GENERAL CONTAINER REQUIREMENTS FOR AQUATICS (CR 51 – … · accordance with the IATA Live Animals...

GENERAL CONTAINER REQUIREMENTS FOR AQUATICS (CR 51– 60)

OPERATOR VARIATIONS: AF-02 AF-03 AH-01 AH-02 AY-02 CV-08 DL-01 D0-06D0-07 EK-06 IB-02 JL-01 KL-03 LG-01 LH-01 LH-02 LH-04 LX-02 LX-03 OS-01QY-06 QY-07 SA-02 SV-01 TP-01 UA-01

Design and Construction

It is essential that containers be well constructed and dimensions, where stated, are length,width and height. Dimensions shown in these Regulations are illustrative and therefore mustbe related to actual size of the consignment for which the container is constructed.

Most of the aquatic species being shipped are small tropical fish. These are packed in plasticbags containing 2/3 oxygen and 1/3 water in which the fish must be able to swim freely. Thisbag is then placed within an outer container. The outer container must be rigid and not beable to buckle or bend. It must have the sides re–enforced so that it can withstand damagefrom other freight falling on it. It must be closed in such a manner that it cannot beaccidentally opened.

All closed containers must be so constructed that they are completely leak–proof. It mustalso be placed on polythene sheeting within the hold in case of damage during flight.

Some of the larger aquatic species require very specialised containers and it is thereforeessential that the size of the aircraft door and the space available within the hold isconsidered at the time such a shipment is initially booked.

A larger container that has water must have an anti–spill device around the top and the sidesmust be placed on polythene sheeting that has a deep covering of absor-bent material.

The container for large species must have spacer devices and/or handles in order that it canbe manipulated easily.

If forklift spacers are required, they must be at least 5 cm (2 in) thick. Allowance for the extraheight must be made when calculating the dimensions of the container.

Labelling and Marking

The container must be correctly labelled in accordance with the instructions in Chapter 9.

No additional labels are required when the “Live Animals” and the “This Way Up” labels areimprinted on the outer container.

Special Care

The large species such as porpoises, dolphins, whales etc. need special attention and must

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be accompanied by experienced handlers who understand the needs of these creatures.

Aquatic species are extremely dependent on their environment and have comparatively littleability to adapt to sudden change. They are temperature sensitive and care must be takenthat they are not subjected to sudden fluctuations, especially to high temperatures. Thespecific container requirements in this section indicate how it is possible to maintain asuitable temperature range by the use of ice and insulation. It is also important that aquaticsare not subjected to noise as far as is possible. They must be held in cool and quiet areaspending loading.

For the purpose of providing life support for aquatic species during transport, a cylindercontaining oxygen (compressed), UN 1072, packed in accordance with the IATA DangerousGoods Regulations, may be carried to oxygenate the water with the approval of theappropriate authority of the States of origin, destination and of the operator.

Two container requirements have been added (CR59 and CR60). Readers will findspecific instructions in terms of construction, handling and preparedness in these.

Important Notes

It must be noted that the IATA Live Animals Regulations container requirements stipulate theminimum requirements for air shipment. The construction principle of containers describedwithin these Regulations are not intended to conform any airworthiness requirement.Structural aircraft containers must comply with the specifications published in the IATA ULDTechnical Manual.

Although few limitations exist for freighter aircraft, such factors as the size of thecompartment door and area of the aircraft hold determines the acceptability of live animalconsignments. Consequently, this must be considered when determining the size of thecontainer to be used, in accordance with the principles of design outlined in this sectionwhen routing the consignment.

Many aquatic species are listed by CITES in Appendix I and II (see 6.2). It is imperative thatthe appropriate CITES documentation is completed before acceptance of the shipment andsuch documents must accompany the shipment as well as the usual shipper's and healthcertification, export and import permits/licences. See 7.3 for CITES documentationrequirements.

It is a CITES pre–requisite that all CITES listed species are packed and shipped inaccordance with the IATA Live Animals Regulations. It is also a legal requirement by manygovernments that have incorporated these Regulations into their national legislation inregards of the shipment of live animals by air. Therefore care must be taken that complianceis evident at the time of live animal shipment acceptance.

In addition to the above General Requirements, the Specific Requirements that arerelevant to the individual species must be consulted and adhered to.

The illustrations shown in the following specific container requirements are examplesonly. Packages that conform to the principle of the written guidelines for the speciesbut look slightly different will still meet the IATA standards.

CONTAINER REQUIREMENT 51

The illustrations shown in this Container Requirement are examples only.



Containers that conform to the principle of written guidelines but look slightlydifferent will still meet the IATA standards.

OPERATOR VARIATIONS: CO-04 CO-05 CO-09 JL-01 LH-02 QF-01 UA-01

1. CONTAINER CONSTRUCTION

Materials

Water–resistant fibreboard, insulating material, plastic or wood, expanded polystyrene orstyrofoam.

Principles of Design

The following principles of design must be met in addition to the General ContainerRequirements outlined at the beginning of this chapter.

Outer Container

The outer container can be constructed of fibreboard, wood, wood products or any plasticmaterial of adequate strength. Purpose–built containers made of expanded polystyreneor styrofoam must be of adequate strength.

Care must be taken to ensure no sharp edges or stapled closings on the outer containerpunctures the inner plastic bag, which expands from change in altitude.

Inner Container

Strong plastic (polyethylene) bag.

The bags are fastened by twisting the top and folding the twisted part so that it can besealed with elastic bands. The bags may also be heat sealed.

Warning: Heat–sealed bags cannot be re–oxygenated in the event of the consignmentbeing delayed.

It is preferable that each bag is placed in an outer bag of similar size to prevent leakageof water.

Note:States may require the physical inspection of the contents of shipments tendered byshippers meeting a specific state mandated criteria as determined by the transportingcarrier.

Spiny fish must be placed in an inner container of hard plastic within a polyethylene bagor they may be contained in an inner polyethylene bag separated by several layers ofpaper from an outer polyethylene bag. In such cases, both bags must be adequatelysealed.

Insulation/Cushioning

Expanded polystyrene container or expanded polystyrene sheets on all sides includingtop and bottom, is recommended. Alternatively, compressed newspaper, woodwool or

Applicable to:

Aquatic Amphibians Octopus

Cui–ui Seahorses

Fish, n.o.s. (unless arrangements made for specialized packing) Tropical fish

Goldfish Water snail



approximately 0.6 cm (¼ in) thickness of newspaper or other fibrous material sandwichedbetween two sheets of kraft paper.

Example

2. PREPARATIONS BEFORE DISPATCH

There must be one species per bag.

The inner bag must be filled with water to approximately 1/3 of its capacity. Theremaining 2/3 of the container is to be filled with oxygen. Use of ice cubes or chemicalssuch as methylene blue, volume of water and the amount of fish in the container are theshipper's responsibility. Carriers will not re–oxygenate fish shipments unless by specialprearranged agreement.

Seahorses can be shipped in plastic bags as long as they can anchor themselves tosomething in order to minimize stress. A PVC mesh may be placed inside and weigheddown with non–leaded weights. A recommended maximum of three animals of a lengthof 60 mm (or four of 45 mm) can be packed in a 250– 380 mm bag. If shipment goesfrom warm to cold climate, it is suggested to add a heat pack. Conversely, if seahorsesare shipped from cold to tropical climate, ice packs should be used.

Aquatic amphibians can be shipped in the same manner as fish, but as some of them areable to breath air and will do so, the airspace above the water should consist of 50%pure oxygen and 50% normal air like in air breathing fish. Pure oxygen can bedetrimental to lung tissue. Aquatic amphibians are not to be fed 2 days prior of shipmentto avoid fouling of the water.

The condition of fish and amphibians is directly affected by:the density, i.e. the number of fish or amphibians according to size in a given quantity ofwater;temperature of water.

For tropical fish insulation must be provided by the shipper within each unit to ensure asuitable temperature of 20°C (68°F) for the longest possible period.

Some species must be individually packed due to their sensitive reactions or aggressivetendencies.

Shippers must pack fish to survive unattended for at least 48 hours from time ofacceptance by the airline.



Note:For aquatic amphibians from tropical regions like Pipa, Hymenochirus, Typhlonectes, thetemperature should be about 20°C (68°F). For other species like Axolotl, Newt andSalamandar larvae, Andrias and Cryptobranchus, the temperature should not exceed 15°C (59°F)

The shipper must clearly mark on the container the local time and the date at which theanimals were packed.

The shipper must indicate the acceptable temperature range (in Celsius and Fahrenheit)on the outside of the box in which the animals can be stored.

3. GENERAL CARE AND LOADING (see Chapters 5 and 10)

Animals must be held in areas where the ambient air temperature reduces the heattransfer to the absolute minimum.

No consignment of fish must be accepted if the planned journey exceeds 48 hours(unless life support is availiable). Consignments of live fish must be treated as perishableitems and handled accordingly.

For the purpose of providing life support for aquatic species during transport, acylinder containing oxygen (compressed), UN 1072, packed in accordance with the IATADangerous Goods Regulations, may be carried to oxygenate the water with the approvalof the appropriate authority of the States of origin, destination and of the operator. Referto CR59 and CR60


The illustrations shown in this Container Requirement are examples only.Containers that conform to the principle of written guidelines for the species butlook slightly different will still meet the IATA standards.

OPERATOR VARIATIONS: CO-04 CO-05 CO-09 JL-01 QF-01 UA-01


Materials

Water–resistant fibreboard, plastics or wood, polystyrene or styrofoam, strong cardboardlined with styrofoam, insulating material, 0.15 mm (0.006 in) or 0.25 mm (0.01 in)polythene bags.

Applicable to:

Fishing snake Sharks (40 – 100 cm [16 – 40 in])

Koy Carp (40 – 75 cm[16 – 30 in])

Sturgeon

Other fish (up to 100 cm[40 in])

Water snail

Pelagic sea snake Yellow–bellied sea snake





Outer Container

The outer container can be constructed of fibreboard, wood or wood products,polystyrene, or similar, lined strong cardboard or plastic material of adequate strength.Purpose–built containers of expanded polystyrene or styrofoam must be of adequatestrength to contain the weight of water and to resist crushing. For small sharks, prone tobiting, a pressurised polyester–resin coated container may be used. The inner surface ofthe outer container must be smooth, non–abrasive and free from all projections. Thecontainer must be leak–proof or plastic–lined.

Inner Container

Strong plastics (polyethylene) bag with full width opening at the top and deep enough sothat the portion above the water can be twisted and doubled over in order to be sealedwith elastic bands, wire or metal strip. It is preferable that each bag is placed in a secondbag in case of breakage or leakage.

Note:States may require the physical inspection of the contents of shipments tendered byshippers meeting a specific state mandated criteria as determined by the transportingcarrier.

Insulation

In cold water the use of expanded polystyrene containers or the use of expandedpolystyrene sheeting around the container on all sides including the top and bottom isrecommended. During warm weather or when transportation is via hot climates, crushedice must be packed around the plastic bags containing the fish within the outer containerwhich must then be of expanded polystyrene or styrofoam.

2. PREPARATIONS BEFORE DISPATCH (see Chapter 5)

There must be one species per bag.

The bag must be filled with water to one–third of its capacity and this must cover the fishcompletely. There must be sufficient space around the fish so that it can undulate freelybut not turn round. The remaining two–thirds of the bag space must be filled with oxygenby the shipper before the bags are sealed for shipment. The shipper must pack the fishto survive unattended for at least 18 hours from the time of acceptance by the airline.Facilities for re–oxygenation must be arranged at the destination, in the event of thetransport process being extended beyond the anticipated time frame. In warm climates asupply of bags of crushed ice must be placed around the fish bags in order to maintainthe correct temperature.

Example



The container must be clearly marked with the time and date at which the fish werepacked. The time and date of acceptance must also be added to the container. The fishlogo on the IATA Live Animals Label may be highlighted to draw attention.

The shipper must clearly mark the container with the acceptable temperature range forthe species in the container both in Celsius and Fahrenheit in which the container can bestored.

Species of sea snakes must be placed in salt water with oxygen in the same manner asfish.


Fish must be fasted for a few days prior to shipment in order to reduce excreta andsubsequent ammonia formation. The plastic bags with the fish must be handled carefullyto prevent the fish from thrashing excessively. Keeping the bags as near the horizontalas possible and reducing noise and light will all help at the time of packaging. Bubblingoxygen through the water also acts as a sedative. The use of special waste absorbentmaterial packed with the fish may help to maintain a healthy water environment.

The shipment of larger fish or the bottom dwelling species, such as the pelagic sharks,that need to swim constantly, requires the use of specially designed transport containerswith a submersible pump and a constant oxygen supply in order to meet thephysiological requirements of these species. An attendant who is conversant with suchequipment must accompany these shipments.

The shipment of live fish in direct contact with ice is unacceptable on humane grounds asthe tissues become devitalised.

For the purpose of providing life support for aquatic species during transport, a cylindercontaining oxygen (compressed), UN 1072, packed in accordance with the IATADangerous Goods Regulations, may be carried to oxygenate the water with the approvalof the appropriate authority of the States of origin, destination and of the operator.



Applicable to:



Eel

OPERATOR VARIATIONS: CO-04 CO-05 CO-09 QF-01


Materials

Expanded polystyrene, water–resistant fibreboard and polyethylene.



Oblong, fibreboard container approximately 20 × 30 × 70 cm (8 × 12 × 28 in).

Interior of bottom section waxed. Containers must be leak–proof.


Prior to shipment, eels must be kept in an enclosure or pen with running water in order toallow them to utilise all their gut contents before being confined during transport.

15 kg (33 lb) of live eels plus 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) of fresh crushed ice are placed inside theliner.

Cartons must be strapped at two points to secure the top section of the carton to thebottom section.

Special labels “Live Eels” must be affixed on the side and top sections of lid. “This WayUp” labels must also be affixed on the side section of the lid.

3. FEEDING GUIDE

No feeding required during transportation.


As eels are loaded in standard cargo containers, it is most important that they be handledas live animal consignments.

Containers must be kept level at all times.

Eels must be stored at temperatures no higher than 10°C (50°F).

Example





Applicable to:Baby eelElverGlass eel



Materials

Expanded polystyrene.



Expanded polystyrene container.

Container must be provided with ventilation slots.

Container must be designed to prevent water spillage upon inclination of the container at23° angle from the horizontal level.


Total quantity of baby eel, ice and water per container must be limited in accordance withthe Principles of Design of this container requirement taking the amount of melting water



which can be produced by the ice also into account.

The floor of the container must be lined with a wet sponge.

The lid and container, or containers when stacked, must be secured by strips at twopoints.

Special labels “Live Baby Eel” and “This Way Up” labels or proper marking must beprovided on the containers.

3. FEEDING GUIDE

No feeding is required during transportation.

4. GENERAL CARE AND LOADING

Containers must be kept at horizontal level at all times and proper treatment must beprovided to protect water spillage during transportation.

Example



Applicable to:





Materials

Aluminium, canvas, fibreglass, foam rubber, plastics, PVC and wood.

Ancillary equipment – mechanical hand sprayer.



Example

Example

Beluga Narwhal

Dolphin species Porpoise species

Dugong Sea cow

Killer whale Whale species

Manatee species



Note:These species require very specialised handling and the guidelines in this ContainerRequirement are only the general principles that can be applied to their shipment. Theirtransport must only be undertaken by those shippers and carriers that can fulfill all thespecialised needs of the species concerned.

Construct a waterproof box, made from wood with plastics liner, or wood and fibreglass,or moulded fibreglass, or construct a tubular aluminium frame with waterproof liner.

The size will permit one animal to be suspended in a stretcher of canvas or other suitablematerial supported on a foam rubber pad. Slits must be made in the stretcher to allow theflippers to protrude outside the stretcher. The marine mammal is accustomed toweightless environment in water and, therefore, when out of water may be undulyaffected by gravity.

The container must be long enough to prevent the animal injuring itself when moving thesling. A clearance of 20 cm (8 in) must be present at the front and rear of the animal andbetween the sides of the stretcher bars and sides of the container.

The container must be watertight.


Critical areas of the body, e.g. under flippers, dorsal fin, tail fluke and head must bethoroughly covered with lanolin/petroleum jelly compound ointment, zinc oxide (orcombination of each) to protect against over–heating by retaining moisture, ifmoisturising by the attendant during flight is not possible.

Padded restraining belts must be firmly but not forcibly, fastened over the animal toprevent violent jumps. With regard to the shipment of manatees, special restrainingstraps must be used to prevent rolling.

3. FEEDING GUIDE

No feeding is required during transportation.


An attendant is required who must have access to the animal(s) at all times.

No attendant must be in care of more than four animals. Attendant must havemechanical hand sprayer available.



Water must not be sprayed over the head of the animal nor near the breathing hole(blowhole), or in the case of the manatee or dugong, nostrils.

Aquatic mammals carried in slings travel better when loaded transversely across theaircraft.


Applicable to:all live corals, including the orders antipatharia, scleractinia and classes alcyonaria andhydrozoa.

Note:This container requirement must not apply to rock devoid of live coral.

OPERATOR VARIATIONS: CO-04 CO-05 CO-09


Materials

Cardboard, fibreboard, or other equivalent outer container material. Expandedpolystyrene, styrofoam, or other equivalent insulating material.


The following principles of design must be met in addition to the General ContainerRequirements outlined at the beginning of this section.

Outer Container

The outer container must be constructed of corrugated cardboard, expandedpolystyrene, styrofoam, or other equivalent packaging material strong enough to containthe weight of water and resist crushing during transport. The inner surface of the outercontainer must be smooth and non–abrasive.

Inner Container

Requirements of live corals: Strong plastic (polyethylene or equivalent) bag or otherequivalent container large enough to accommodate the specimen and deep enough sothat it can be sealed to prevent leakage. The bag must be able to be opened andresealed without endangering the animals within. It is preferable that the bag(s) beplaced in an outer bag of similar size so as to prevent water leakage.

Insulation/Cushioning

Expanded polystyrene or styrofoam contained of at least 1.25 cm (½ in) thickness on allsides must be provided. Other equivalent suitable insulating materials may be used.

2. PREPARATIONS BEFORE DISPATCH (see Chapters 5 and 6)

Shippers are advised to pack one piece per inner container (see Dry Method forexceptions). Bags must be packed carefully so as to minimise crushing during transport.

Recommended Methods of shipping Live Corals



Wet Methods (not suitable to all species)(a) Animals must be placed in strong transparent plastic bags or equivalent containerslarge enough to accommodate the specimens. The inner bag must be filled with wateradequate enough to submerge the specimens. The remainder of the bag must be filledwith oxygen. It is preferable that each bag is placed in an outer bag to prevent waterleakage. Newspaper or other material may be used between the bags to minimisepunctures.(b) Corals can be attached to a “float” and then placed into plastic bags or equivalentcontainers with adequate water to flat the specimen.

Dry Methods (not suitable to all species)(a) Live corals are wrapped in 1.25 – 2.5 cm (½ – 1 in) wide flexible plastic strips. Thespecimens are then placed in sturdy, waterproof plastic (or equivalent material)containers sufficiently large to hold them. Each container with the specimen(s) within isthen dunked in sea water to fill it, then drained. The container is then filled with oxygenprior to being sealed and the lid is sealed with tape. These containers are placed within astyrofoam, polystyrene, or similar equivalent box, and handled as above.(b) Live corals may be wrapped in individual black and white sheets of newspaper,dunked in sea water and placed in styrofoam, polystyrene or similar equivalent insulatingbox and handled as above. Corals must be placed in a box in such a way as to avoiddamaging each other during transit.

Modifications of these shipping methods may be used to minimise damage and mortality.Shippers must pack corals to survive unattended for at least 48 hours from time ofacceptance by the airline.


The outer container must be labelled in accordance with instructions in Chapter 9.

Care must be exercised to avoid handling the primary enclosure in a manner likely tocause physical damage to the animals within. Such closures must not be dropped, tippedexcessively, or otherwise mishandled and must not be stacked or placed in such amanner that they may fall over.

Shipments of live coral must be held in areas minimising exposure to sunlight andtemperature extremes to keep heat transfer to a minimum.



Applicable to:

Conch Mussel

Crab Oyster

Crayfish Shrimp

Lobster



OPERATOR VARIATIONS: CO-04 CO-05 CO-09 QF-01 UA-01


Materials

Fibreboard, polyethylene and wood, expanded polystyrene/styrofoam (EPS).



A regular slotted corrugated fibreboard container may be used, provided that it is linedwith leak–proof material. In the case of other containers, the inner walls must be leak–proof by either waxing or lining with polyethylene sheet or other suitable material.

There must be an air space over the animals in order to meet their oxygen requirements.

Iron–looped leak–proof wooden kegs are used for Mollusca. When ice is used forcooling, container must be leak–proof.

For insulation purposes, it is recommended that expanded polystyrene inserts be used inthe container (not required for purpose built expanded polystyrene/styrofoam container).

The purpose built EPS container must have sides, floor and top of a minimum thicknessof 3.2 cm (1 3/8 in) for smaller containers and 3 cm (½ in) for larger containers.

Suitable adhesive filament tape that does not loosen if exposed to moisture or lowtemperatures must be passed twice around the box. Plastic or metal strapping must notbe used.

The “This Way Up” and “Live Animal” labels may be imprinted on the container.

Example


Lobsters must be pre–cooled in water to 2°C (35°F) before packing.

Mollusc, n.o.s.



Interior protection — seaweed dampened with the saltwater or dry wood shavings maybe used. Also, damp rags may be used for crabs.

Ice or frozen gel packed in polyethylene bags, or other leak–proof containers, may beused when required for maintaining low temperature during transportation but must notcome into contact with the live contents of the container.

3. FEEDING GUIDE

The need to feed any of these species during the journey must not arise.


As crustaceans are loaded in standard cargo containers, it is most important that they behandled as live animal consignments and jolting particularly avoided. Extreme heat andcold must also be avoided. Crustaceans being packaged at average temperature of 4°C(39°F) will start deteriorating rapidly after 36 hours.

Warning: Containers must not be placed in direct sunlight or in draughty areas.



Applicable to:Ground snailsTerrestrial and arboreal hermit crab

STATE VARIATIONS: GBG-01 GBG-02 GBG-04OPERATOR VARIATIONS: CO-04 CO-05 CO-09 QF-01


Materials

Hardboard, plywood, wire mesh and wood.


The General Container Requirements outlined at the beginning of this chapter must bemet.


For snails, the container must not be filled to more than two thirds of its internal volume,so as to prevent breakage of the packaging in the event that the snails must emerge fromtheir shells.

For hermit crabs, do not overcrowd. The bottom of the container should not be coveredwith animals to more than three quarters of its surface. Floor must not be slippery.

3. FEEDING GUIDE

The need to feed any of these species during the journey must not arise.




Special care must be taken to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. Particularlyduring cold weather, snails lie dormant for prolonged periods and therefore, must, not bepresumed dead.

Warning: Containers must not be placed in direct sunlight or in draughty areas.

Example



The illustrations shown in this container requirement are for generalinformation only. This type of container is tested and approved by the Seafood AirTransport Committee in Australia (Packing Method No. 12). The combinedcontainer and oxygen system meets the requirements of current IATA DangerousGoods Regulations Manual and in particular Special Provision A202.

Note:distinguish this container from that described in Container Requirement 60 (CR

60). The only external difference is the presence of Dangerous Goods labels onthese containers, and the absence of an air inlet port.

Applicable to:Live aquatic animals (particularly in bulk)Including vingerlings, marine invertebrates and large public display type fish




Materials

Polyethylene, aluminum, oxygen cylinder, regulator, diffuser, hose.


Use of a continuous oxygen supply permits transport of live aquatic animals at a higheranimal to water ratio than would otherwise be possible. These containers represent asignificant capital investment to the shipper and can be returned empty by air, sea, rail orroad.

The basic container element is a rugged commercial molded bin approximately 1.2 mcube. The bin has rigid polyethylene inner and outer skins approximately 6 mm thickseparated by, and bonded to, a rigid polyurethane insulation foam core to produce a totalwall thickness of about 50 mm. The lid is of similar construction. In their original form(without oxygen supply) the bins are commonly used to transport wet (dead) fish packedin ice for food supply purposes.

In this application (or containment system) a polyethylene bulkhead is welded inside thebin as shown in the illustration. This bulkhead incorporates a recess to contain an oxygencylinder, and an access hatch. The hatch seals the bulkhead and carries a non–spill ventsystem and foam trap. The standard bin lid protects the contents, but is not sealed to thebin in order that spent gas may escape.

The oxygen cylinder is a standard industrial aluminum cylinder of approximately 24 literswater capacity fitted with a purpose designed and patented oxygen regulator that isapproved under the DGR. Oxygen flow rate can be between 1 liter to a maximum of 5liters per minute (refer SPA202) the oxygen is dispersed into the water through a ceramicdiffuser by ultra fine bubbles 100 – 500 microns in size.


The carriage of this volume of oxygen is controlled under the DGR. Therefore onlyapproved shippers are allowed to consign these consignments. These shippers havealso undertaken a training course regarding maintenance of the equipment andpreparation of the shipment (including documentation). Approval of the competentauthorities in the countries of origin and destination are required.


The aquatic animals are normally purged for at least 24 hours prior to shipment.

The packing of the container/bin is conducted at least 1 hour prior to dispatch to theairport. For example for the container bin displayed below (FishPac LFP800B) one canexpect an average payload of 360 kg live fish at 1 kg each in 550 liters of water.

Note:the consignment classifies as Dangerous Goods.

Due to the lead time required to secure shipping approvals under the DGR, and thehighly perishable nature of the consignment, these containers are normally only used forregular shipments on routes where period approvals have been obtained from competentauthorities.

The containers have the external dimensions of approx 1.2 m cube, and an approvedaverage unit weight of about 1,000 kg, and are therefore suitable for mechanical handlingonly. Tunnels and slots for forklift blades are built in to the container. Although the



containers have a large mass and are well insulated, they should not be left in directsunlight for extended periods.

Normal practice is for a freight forwarder to deliver the container to the airline secured toa suitable ULD. Shipment is almost always by wide–bodied passenger aircraft or cargoaircraft. No attendant is required. The shipment carries sufficient oxygen to allow for a50% over–run on the scheduled flight time.

Note:Cylinder capacities vary from country to country, as a guide 3500 liters of

compressed oxygen will allow for 3–4 hours packing and delivery to airport, 14–16hours flight time, 3–6 hours unloading and delivery time at destination.

If the departure is significantly delayed, the shipper should be notified. Never alter theregulator setting. If the flight is diverted, no attempt to replenish the oxygen should bemade by unauthorized personnel.

Note that the DGR limit the number of these containers that may be carried, as a functionof the volume of the aircraft hold. Airlines with approval to carry are aware of thelimitations and have their own comprehensive checklist and acceptance procedures.

Example



Note:Illustration by courtesy of FishPac.

CONTAINER REQUIREMENT 60 — AERATION SYSTEM


The illustrations shown in this container requirement are for generalinformation only. In Australia, this container is tested and approved by theSeafood Air Transport Committee (Packing Method No. 11).

Note:distinguish this container from that described in Container Requirement 59. The

only external differences are labeling and the presence of the hooded air inlet onthese containers. This containment system uses an aeration mechanism ratherthan a compressed gas oxygen cylinder to supply the aquatics with oxygen. Itdoes not require dangerous goods approval certificates from civil aviationauthorities.

Applicable to:Live aquatic animals (particularly in bulk)Including vingerlings, marine invertebrates and large public display type fish


Materials

Polyethylene, aluminium. Polyurethane insulation. Motor and pump (must pass theelectromagnetic compatibility tests: refer to EMC/EMI requirements of RTCA/DO–160D).

Batteries compliant with Special Provision A67 of the IATA Dangerous GoodsRegulations.

Diffuser, hose


Use of aeration permits transport of live aquatic animals at a higher animal to water ratiothan would be possible without the use of oxygen.

These containers represent a significant capital investment to the shipper and can bereturned empty by air, sea, rail or road.

The basic container element is a rugged commercial molded bin approximately 1.2 mcube. This has rigid polyethylene inner and outer skins approximately 6 mm thickseparated by, and bonded to, a rigid polyurethane insulation core to produce a total wallthickness of about 50 mm. The lid is of similar construction. In their original form these



bins are commonly used to transport wet (dead) fish packed in ice.

In this application a polyethylene bulkhead is welded inside the bin as shown in theillustration. This bulkhead incorporates a recess to contain the aeration module, and anaccess hatch. The hatch seals the bulkhead and carries a non–spill vent system andfoam trap. The standard bin lid protects the contents, but is not sealed to the bin in orderthat spent gas may escape.

A shielded air intake on one side of the bin allows the pump to draw fresh air, which isthen fed into the water through a micro–bubble diffuser at a flow rate of some 40 litersper minute.


Shippers that use these containers are trained by the original equipment manufacturer(container manufacturer) in bin maintenance and operational procedures. The binmanufacturer provides for maintenance and operating manuals. There are alsomaintenance requirements imposed by the airlines and some competent authorities.Compliance with these is a part of the shipping documentation. The below illustratedcontainment system does not meet the classification criteria of the DGR and is not adangerous good.


The aquatic animals are normally purged for at least 24 hours prior to shipment.

Water for shipping the fish is specially prepared by the shipper and particular care isgiven to the water Ph, temperature and salinity. These bins will normally hold thetemperature of the water to within 5% – 7% over 72 hours.

Note:the consignment does not classify as Dangerous Goods.

The packing of the container/bin is conducted at least 1 hour prior to dispatch to theairport. For example for the container bin displayed below, one can expect an averagepayload of 240 kg live fish at 1 kg each in 360 – 500 liters of water.

The containers have the external dimensions of approximately 1.2 m cube, and anaverage unit weight of about 1,000 kg, and are therefore suitable for mechanical handlingonly. Tunnels and slots for forklift blades are built in to the container. Because thebatteries, pump and motor weight are all located on the same side of the bin, emptycontainers have an eccentric centre of gravity, and therefore forklift limitations must beobserved.

Although the containers have a large mass and are well insulated, they should not be leftin direct sunlight for extended periods.

Normal practice is for a freight forwarder to deliver the container to the airline secured toa suitable ULD. Shipment is almost always by wide–bodied passenger aircraft or cargoaircraft. No attendant is required.

These containers must not be loaded close to other cargo that discharges gases (e.g.cargo cooled by dry ice, or containers of type 59) for CO2 from the dry ice or latent

oxygen from an aeration bin will cause fish to die.

Example



Note:Illustration by courtesy of FishPac.



GENERAL CONTAINER REQUIREMENTS FOR AQUATICS (CR 51 – … · accordance with the IATA Live Animals...

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Transcript of GENERAL CONTAINER REQUIREMENTS FOR AQUATICS (CR 51 – … · accordance with the IATA Live Animals...