RID Course in Rail Freight Transport
Online 300-hour course in RID for rail freight transport. 6 modules covering RID (International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail), COTIF (Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail) and ERICards (CEFIC). Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the structure of the RID and its relationship with COTIF.
Classify dangerous goods and select their packaging.
Interpret the requirements for tank wagons and containers.
Apply the obligations of participants in rail operations.
Develop emergency response plans for dangerous goods.
Assess risks on rail routes and terminals.
Develop a transport plan compliant with the RID.
Who it's for
- Dangerous goods safety adviser looking to specialise in RID for rail freight transport.
- Rail freight operations technician looking to specialise in RID for rail freight transport.
- Tank wagon inspector looking to specialise in RID for rail freight transport.
- Emergency plan manager looking to specialise in RID for rail freight transport.
- Transport risk analyst looking to specialise in RID for rail freight transport.
- Chemical logistics coordinator looking to specialise in RID for rail freight transport.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter rail freight transport.
What you'll work with
- RID (International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail)
- COTIF (Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail)
- Directive 2008/68/EC (inland transport of dangerous goods)
- EN 14025 (metallic pressure tanks)
- EN 12972 (testing and inspection of tanks)
- ADR (road transport)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1COTIF Convention and Appendix C1.2Seven-part structure1.3Relationship with ADR and ADN1.4Scope and exemptions1.5Classes of dangerous goods1.6UN number and packing group1.7Table A of Chapter 3.21.8Special provisions1.9Biennial updates1.10Practice: searching for substances in Table A
2.1Classification criteria by class2.2Mixtures and solutions2.3Packagings, IBCs and large packagings2.4Limited and excepted quantities2.5Marking and labelling of packages2.6Packing instructions2.7Load compatibility2.8Residues and uncleaned empty packagings2.9Substances at elevated temperature2.10Workshop: classification and labelling of a consignment
3.1RID tank codes3.2Tank construction and testing3.3Impact protection3.4Valves and discharge devices3.5Tank containers and portable tanks3.6Bulk loading in wagons3.7Periodic inspections3.8Orange panels and placards3.9Maintenance of freight wagons3.10Practice: inspection of a tank wagon
4.1Obligations of consignor, loader and carrier4.2Infrastructure manager and its duties4.3Consignment note and documentation4.4Departure inspection4.5Training of drivers and staff4.6Train composition and separation distances4.7Safety adviser4.8Physical security plan4.9Incident reporting4.10Case study: preparing a dangerous goods train
5.1Written emergency instructions5.2Self-protection plans at terminals5.3Coordination with emergency services5.4Leaks and spills on the track5.5Risk assessment at marshalling yards5.6RID/ADR guidance for risk assessment5.7Lessons from rail accidents5.8Directive 2008/68/EC5.9Inspections and penalty regime5.10Case study: analysis of a derailment involving tank wagons
6.1Defining the goods flow6.2Classification of substances6.3Equipment selection6.4Documentation and marking6.5Operation plan6.6Risk assessment6.7Emergency plan6.8Training plan6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is ERICards (CEFIC), ALOHA (EPA), QGIS, Advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real tank wagon inspection procedures, rail emergency drills and route risk assessments. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the structure of the RID and its relationship with COTIF.
Classify dangerous goods and select their packaging.
Interpret the requirements for tank wagons and containers.
Apply the obligations of participants in rail operations.
Develop emergency response plans for dangerous goods.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient command of Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with ERICards (CEFIC), ALOHA (EPA), QGIS, Advanced Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be recognised in the higher programme. Check the credit recognition policy when you enrol.
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