IATA DGR 67th Ed. Section 9.5 — Notification to Captain (NOTOC): mandatory content, format requirements, timing, pilot-in-command responsibilities and emergency response information.
9.5.1 Notification to Pilot-in-Command (NOTOC)
9.5.1.1.1 As early as practicable before departure, the operator must provide the pilot-in-command with accurate and legible written information concerning dangerous goods on board the aircraft. This written notification is known as the NOTOC (Notification to Captain).
The NOTOC must contain the information listed in 9.5.1.1.3 and must be presented on a dedicated form distinct from the load sheet.
State Variations: JPG-10/12, USG-13/15
9.5.1.1.3 Required NOTOC Content
| Ref. | Required Field |
|---|---|
| (a) | Date of Flight |
| (b) | Air Waybill (AWB) Number |
| (c) | Proper Shipping Name |
| (d) | UN/ID Number |
| (d) | Class / Division |
| (e) | Subsidiary Hazard(s) |
| (f) | Number of Packages & Net Quantity (non-radioactive) OR Transport Index & Category (radioactive) |
| (f.1) | Radioactive: TI for each package and overpack |
| (h) | CAO (Cargo Aircraft Only) label indication, if applicable |
| (i) | Loading position / cargo compartment location |
| (i) | Airport of unloading |
| (j) | State exemption indication, if applicable |
Format, Timing and Handling Requirements
9.5.1.1.2 Dedicated Form
The NOTOC must be presented on a dedicated form — it must not be combined with the loadsheet or any other operational document.
9.5.1.1.5 Signed Confirmation
The NOTOC must include a signed confirmation that the packages have been inspected and show no sign of damage or leakage.
9.5.1.1.6 Availability During Flight
The written information must be readily available to the pilot-in-command during flight for reference in the event of an incident.
9.5.1.1.7 Ground Copy Retention
A copy of the NOTOC must be retained on the ground and be immediately accessible in case of an in-flight emergency.
9.5.1.1.8 English Language
The NOTOC must be provided in English as a minimum (additional languages are permitted).
9.5.1.1.4 Telephone Number
A telephone number where a copy of the NOTOC information can be obtained must be available to the pilot-in-command.
Special NOTOC Provisions
9.5.1.1.3.1 For UN 1845 (dry ice) and UN 3480/UN 3090 (lithium batteries — Section II), the proper shipping name and total net mass may be shown on the NOTOC in lieu of the full UN number details.
9.5.1.1.9 An emergency summary must be available that provides the pilot-in-command with essential information for in-flight emergency decisions.
Table 9.5.A — DG Not Required to Appear on NOTOC
The following dangerous goods are exempt from inclusion on the NOTOC (9.5.1.1.3.4):
| UN Number | Proper Shipping Name / Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| UN 3164 | Articles, pressurized, hydraulic/pneumatic (non-flammable gas) | PI 208(a) |
| UN 3373 | Biological substance, Category B | PI 650 |
| N/A | Dangerous goods in excepted quantities | 2.6.1 |
| UN 3245 | Genetically modified micro-organisms / organisms | PI 959 |
| UN 3481 | Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment (Section II) | PI 967 Sec II |
| UN 3481 | Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment (Section II) | PI 966 Sec II |
| UN 3091 | Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment (Section II) | PI 970 Sec II |
| UN 3091 | Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment (Section II) | PI 969 Sec II |
| UN 2807 | Magnetized material (compass deflection ≤ 2° at 4.6 m) | PI 953 |
| UN 2909 | Radioactive material, excepted package — depleted uranium / natural thorium | 10.5.8 |
| UN 2908 | Radioactive material, excepted package — empty packaging | 10.5.8 |
| UN 2911 | Radioactive material, excepted package — instruments or articles | 10.5.8 |
| UN 2910 | Radioactive material, excepted package — limited quantity | 10.5.8 |
Note: Magnetized material (UN 2807) transported under a State approval may still be required to appear on the NOTOC.
9.5.1.2 Emergency Response Information
The operator must ensure that for consignments requiring a Shipper's Declaration, appropriate emergency response information is immediately available at all times. This can be provided by:
- ICAO Emergency Response Guidance for Aircraft Incidents Involving Dangerous Goods (Doc 9481-AN/928), or
- any other document providing appropriate information about DG on board.
9.5.1.3 Information in Case of In-Flight Emergency
If an in-flight emergency occurs, the pilot-in-command must — as soon as the situation permits — inform the appropriate air traffic services unit, providing:
- Proper shipping name and/or UN/ID number
- Class / division and (for Class 1) compatibility group
- Any identified subsidiary hazard(s)
- Quantity and location on board the aircraft
- Or, a telephone number where a copy of the NOTOC information can be obtained
State Variations: MYG-04, VUG-03
9.5.2 & 9.5.3 Information to Passengers and at Cargo Acceptance Areas
- 9.5.2 Passengers must be informed about prohibited/restricted dangerous goods at check-in counters, automated kiosks and during ticket purchase to prevent dangerous goods from being brought aboard as excess baggage or cargo.
- 9.5.3 Clearly visible notices must be posted at cargo acceptance areas informing shippers of the types of dangerous goods that are forbidden or restricted in air transport.
Source: IATA DGR 67th Ed., Section 9.5 (p.779-782), PNG Pages 0817-0820