IMSBC Code

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

30 Oct 2010

Members are reminded that on 1 January 2011, the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code becomes mandatory. The code gives requirements for the safe carriage of bulk cargoes and covers: loading and discharge ; safety of ship personnel; trimming procedures; and carriage of cargoes which may liquefy or which represent a chemical hazard.
The new code is very similar to the Bulk Cargoes (BC) Code 2004 (which it replaces), but contains a number of changes, including:
•    Addition of new cargoes; Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Linted Cotton Seeds.
•    Operational guidance on the carriage of coal and brown coal which states that such coal is not to be stowed adjacent to fuel tanks heated to above 55°C.
•    Guidance on safe carriage of cargoes not contained within the code.
•    Minor modifications to existing cargo schedules.
While survey and certification are not mandatory for the new IMSBC Code, it should be noted that many ports and other authorities require a Certificate of Compliance.
The ship’s classification society can issue a Certificate of Compliance for carriage of all cargoes listed in the IMSBC Code that the ship can carry; this will replace any previously issued BC Code certification.
For further information on survey and certification, it is highly recommended that you contact your ship’s classification society.
For further articles related to the amended IMSBC Code please refer to the links below.

Source: BIMCO