Lithium Batteries Training by Vessel

A wide array of electronic devices, vehicles and equipment are powered with lithium batteries. This includes cell phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, tablets, and portable video game consoles. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) all consider these batteries to be Class 9 hazardous materials. The stored energy within these batteries or cells that power many of the items we use in our daily lives can, under certain conditions, cause lithium batteries or cells to overheat and catch fire. This poses a great risk to the integrity of the packaging, as well as of the vessel, endangering lives and property.

As such, shipping lithium batteries by sea can be dangerous without proper handling. This is why all four organizations have regulations governing the classification, identification, packaging, marking and labeling, documentation, placarding, and segregation of lithium batteries. One can certainly learn about these regulations in the respective hazardous materials training courses for shipping by air, ground, or vessel, but the regulations for lithium batteries warrant their own specialized training. This is because of the volume and frequency of lithium batteries being shipped and the potential dangers they pose. Moreover, the shipping requirements may differ greatly based not only on the mode of transportation, but on whether they are lithium ion batteries or lithium metal batteries. Regulations may also be different for packages containing “small” lithium batteries, for which exceptions may apply.

Included in this course at no additional cost are General Awareness and Security Awareness.

This course is intended as initial or recurrent training for participants involved with the handling, shipping, and/or transport of Lithium Batteries by vessel. For those currently trained in vessel transportation of dangerous goods, this course may be utilized as a supplemental course covering the specifics of shipping lithium batteries by vessel.

Upon completion of the lithium batteries by vessel course, the student will have a better understanding of the current regulations involving handling and shipping lithium batteries by sea. There have been many significant changes in all three modes of transport, and it is important for both new and existing shippers of lithium batteries to understand and apply the prescribed regulations.

Course Objectives

At the end of the lithium batteries by vessel course, participants will be familiar with:

• The different types, sizes, and uses of Lithium Batteries, as well as the need to properly pack, mark, label, and document shipments of such batteries when required
• Definitions of components and measurements associated with Lithium Batteries
• The U.S. and international regulations which apply to the transport of Lithium Batteries
• Specific information regarding the requirements of the IMO for the transport of Lithium Batteries
• Emergency Response requirements associated with Lithium Batteries

Upon successful completion of the lithium batteries by vessel course, the student may download a certificate of course completion.

Additional information regarding U.S. Hazardous Materials Training requirements can be found at: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/

Regulatory Manuals

• Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) - Electronic Version is available at https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/standards-rulemaking/hazmat/hazardous-materials-regulations  
  • Printed version is optional.
• International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code - 2022 Edition 

You will need to have access to the IMDG Code both for reference purposes in your day to day shipping operations, and while taking this course.  It can be purchased as a book or digital download from Air Sea Containers.

Primary Audience

This course is intended for shippers, freight forwarders, and hazmat employees involved in the handling, shipping and/or transport of lithium batteries by sea, including spares or replacement lithium batteries, lithium batteries contained in equipment, and lithium batteries packed with equipment.

Training pertinent to shipping lithium batteries by sea may also be applicable to personnel of Federal departments and agencies, such as government contractors, military armed forces personnel, and civilian subcontractors that are involved in shipping and transporting hazardous materials.

Are you a shipper, freight forwarder, or hazmat employee? Still have questions about Hazmat training? CLICK HERE to view Hazmat University’s FREE Online Training Guide.