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International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMBSC) Code and Supplement, 2009 Edition replaces BC code



The primary aim of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (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.



It provides guidance to Administrations, shipowners, shippers and masters on the standards to be applied in the safe stowage and shipment of solid bulk cargoes excluding grain (which is dealt with under separate rules). The code includes general advice on the procedures to be followed whenever bulk cargoes are to be shipped, a description of the hazards associated with certain materials, lists of typical materials currently shipped in bulk and details of recommended test procedures to determine various characteristics of solid bulk cargo materials.

The IMSBC Code were applied from 1 January 2009 on a voluntary basis, anticipating its envisaged official entry into force on 1 January 2011, from which date it will be mandatory under the provision of the SOLAS Convention.

To keep pace with the expansion and progress of industry, in recent years, the Code has undergone many changes, including:
This publication presents additional information that supplements the IMSBC Code, such as the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code) and Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships applicable to the fumigation of cargo holds.

The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code and Supplement is commended to Administrations, shipowners, 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.



Top questions

  1. What is international grain code and why it is used in bulk carriers ?

  2. What is trimming pours in bulk carriers loading ?

  3. How to achieve the departure draft and trim ?

  4. What is a bulk terminal and who is a terminal operator ?

  5. How to ensure suitability of a bulk terminal for a particular ship?

  6. What are the ship specific preparation prior approaching a bulk terminal ?

  7. The code of safe practice for loading & unloading of bulk carriers ?

  8. What are the terminal information required by ships handling bulk cargo ?

  9. What is the regulation for a bulk carrier acceptabilty of loading condition ?

  10. Why it is important to make an agreement between ship and terminal prior loading bulk cargo ?



Related info:

BLU Manual for Loading and Unloading of Solid Bulk Cargoes for Terminal Representatives

Bulk carrier acceptability for loading regulation Purpose of IMSBC code & related guideline fpr bulk carriers


Our detail pages illustrated many safety aspects of Bulk carrier

Home page |||Bulk carrier types ||| Handling of bulk coal |||Cargo planning ||| Carriage of grain |||Risk of iron ores |||Self unloading bulk carriers |||Care of cargo & vessel |||Cargoes that may liquefy |||Suitability of ships |||Terminal guideline |||Hold cleaning |||Cargo cranes |||Ballast handling procedure |||Bulk carrier safety |||Fire fighting systems |||Bulk carrier General arrangement








Operation of sea going bulk carriers involved numerous hazards . Careful planning and exercising due caution for all critical shipboard matters are important . This site is a quick reference to international shipping community with guidance and information on the loading and discharging of modern bulk carriers so as to remain within the limitations as specified by the classification society.
It is vital to reduce the likelihood of over-stressing the ship's structure and also complying with all essential safety measures for a safe passage at sea. Our detail pages contain various bulk carrier related topics that might be useful for people working on board and those who working ashore in the terminal. For any remarks please
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