（Question relating to DGR 1.5 Training.）
Q.
Against a question raised in connection to the need of taking a DG course at an IATA accredited DG training school and the need to pass the required tests and be granted a diploma, one may not produce a DG declaration nor handle DG shipments, you responded affirmative in the FAQ column dated 30 Sep. 2012. DGR 1.5 Training Requirements does state that “a test must be provided following dangerous goods training to verify understanding of the regulations” but does not clearly mention about the need for a certification. Needless to say that unless one passes the test, he/she wll not have the qualification to handle DG.
Does this DG training must be given only at an IATA accredited training school? Does the test must always be a Test by IATA? A certain university in USA is offering a couse on dry ice shipments, with tests and a diploma issued to the successful participant. Furthermore, Thai Airways give DG courses to shippers and issue diploma to the participant who passes the Thai Airways tests. Are these considered valid DG diplomas?
In the IATA DG Community website, it says that DG training does not necessarily have to be provided by an IATA accredited training school. Will such diploma issued by a non-IATA accredited school be regarded valid same as an authentic dipoma issued by IATA or by IATA accredited DG training school? (31 May 19)
A.
The answer given in the FAQ of 30 Sep. 2012 still stands correct in the qualification of a person authorized to handle dangerous goods shipments. It is incorrect to say that there is no reference to a requirement of DG diploma for handling dangerous goods. DGR 1.5.0.4 states: “A test must be provided following dangerous goods training to verify understanding of the regulations. Confirmation is required of successful completion of the test.” The last portion of the statement underwrites the need for a qualification certificate, i.e. a diploma, to certify “successful completion of the test”, i.e. “the qualification”.
As indicated in DGR Table 1.5.A, by job categories, there are various qualifications from Category 1 to Category 12. There are other specific job categories as well. The dry ice shipment qualification given by the American university is one of those specific job categories. Their training would be reviewed and approved by the US Department of Transportaion. Courses given by Thai Airways or other IATA member airlines to shippers are considered equal to the DG courses given by IATA or IATA accredited training schools. Most diplomas issued by such IATA member airlines carry the IATA logo and are recognized equal to an IATA DG qualification.
You will need to properly interpret the “IATA DG Community website” on “What is an IATA Accredited Training School”, particularly the latter part of the “Answer” following the “Note”.
The Answer reads: “Note that some countries have higher standards for training and may require training schools to be approved by the national government. There is no requirement that training be obtained from an Accredited School, however such a school can be expected to deliver good quality training.” You will need to interpret the entire clause and must not just pick one portion of the statement. This statement refers to countries such as the U.S. and U.K. where the governments have higher qualification requirement for DG qualification than the IATA standards. Schools require government certification to run a course. Such training schools need not secure an IATA accreditation but a U.S. or U.K. government certification is sufficient to give courses and qualify people. It is not correct to pick one portion of the statement, e.g. “There is no requirement that training be obtained from an Accredited School” and jump to a conclusion.
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