CourseRegulation, Safety, RAMS & Homologation Applications open

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.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Describe the structure of the RID and its relationship with COTIF.

02

Classify dangerous goods and select their packaging.

03

Interpret the requirements for tank wagons and containers.

04

Apply the obligations of participants in rail operations.

05

Develop emergency response plans for dangerous goods.

06

Assess risks on rail routes and terminals.

07

Develop a transport plan compliant with the RID.

Profile

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.
Standards & tools

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)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1COTIF Convention and Appendix C
  2. 1.2Seven-part structure
  3. 1.3Relationship with ADR and ADN
  4. 1.4Scope and exemptions
  5. 1.5Classes of dangerous goods
  6. 1.6UN number and packing group
  7. 1.7Table A of Chapter 3.2
  8. 1.8Special provisions
  9. 1.9Biennial updates
  10. 1.10Practice: searching for substances in Table A
  1. 2.1Classification criteria by class
  2. 2.2Mixtures and solutions
  3. 2.3Packagings, IBCs and large packagings
  4. 2.4Limited and excepted quantities
  5. 2.5Marking and labelling of packages
  6. 2.6Packing instructions
  7. 2.7Load compatibility
  8. 2.8Residues and uncleaned empty packagings
  9. 2.9Substances at elevated temperature
  10. 2.10Workshop: classification and labelling of a consignment
  1. 3.1RID tank codes
  2. 3.2Tank construction and testing
  3. 3.3Impact protection
  4. 3.4Valves and discharge devices
  5. 3.5Tank containers and portable tanks
  6. 3.6Bulk loading in wagons
  7. 3.7Periodic inspections
  8. 3.8Orange panels and placards
  9. 3.9Maintenance of freight wagons
  10. 3.10Practice: inspection of a tank wagon
  1. 4.1Obligations of consignor, loader and carrier
  2. 4.2Infrastructure manager and its duties
  3. 4.3Consignment note and documentation
  4. 4.4Departure inspection
  5. 4.5Training of drivers and staff
  6. 4.6Train composition and separation distances
  7. 4.7Safety adviser
  8. 4.8Physical security plan
  9. 4.9Incident reporting
  10. 4.10Case study: preparing a dangerous goods train
  1. 5.1Written emergency instructions
  2. 5.2Self-protection plans at terminals
  3. 5.3Coordination with emergency services
  4. 5.4Leaks and spills on the track
  5. 5.5Risk assessment at marshalling yards
  6. 5.6RID/ADR guidance for risk assessment
  7. 5.7Lessons from rail accidents
  8. 5.8Directive 2008/68/EC
  9. 5.9Inspections and penalty regime
  10. 5.10Case study: analysis of a derailment involving tank wagons
  1. 6.1Defining the goods flow
  2. 6.2Classification of substances
  3. 6.3Equipment selection
  4. 6.4Documentation and marking
  5. 6.5Operation plan
  6. 6.6Risk assessment
  7. 6.7Emergency plan
  8. 6.8Training plan
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

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.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-focused final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry-led mentoring:lecturers with track records in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with OT cybersecurity, DIH and compliance as its pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Defining the goods flow

Describe the structure of the RID and its relationship with COTIF.

Classification of substances

Classify dangerous goods and select their packaging.

Equipment selection

Interpret the requirements for tank wagons and containers.

Documentation and marking

Apply the obligations of participants in rail operations.

Operation plan

Develop emergency response plans for dangerous goods.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Dangerous goods safety adviserRail freight operations technicianTank wagon inspectorEmergency plan managerTransport risk analystChemical logistics coordinator
Admissions & scholarships

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.

FAQ

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.

RID Course in Rail Freight TransportEnrol
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