What are Dangerous Goods in Ocean Freight?
Dangerous goods can be broadly categorized into nine classes, each with its own specific hazards and requirements for transport:

• Explosives
• Gases
• Flammable liquids
• Flammable solids
• Oxidizing substances
• Toxic and infectious substances
• Radioactive materials
• Corrosives
• Miscellaneous dangerous goods
  
  These goods can include chemicals, batteries, gases, firearms, and other items that pose a risk if not handled properly.

Why Declaring Dangerous Goods is Important?
Declaring dangerous goods is important for several reasons:

• Safety: By declaring dangerous goods, shipping companies and ports can take the necessary safety measures to ensure that the goods are transported safely, reducing the risk of accidents and potential harm to people and the environment.
• Compliance: Declaring dangerous goods is a legal requirement, and failure to do so can result in fines, delays, and other legal consequences.
• Insurance: Most shipping companies require accurate declarations of dangerous goods to provide insurance coverage for the cargo. Failure to declare can result in a loss of coverage, leaving the shipper responsible for any damages or losses.
• Efficiency: Accurate declarations of dangerous goods help shipping companies plan their routes, schedules, and cargo handling, ensuring that shipments arrive on time and with minimal disruptions.

In conclusion, dangerous goods are an essential part of many industries, but they require special handling and transport considerations. Declaring dangerous goods when shipping by sea is critical to ensure the safety of people and the environment, comply with legal requirements, and protect against potential losses. It is the responsibility of shippers to accurately identify and declare dangerous goods to ensure the safe and efficient transport of these materials.