How loading of solid bulk cargo is done when Cargoes not listed in IMSBC code?

  • If a solid cargo which is not listed in appendix 1 to IMSBC code is proposed for carriage in bulk, the shipper shall, prior to loading, provide the competent authority of the port of loading with the characteristics and properties of the cargo in accordance with section 4 of IMSBC Code. Based on the information received, the competent authority will assess the acceptability of the cargo for safe shipment.
  • When it is assessed that the solid bulk cargo proposed for carriage may present hazards as those defined by group A or B of IMSBC code as defined in 1.7, advice is to be sought from the competent authorities of the port of unloading and of the flag State. The three competent authorities will set the preliminary suitable conditions for the carriage of this cargo.
  • When it is assessed that the solid bulk cargo proposed for carriage presents no specific hazards for transportation, the carriage of this cargo shall be authorized. The competent authorities of the port of unloading and of the flag State shall be advised of that authorization.
  • The competent authority of the port of loading shall provide to the master a certificate stating the characteristics of the cargo and the required conditions for carriage and handling of this shipment. The competent authority of the port of loading shall also submit an application to the Organization, within one year from the issue of the certificate, to incorporate this solid bulk cargo into appendix 1 of IMSBC code. The format of this application shall be as outlined in subsection 1.3.3.

Format for the properties of cargoes not listed in this Code and conditions of the carriage

  • Tentative bulk cargo shipping name (in capital letters)
  • DESCRIPTION (Describe the cargo)
  • CHARACTERISTICS (Fill the following table33
  • HAZARD (Clarify the hazard of carriage of the cargo.) (Determine the following types of requirements. If no requirement is necessary, write “No special requirements”)
  • STOWAGE & SEGREGATION
  • HOLD CLEANLINESS
  • WEATHER PRECAUTIONS
  • LOADING
  • PRECAUTIONS
  • VENTILATION
  • CARRIAGE
  • DISCHARGE
  • CLEAN-UP
  • (Specify the emergency procedures for the cargo, if necessary.)

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

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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.

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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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