What is the role of stowage according to the IMDG Code?

• A. Determines where cargo is placed on board to maintain safety and compatibility.
• B. Decides the ship's course.
• C. Determines discharge ports.
• D. Sets crew rest schedules.

Answer: (A)

Stowage under the IMDG Code is about where dangerous goods are placed on board to keep them safe and prevent dangerous interactions. It requires keeping incompatible materials apart and applying segregation rules so that, for example, acids are not stored near alkalis, oxidizers are kept away from flammables, and reactive substances do not share the same space without barriers. The plan also considers the ventilation, temperature, and fire protection of the holds, as well as the need to keep exit routes and access for monitoring and emergency response clear. Proper stowage also includes securing the cargo and respecting weight distribution and stacking limits to preserve the ship's stability and structural integrity. This is why stowage is about placement and separation rather than navigation, port selection, or crew schedules.