comply with USCG, DOT, and STCW requirements.
- Key Regulatory Requirements
- US DOT (49 CFR 176): Formal HAZMAT training specific to vessels is mandated by 49 CFR 176.13 and must be renewed every 3 years.
- STCW & IMDG: Training must cover the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, which is satisfied through standard STCW endorsement training.
- Tank Vessels: Mariners serving on tank vessels (Oil, Chemical, or Liquefied Gas) require an additional USCG dangerous cargo endorsement.
- Employer & Operator Responsibilities
- Vessel operators act as the “Hazmat Employer” and are legally required to provide this training and maintain completion records.
- Training can be accomplished via onboard programs, SMS systems, or during safety meetings.
- Training Resources & Links
- Free US DOT Training: The Department of Transportation provides free online modules via the US DOT PHMSA Training Portal. Printed completion records serve as valid proof. http://dothazmat.vividlms.com/
- Formal Courses: For USCG-approved distance learning, you can enroll in programs such as the National Cargo Bureau 49 CFR Course. https://natcargo.org/train/49-cfr-hazardous-materials-regulations-uscg-approved-distance-learning-course-49-cfr-parts-100-185/
While STAR Center does not provide formal US DOT HAZMAT training, several official and formal options exist:
An overview of DOT HAZMAT TRANSPORTATION TRAINING REQUIREMENTS can be found in the document at the following link: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/2023-11/Hazmat-Transportation-Training-Requirements-0158-1016.pdf