What is the aim of code of safe practice for solid bulk cargoes?

Written by Amit Sharma

The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code), and amendments to SOLAS chapter VI to make the Code mandatory, were adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), 85th session, in 2008. . The amendments entered into force on 1 January 2011. The IMSBC Code replaced the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code), which was first adopted as a recommendatory code in 1965 .

The aim of code of safe practice for solid bulk cargoes were

  • To highlight the dangers associated with shipment of the bulk cargoes
  • To give guidance on procedures to be adopted
  • To list typical material currently being shipped in bulk
  • To describe test procedure to determine various characteristics of bulk cargoes.

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Note :-

The primary   aim  of the  International   Maritime   Solid  Bulk  Cargoes  Code  (IMSBC Code), which   replaces  the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code),  is to facilitate  the safe stowage  and shipment  of solid bulk  cargoes  by providing   information   on the dangers associated  with  the shipment  of certain  types  of solid bulk  cargoes  and  instructions   on the procedures  to be adopted  when  the  shipment  of solid  bulk  cargoes  is contemplated.

The IMSBC  Code,  adopted  on  4  December   2008  by  resolution   MSC.268 (85l,   entered  into force on 1 January 2011, from which  date it was made mandatory  under the provisions  of the SOLAS Convention.  The Code  was  amended   by  resolution   MSC.318 (89),   incorporating   amendment 01-11, which   entered into  force  on  1 January  2013.  The  Code  was  further   amended   by resolution   MSC.354(92),   incorporating amendment   02-l3,  which  may be applied  from  1 January 2014 on a voluntary   basis, anticipating   its envisaged official  entry  into force  on 1 January 2015,

IMSBC Code is supplemented by  the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading  of Bulk Carriers (BLU  Code including  BLU  Manual) & recommendation on  the safe use of pesticides  in ships applicable   to the fumigation   of cargo  holds.  It also includes  a directory of  contact   names and  addresses of offices  of  designated  national  competent   authorities   responsible  for the safe carriage of grain and solid bulk  cargoes.  IMSBC Code and supplement   is commended   to Administrations, ship owners,   shippers  and  masters  and  all  others  concerned   with  the  standards  to  be  applied   in the  safe stowage and shipment  of solid  bulk  cargoes, excluding  grain.

About the author

Amit Sharma

Graduated from M.E.R.I. Mumbai (Mumbai University), After a brief sailing founded this website with the idea to bring the maritime education online which must be free and available for all at all times and to find basic solutions that are of extreme importance to a seafarer by our innovative ideas.

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