Transportation and storage of dangerous goods has become an integral part of our society. Many companies are involved in the logistics chain of these substances, from chemical industry to logistics service providers, from packaging companies to government agencies. Safety awareness for people and the environment is often very high in these enterprises. At the same time – or perhaps for this very reason – they indicate a need for one or more all-round specialists in this field. For several years now there has been a solution to this ….
As the only training provider in the Netherlands, Special Cargo College seamlessly meets this need: in two years, companies and governments can have their employees trained as all-round dangerous goods experts. You will become the organization’s expert on safety, the driving force behind safety procedures, and interlocutor inside and outside the organization. In short: you will be trained as a Dangerous Goods Professional (DGP)!
Does this resonate with you?
If you see yourself in this profile:
- Are you driven in your work to always ensure safety, especially around dangerous goods?
- Does your work involve the transportation, storage and/or use of dangerous goods and would you like to develop broadly in this area?
- Are you interested in chemical safety around substances?
- Do you like to combine theoretical with practical knowledge?
- Would you like to serve as a professional in the security field?
…. Then you definitely have what it takes to become a Dangerous Goods Professional!
What will you learn?
The training program covers a wide variety of topics. A brief summary:
- laws & regulations transportation of dangerous goods (all modes);
- laws & regulations storage of dangerous goods;
- laws & regulations working conditions and security;
- applied chemistry;
- transport equipment;
- Inco Terms and Customs;
- duties of the safety advisor;
- insurance issues;
- fire and emergencies, FAFS/EHBO dangerous goods, accident analysis;
- gas metering and cargo securing;
- lithium batteries, Class 1 and Class 7.
What is the training like?
The training was created with the help of experts from industry, trade associations and competent authorities. The development of the course was in the hands of teachers Cor Schaatsbergen and Jannie van Vliet, who also provide the training. In our view, the topics in training should fit together and flow into each other as much as possible. Consider, for example, multimodal transport, which also involves storage and working with dangerous goods. You cannot separate one from the other.
Classroom and self-study
DGP training assumes 73 contact days spread over two years. Classroom lessons take place on a fixed day a week, at our training location in Spijkenisse. In addition to Cor and Jannie, experts from government and industry provide the lessons. In addition, we organize company visits so that you, as a participant, can get to know the practice. Participants are also expected to do some self-study, averaging about 2 to 4 hours per week.
Teaching Materials
All course materials – law books, course books, handouts – you will receive from Special Cargo College. A communal lunch will be provided during class days. All this is included in the price.
Portfolio
The course concludes with a presentation of your portfolio. This is a compilation of your practical assignments in the course, showing all that you have done and learned.
Course leader and instructor Cor Schaatsbergen: “Companies often don’t realize it, but this course is really suitable for a very broad target group. Basically anyone who wants to study safety and/or dangerous goods within their company. So, for example, HSE managers, safety experts and safety consultants. Or people who want to become one.”
Admission criteria
Do you possess the following qualifications?
– MBO 4 level or equivalent level of work and thinking;
– Working with dangerous goods or a demonstrated affinity for dangerous goods;
– Basic knowledge of classification of dangerous goods;
– basic knowledge of the English language.
Then you are welcome to join the DGP training program. If you do not meet the qualifications, you can attend (at a greatly reduced rate) the Basic Professional Competence in dangerous goods Handling (VBGS) course. It concludes with an exam administered by the CBR/CCV. Please be sure to get in touch so we can discuss the possibilities.
For employees with ambition
The Dangerous Goods Professional is a course for those with ambition and perseverance. A (pro)active attitude is expected of you: you prepare lessons, make (group) assignments, and stay “on top of things. And that for two years. In return, you get a lot of great things: a valuable title that gives you a lot of knowledge, experience and advancement opportunities within the organization.
Where do Dangerous Goods Professionals work?
Because of the all-around nature of the training, you will find DGPs in many industries: shippers, consignors of dangerous goods, shipping companies, logistics service providers, shipbrokers, freight forwarders, ministries, competent authorities and inspection agencies. In short, all organizations that transport or store dangerous goods, or work with them, or are involved in policy, enforcement and supervision.
Within these organizations, they can be all kinds of officials who become DGPs. For example, the safety consultant, safety expert, QHSE manager, logistics manager, department head, policy officer or the inspector. In fact, anyone who wants to learn about safety and dangerous goods.
What do you do as a DGP person?
Those who successfully complete the training can call themselves all-round “Dangerous Goods Professional” (DGP). What responsibilities might then all fall to you?
- act as a hub in the security field, where multiple disciplines come together;
- Building a bridge between shop floor and management;
- Act on behalf of your company as a liaison with government, business market and competent authority;
- Develop and implement safety procedures;
- Take the lead in handling incidents;
- Advise management on safety issues.
Other benefits
In addition to these wonderful challenges, there are a number of general benefits:
- During the training you will meet peers and be able to learn from each other(s) working environment.
- You broaden your network of security professionals.
- You will receive the certificate that allows you to use the esteemed title Dangerous Goods Professional.
Martijn van der Veer, DGP in the 2022-2024 batch: “It is very useful that the DGP training is so broad. In my work, I do dangerous goods inspections in all kinds of different places, from ships to storage sheds. That way I’m always well prepared wherever I go.”
Certification
The course is completed mid-term by module/cluster, with an exam or a final assignment. After completing the dangerous goods transport module (ADR/RID/ADN), you can choose to also take the national safety advisor exam at the CBR/CCV.
Certificates obtained
If you successfully complete the Dangerous Goods Professional course, you will have obtained at least the following certificates:
- Dangerous Goods Professional (SCC).
- IMDG comprehensive (SCC)
- IATA DGR (SCC is accredited by IL&T (Sender of Checker) for this purpose).
- FAFS/EHBO
- Load securing (SCC)
- Gas measurement (NIKTA)
- Applied Chemistry (SCC).
- Storage PGS 15 (SCC)
Recertification
The DGP certification is valid for five years. A register of certificates issued is maintained.
Within those five years, you must obtain a number of (re)training points to extend your certificate for the next five years. This can be done by attending master classes or refresher training sessions. You decide this in consultation with Special Cargo College.
Proud of your title!
Upon obtaining the certificate, you may use the valuable title Dangerous Goods Professional. This title is protected and accredited by Special Cargo Services Training & Consultancy. With this certification, you have demonstrated ambition and drive in your mission to continue to ensure safety around dangerous goods. A true dangerous goods specialist. Congratulations!
Course leader and instructor Jannie van Vliet: “A wise owl was once an owl chick. In other words, wisdom comes with age, by continuing to learn. That certainly applies to our ambitious DGP training.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Dangerous Goods Professional training take? The program lasts for two academic years, from September to the summer two years later.
How much time investment does the training require? Contact days combined with self-study take about 10 – 12 hours per week. This does not apply to the (national) vacation weeks.
When does the next edition of the course start? On Sept. 2, 2024.
Do I need to purchase my own supplies for the training? No, everything you need will be provided by Special Cargo College before or during training.
What does the training cost? The price is € 9950, excluding VAT, including all relevant laws and regulations (ADR/RID/ADN/IATA/IMDG), all other course materials, and lunch on class days.
What if I cannot attend one or more class days? Through your fellow students and the class materials, you will keep yourself informed of the material covered. We require a minimum attendance of 80 percent for classroom classes. In exceptional cases, we can deviate from this by mutual agreement.
Want to know more?
Still unsure if the Dangerous Goods Professional training fits your expectations or if you have enough basic knowledge? Just get in touch at 085 – 7922885 or Sales@specialcargo.nl and we’ll give you measured advice.
