UK is one of the major industrial hubs of Europe. That UK is now the fourth largest economy in the world is a result of its rich seafaring heritage. Its 52 major ports spread all along its long coastline play an important part in importing and exporting 95% of the goods that are consumed and produced in UK.
Since UK does not possess that much amount of raw minerals its industry hence forth its economy heavily relies on imports which is dependant on the maritime industry.
These raw minerals that are imported fall in the category of hazardous cargo and special care is required for handling these cargos. These types of goods are ferried as part loads or groupage though there are some carriers that transport these hazardous items as full load.
To transport hazardous items the shipping agent and other transport operators has to get clearance from various legal entanglements. Each and every personnel associated with the transportation of hazardous cargo must be fully aware of these legal maritime information so as to make the transportation of these kind of cargos occur smoothly.
When a vehicle with hazardous cargos embarks a vessel it has to be stowed at a specific area with special placard displayed on the either side of the trailer. The cargo has to be checked by DGSA (Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor) of the company on whose vessel the goods are going to be embarked. When the cargo is being transferred from port to the designated destination, the vehicle (a trailer truck or any other vehicle) carry the cargo must have orange plates (demarcating danger sign) on the front and backside of the vehicle. The main purpose of this DGSA surveillance is to ensure the safety of the captain crew and other people on board the ship. So in case if any mishap occurs then the crew on board would be in a position to fight the hazard.
There are various other rules and regulation and the purpose is to maintain environmental safety and public health.