IMO Hazardous and Noxious Substance (HNS) Operations Level Course

5-Day Professional Training Program

Course Overview

This intensive 5-day IMO HNS Operations Level training course is designed to prepare first responders, supervisors, and on-scene commanders for effective management of hazardous and noxious substance (HNS) incidents in the marine environment. The course aligns with the OPRC-HNS Protocol 2000 requirements and IMO model course standards, providing comprehensive knowledge for operational-level response to HNS spills and pollution incidents.

Target Audience: Port authorities, coast guard personnel, emergency response teams, ship officers, terminal operators, environmental officers, and oil spill response organization (OSRO) members.

Day 1: HNS Fundamentals and International Framework

Morning Session (0900-1230)

Module 1: Course Introduction and Orientation

• Course objectives and learning outcomes

• Participant introductions and expectations

• Course structure and assessment methods

• Safety briefing and administrative arrangements

Module 2: Introduction to HNS

• Definition of Hazardous and Noxious Substances

• Difference between oil and HNS incidents

• Categories of HNS (gases, floaters, sinkers, dissolvers)

• Common HNS transported by sea

• Case studies of major HNS incidents worldwide

Afternoon Session (1330-1700)

Module 3: International Legal Framework

• OPRC Convention 1990 and OPRC-HNS Protocol 2000

• MARPOL Convention Annex II requirements

• IBC Code (International Bulk Chemical Code)

• IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods)

• International cooperation mechanisms

• Liability and compensation frameworks (HNS Convention)

Module 4: HNS Classification and Properties

• UN classification system for dangerous goods

• Physical and chemical properties of HNS

• Toxicity, flammability, and reactivity

• Persistent vs. non-persistent substances

• Environmental fate and behavior in marine environments

Day 2: HNS Transportation and Risk Assessment

Morning Session (0900-1230)

Module 5: HNS Transportation Systems

• Types of vessels transporting HNS (chemical tankers, bulk carriers, container ships)

• Packaging and containment systems

• Cargo documentation and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS)

• Segregation and stowage requirements

• Ship-to-shore interface procedures

Module 6: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

• Hazard identification methodologies

• Risk assessment tools and techniques

• Use of emergency response guidebooks (ERG)

• Chemical hazard databases and information sources

• GESAMP Hazard Evaluation Procedure

• Prioritization of response actions based on risk

Afternoon Session (1330-1700)

Module 7: Detection and Monitoring

• Detection methods for HNS releases

• Visual identification techniques

• Monitoring equipment and sensors

• Air quality monitoring for vapor detection

• Water quality sampling protocols

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection based on hazards

Practical Exercise 1: Hazard Assessment Scenario

• Team-based exercise analyzing HNS incident scenarios

• Information gathering and interpretation

• Risk evaluation and decision-making

Day 3: Response Operations and Safety Management

Morning Session (0900-1230)

Module 8: Personal Safety and PPE

• Levels of PPE (A, B, C, D) for HNS response

• Chemical protective clothing selection

• Respiratory protection requirements

• Heat stress management

• Decontamination procedures for personnel and equipment

• Medical surveillance and health monitoring

Module 9: Response Strategies and Tactics

• Response strategy development (source control, containment, recovery, disposal)

• Tactical objectives for different HNS types

• Floating HNS response (booms, skimmers, sorbents)

• Sinking HNS response challenges

• Evaporating/dissolving HNS management

• Gas release response procedures

Afternoon Session (1330-1700)

Module 10: Containment and Recovery Equipment

• Boom deployment for HNS containment

• Skimming and recovery systems

• Vacuum systems and pumps

• Specialized equipment for reactive chemicals

• Equipment compatibility with HNS

• Equipment decontamination protocols

Practical Exercise 2: Equipment Deployment Demonstration

• Hands-on familiarization with containment equipment

• PPE donning and doffing practice

• Equipment selection for specific scenarios

Day 4: Incident Management and Coordination

Morning Session (0900-1230)

Module 11: Incident Command System (ICS)

• ICS structure and principles for HNS incidents

• Roles and responsibilities in operations section

• Unity of command and span of control

• Communication protocols and procedures

• Documentation and record-keeping requirements

• Operational planning process

Module 12: Operational Planning and Safety

• Site safety plan development

• Incident Action Plan (IAP) preparation

• Safety briefings and operational periods

• Hot zone, warm zone, cold zone designation

• Entry and exit procedures

• Emergency evacuation protocols

Afternoon Session (1330-1700)

Module 13: Coordination and Communication

• Multi-agency coordination requirements

• Communication systems and protocols

• Liaison with ship owners and responsible parties

• Public information and media management

• Coordination with health and safety authorities

• International assistance mechanisms

Module 14: Environmental Protection Strategies

• Sensitive area identification and prioritization

• Wildlife protection and rescue procedures

• Shoreline protection strategies

• Water intake protection

• Fishing and aquaculture area protection

• Environmental monitoring during response

Day 5: Waste Management, Exercises, and Assessment

Morning Session (0900-1230)

Module 15: Waste Management and Disposal

• Waste classification and segregation

• Temporary storage requirements

• Treatment and disposal options

• Regulatory compliance for waste disposal

• Documentation and chain of custody

• Long-term disposal planning

Module 16: Post-Response Activities

• Termination and demobilization procedures

• Post-incident debriefing and critique

• Claims documentation and evidence collection

• Environmental damage assessment

• Lessons learned and improvement planning

• Report writing and documentation

Afternoon Session (1330-1700)

Practical Exercise 3: Tabletop Simulation

• Full-scale tabletop exercise simulating HNS incident

• Team-based operational response planning

• Decision-making under pressure

• Resource allocation and tactical deployment

• Communication and coordination practice

• Facilitator evaluation and feedback

Module 17: Course Review and Assessment

• Key learning points review

• Q&A session

• Written assessment examination

• Practical skills evaluation

• Course evaluation and feedback

• Certificate distribution and closing ceremony

Course Features and Benefits

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

✅ Understand international regulations governing HNS transportation and response
✅ Identify and classify hazardous and noxious substances
✅ Assess risks associated with HNS incidents in marine environments
✅ Select appropriate personal protective equipment for HNS operations
✅ Apply response strategies and tactics for different HNS categories
✅ Operate within an Incident Command System structure
✅ Develop operational plans and safety procedures for HNS response
✅ Coordinate multi-agency response efforts effectively
✅ Implement environmental protection measures during HNS incidents
✅ Manage HNS waste according to regulatory requirements

Course Methodology

• Interactive lectures with multimedia presentations

• Case study analysis of real-world HNS incidents

• Hands-on practical exercises with response equipment

• Tabletop simulations and scenario-based learning

• Group discussions and knowledge sharing

• Field demonstrations (where facilities permit)

• Expert instructors with operational HNS response experience

Certification

Participants who successfully complete all modules and pass the assessment will receive:

• IMO HNS Operations Level Certificate

• Course completion certificate valid for professional development

• Digital badge for LinkedIn professional profile

• Continuing education credits (where applicable)

Course Materials Provided

• Comprehensive participant manual (digital and print)

• IMO OPRC-HNS reference materials

• Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

• HNS response checklists and job aids

• USB drive with course presentations and resources

• Certificate of completion

Keywords and Phrases

Primary Keywords:

• IMO HNS Operations Level training

• Hazardous and Noxious Substance course

• OPRC-HNS Protocol training

• Marine HNS response training

• HNS spill response operations

Secondary Keywords:

• Chemical tanker emergency response

• Maritime hazmat training

• HNS incident management course

• Marine pollution response training

• OPRC operational level certification

• HNS first responder training

• Chemical spill response maritime

• IMO model course HNS

• Marine emergency response training

• Hazardous substance operations level

Long-tail Keywords:

• 5-day HNS operations level course

• IMO certified HNS response training

• Hazardous noxious substance operational training

• Marine chemical spill response certification

• OPRC-HNS Protocol compliance training

• Professional HNS responder course

• International maritime HNS training

• Chemical tanker incident response course

Course Registration Information

Duration: 5 days (40 contact hours)
Prerequisites: Basic understanding of maritime operations; no prior HNS experience required
Class Size: Maximum 20 participants for optimal hands-on learning
Language: Available in English (other languages upon request)
Certification Validity: Recommended refresher every 3-5 years

Who Should Attend:

• Port and harbor authority personnel

• Coast guard and maritime enforcement officers

• Ship masters and deck officers

• Marine terminal operators and supervisors

• Environmental response team members

• Oil spill response organization (OSRO) personnel

• Emergency management coordinators

• Maritime safety and security professionals

• Environmental compliance officers

• Maritime industry contractors

Why Choose This Training?

Industry Recognition

• Compliant with IMO OPRC-HNS Protocol 2000 requirements

• Based on IMO Model Course standards

• Internationally recognized certification

• Endorsed by maritime authorities worldwide

Expert Instruction

• Instructors with operational HNS response experience

• Guest speakers from industry and regulatory agencies

• Real-world case studies and lessons learned

• Current best practices and emerging technologies

Practical Focus

• Hands-on equipment familiarization

• Realistic scenario-based exercises

• Operational decision-making practice

• Team-based learning approach

Career Advancement

• Essential certification for maritime emergency responders

• Meets regulatory training requirements

• Professional development credentials

• Enhanced employability in maritime sector

Related Courses

Consider complementing your HNS Operations Level training with:

• IMO Oil Spill Response Level 1 (First Responders)

• IMO Oil Spill Response Level 2 (Supervisors and On-Scene Commanders)

• IMO Oil Spill Response Level 3 (Administrators and Senior Managers)

• HNS Manager Level (Strategic decision-makers)

• HAZWOPER 40-Hour (Hazardous Waste Operations)

• Incident Command System (ICS) 300/400

• Marine Salvage and Emergency Response

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is this course suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, the course is designed for operational-level personnel with basic maritime knowledge. No prior HNS response experience is required.

Q: How is the course assessed?
A: Assessment includes written examination, practical skills evaluation, and participation in exercises.

Q: What is the difference between HNS Operations Level and Manager Level?
A: Operations Level focuses on tactical response activities for first responders and supervisors. Manager Level targets strategic decision-makers and administrators.

Q: Is the certificate internationally recognized?
A: Yes, the course follows IMO standards and is recognized by maritime authorities globally.

Q: Can this course be delivered on-site for our organization?
A: Yes, we offer customized in-house training tailored to your organization’s needs and operational context.

Q: What PPE is required during practical exercises?
A: All necessary PPE will be provided during the course. Participants should wear appropriate footwear and clothing as advised in pre-course materials.