Fremantle Ports’ Voyager Dangerous Cargo (VDC) system is accessible to registered users via secured sign in ID and password.
The VDC computer system is the main tool for monitoring and managing dangerous cargo movements through the Port of Fremantle. It integrates with the shipping information management system that manages ship visits and movements.
The VDC system is available 24/7 on this website and is designed for use by shipping agents, principal agents, stevedores, slot charter partners, regulatory authorities and Fremantle Ports employees. VDC allows dangerous cargo to be declared onto bulk, break bulk and container vessels.
Training and registration
Before new users can access Voyager Dangerous Cargo, they must undergo appropriate training by viewing the following presentations (The following linked documents are in Adobe PDF format. Click to download the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF items.):
- Voyager Dangerous Cargo 1 - Overview
- Voyager Dangerous Cargo 2 - Request for Permission
- Voyager Dangerous Cargo 3 - Notification.
For further information read the Voyager Dangerous Cargo - Training Supplement.
Once the training is completed new users will need to complete and sign the Voyager User Registration Form. About dangerous cargoes
Dangerous cargoes are defined in the Australian Standard 3846-2005 and generally include cargoes that may present a safety hazard to people or the marine environment. Strict controls are in place to ensure that these cargoes are handled safely in the port, and are moved promptly out of the port area.
The majority of dangerous cargoes being transported to and from Fremantle Ports are associated with the mining and rural industries and include:
- petroleum products
- corrosive liquids, such as acids and caustic soda
- ammonium nitrate
- speciality chemicals.
The definition for dangerous cargoes for shipping is broader than that used for land transport. This is because some materials are only hazardous when shipped in bulk or they present a greater hazard in a marine environment as compared to a land environment. The formal definition of dangerous cargoes includes:
- All the dangerous goods, hazardous and harmful substances, wastes, pollutants, etc. covered by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Codes (IMDG Code)
- Oils covered by Annex I of MARPOL 73/78
- Gases covered by the IMO Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk
- Noxious liquid substances or chemicals, including wastes, covered by the IMO Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk and Annex II of MARPOL 73/78
- Solid bulk materials possessing chemical hazards and solid bulk materials that are hazardous only in bulk, covered by Appendix B of the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes.