The Association would like to inform its Members about the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, which was published recently by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The new code will supersede the current Code of Safe practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code) and will provide shippers, shipowners, Masters and others involved in the carriage of bulk cargoes with valuable information on a wide range of topics. The IMO states that the primary purpose of the new mandatory 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 code was published recently and can be implemented on a voluntary basis until it becomes mandatory; this is expected to happen in January 2011. Until this time, the Club would advise its Members to make sure that all involved in bulk operations at sea and ashore are familiar with the requirements of the code.

The code will include fully updated schedules and information about solid bulk cargoes, individual schedules for cargoes such as DRI, spent cathodes and granulated tyre rubber, references to the most recent SOLAS amendments and updated information from the IMDG code.

The code is available from all IMO authorised distributors as well as the IMO wedsite.