What is IMSBC or International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code & What are its contents?

Cargo information shall be confirmed in writing and by appropriate shipping documents prior to loading.

The cargo information shall include:

1. The BCSN when the cargo is listed in IMSBC code. Secondary names may be used in addition to the BCSN; ( Each solid bulk cargo in IMSBC code has been assigned a Bulk Cargo Shipping Name (BCSN). When a solid bulk cargo is carried by sea it shall be identified in the transport documentation by the BCSN. The BCSN shall be supplemented with the United Nations (UN) number when the cargo is dangerous goods.)
2. The cargo group (A and B, A, B or C);
3. The IMO Class of the cargo, if applicable;
4. The UN number preceded by letters UN for the cargo, if applicable;
5. The total quantity of the cargo offered;
6. The stowage factor;
7. The need for trimming and the trimming procedures, as necessary;
8. The likelihood of shifting, including angle of repose, if applicable;
9. Additional information in the form of a certificate on the moisture content of the cargo and its transportable moisture limit in the case of a concentrate or other cargo which may liquefy;
10. Likelihood of formation of a wet base
11. Toxic or flammable gases which may be generated by cargo, if applicable;
12. Flammability, toxicity, corrosiveness and propensity to oxygen depletion of the cargo, if applicable;
13. Self-heating properties of the cargo, and the need for trimming, if applicable;
14. Properties on emission of flammable gases in contact with water, if applicable;
15. Radioactive properties, if applicable; and
16. Any other information required by national authorities.