IMDG Stowage Categories A to E and Stowage Codes

IMDG stowage categories are the five letters, A to E, in column 16a of the Dangerous Goods List that set where a package of Classes 2 to 9 may be stowed. Under 7.1.3.2 of the IMDG Code , category A allows on deck or under deck on any ship; category E allows on or under deck on a cargo ship but prohibits carriage on other passenger ships; categories B, C and D sit between them.

Column 16b adds stowage and handling codes defined in 7.1.5, for example SW1 protected from sources of heat, SW2 clear of living quarters, SW3 shall be transported under temperature control, SW5 if under deck stow in a mechanically ventilated space, and H1 keep as dry as reasonably practicable. Their use for Class 4 is covered in that article.

The full article will cover the Class 1 categories, the full SW, SG and H code lists, and how a ship planner applies them to a container bay plan.