Security Levels

National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) check current status

Hazardous Materials Division (CG-ENG-5)

Formerly the Hazardous Materials Standards Division (CG-3PSO-3), (CG-5223), and (CG-5215)

Mission:

The Hazardous Materials Division is responsible for developing and maintaining regulations, standards and industry guidance to promote the safety of life and protection of property and the environment during the marine transportation of hazardous materials, including providing expertise and technical support to the Commandant, Coast Guard units, U.S. Governmental agencies, other national governments, industry and the public. Furthermore, the division prepares national positions and participate as a United States representative to international forums as necessary and in particular with regard to: the International Maritime Organization Subcommittee on Bulk Liquids and Gases (BLG), and the Subcommittee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC).

Sections:

The Hazardous Materials Division has four technical sections:

Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee. The Hazardous Materials Division serves as Executive Director of the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee, providing administrative and technical support to the committee.
Vapor Control Systems section is responsible for developing standards and regulations for vapor control systems and provides oversight of certifying entities for such systems.
Packaged Hazardous Materials & Solid Hazardous Materials in Bulk section is responsible for developing standards for safe carriage of hazardous bulk solids and packaged hazardous cargoes, evaluating hazards of chemicals for bulk shipment by vessel, and issuing special permits for bulk solids.
Special Permits section handles permits for transport of solid hazardous materials cargoes on board vessels.

Additional Information:

The Hazardous Materials Division is also involved in a number of other areas, including:

NFPA Marine Chemist Qualification Board, reviewing qualifications of new applicants, recertifying existing marine chemists, and consider disciplinary actions against marine chemists as appropriate.
NFPA Committees, membership on NFPA 59 and 306 Committees as well as the National Academy of Science Transportation Research Board grant projects.
Recommend, guide and conduct research and development as necessary to establish a sound technical basis for regulations, policy and guidance related to transportation, storage, and handling of hazardous materials in the marine environment.
Coordinate with and support the DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, ABS technical committees, national professional committees, and national and international standards organizations to achieve effective industry standards related to transportation, storage and handling of hazardous materials on vessels and waterfront facilities.
Develop and maintain instructions and guidance for naval architects, marine engineers, and shipbuilders outlining minimum acceptable hazardous material safety standards for vessels.
Classify chemicals to determine which may be safely transported in bulk by tank ship and tank barge. Develop and maintain the regulations containing the minimum carriage requirements appropriate for tank ships and barges.

Report an Oil or Hazardous Material Spill:

The National Response Center (NRC) is the sole federal point of contact for reporting oil and chemical spill incidents. Reports can be made online at http://www.nrc.uscg.mil or by phone Toll Free from the USA (800) 424-8802 or direct dial at +1 (202) 267-2675

Contact the Hazardous Materials Division (CG-ENG-5):

Commandant (CG-ENG-5)
US Coast Guard
2100 2nd Street SW Stop 7126
Washington DC 20593-7126
Tel: +1 (202) 372-1420

Download Plug-Ins

Download Plug-Ins: Some of the links on this page require a plug-in to view them. Links to the plug-ins are available below.

Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF)

Last Modified 5/15/2012