IMSBC CODE

The IMO’s convention of Safety of Life at Sea(SOLAS) 1974, as amended, deals with various safety aspects
for sea going vessels including carriage of cargo. SOLAS chapter VI part A & B pertains to mandatory
provisions governing the carriage of solid bulk cargoes and Chapter VII part B the mandatory provisions of
carriage of dangerous goods in solid form in bulk.

The provisions of these chapters are amplified in Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code). 
SOLAS Chapter VII, Part A deals with packaged dangerous cargo which is amplified in  IMDG Code.
International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code.-----

Origin
The IMSBC Code has replaced the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code), which was first adopted as
a recommendatory code in 1965 and has been updated at regular intervals since then. ...

The aim of the mandatory IMSBC Code is to facilitate the safe stowage and shipment of solid bulk cargoes.

What was the purpose of replacing the BC Code with the IMSBC Code?

(1) To make the Code mandatory (the BC Code being only recommendatory for implementation by States);
(2) to draw a parallel with the structure of the IMDG Code (e. g. the Code will be reviewed every 2 years like the
IMDG Code);
(3) to include references to the most recent SOLAS Amendments; and
(4) to add new products and update information for existing cargoes.

Aim
The primary aim of the 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 the solid bulk cargoes is contemplated.
Including

To highlight the dangers associated with the shipment of bulk cargoes.

To give guidance on the procedures to be adopted, when the shipment of bulk cargo is contemplated.
To list typical materials currently shipped in bulk together with advice on their properties and handling.
To describe test procedures to be employed to determine various characteristics of the bulk cargoes.

. The IMSBC code adopted on 4 Dec 2008 by resolution MSC.268(85), entered into force on 1 Jan 2011 from
which date it was made mandatory under the provisions of SOLAS convention.
The code was amended by resolution MSC.318(89), incorporating amendment 01-11, which entered into force
on 1 Jan 2013, .
The code was further amended by amendments as mentioned below

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 Amendment No. Adopted In Force

01-11 2011 st
1 Jan 2013
02-13 2013 st
1 Jan 2015
03-15 2015 st
1 Jan 2017
04-17 2017 st
1 Jan 2019
05-19 2019 st
1 Jan 2021

Latest Amendment
In June 2019, IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee adopted Resolution MSC.462 (101) specifying forthcoming
amendments (05-19) to the IMSBC Code.
The amendments (05-19) to IMSBC Code will become mandatory from 1 January 2021, however Administrations
may choose to apply the amendments on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2020.
1.4 Application and implementation of this Code  

1.4.1 The provisions contained in this Code apply to all ships to which the SOLAS Convention, as amended,
applies and that are carrying solid bulk cargoes as defined in regulation 2 of part A of chapter VI of the
Convention.

1.4.2 Although this Code is legally treated as a mandatory instrument under the SOLAS Convention the following
provisions of this Code remain recommendatory or informative:

Section 11 Security provisions (except subsection 11.1.1);

Section 12 Stowage factor conversion tables;
Section 13 References to related information and recommendations;
Appendices other than appendix 1 Individual schedules of solid bulk cargoes;
and The texts in the sections for “DESCRIPTION”, “CHARACTERISTICS”, “HAZARD” and “EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES” of individual schedules of solid bulk cargoes in appendix 1.
In order to keep pace with the expansion and progress of industry, the IMSBC code, as amended, includes
Fully updated individual schedules for solid bulk cargoes.
References to the text of SOLAS 1974 as most recently amended.
Updated information from the 2012 edition of the IMDG code

Contents of IMSBC Code

IMSBC Code became mandatory from 1st January 2011.
Table of Contents in IMSBC Code

Foreword
Section 1     General provisions and definitions

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 Section 2     General loading, carriage and unloading precautions
Section 3     Safety of personnel and ship
Section 4     Assessment of acceptability of consignments for safe shipment
Section 5     Trimming procedures
Section 6     Methods of determining angle of repose
Section 7     Cargoes that may liquefy
Section 8     Test procedures for cargoes that may liquefy
Section 9     Materials possessing chemical hazards
Section 10     Carriage of solid bulk wastes
Section 11     Security provisions
Section 12     Stowage factor conversion tables
Section 13     References
Appendices

Appendix 1     Individual schedules of solid bulk cargoes

Appendix 2    Laboratory test procedures, associated apparatus and standards
Appendix 3     Properties of solid bulk cargoes
Appendix 4     Index of solid bulk cargoes
  GENERAL

1.2 Cargoes listed in this Code

Typical cargoes currently shipped in bulk, together with advice on their properties and methods of handling, are
given in the schedules for individual cargoes. However, these schedules are not exhaustive and the properties
attributed to the cargoes are given only for guidance.

Consequently, before loading, it is essential to obtain current valid information from the shipper on the physical
and chemical properties of the cargoes presented for shipment. The shipper shall provide appropriate
information about the cargo to be shipped (see section 4.2).

Cargo Groups
Considering safety solid bulk cargoes are divided into Group A, B & C

GroupA
consists of cargoes which may liquefy if shipped at moisture content in excess of their transportable moisture
limit.
GroupB
consists of cargoes which possess a chemical hazard which could give rise to a dangerous situation on a ship.
GroupC
consists of cargoes which are neither liable to liquefy (Group A) nor to possess chemical hazards (Group B).

Hazard Classification
Section 9 - Materials possessing chemical hazards

 9.1 General

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  Solid bulk cargoes which may possess a chemical hazard during transport, because of their chemical nature or
properties, are in Group B. Some of these materials are classified as dangerous goods and others are materials
hazardous only in bulk (MHB). It is essential to obtain current, valid information about the physical and chemical
properties of the cargoes to be shipped in bulk, prior to loading.
9.2 Hazard classification

9.2.1 The classification of materials possessing chemical hazards and intended to be shipped in bulk under the
requirements of this Code shall be in accordance with 9.2.2 and 9.2.3.

9.2.2 Classification of dangerous goods

SOLAS regulation VII/7 defines dangerous goods in solid form in bulk. For the purpose of this Code, dangerous
goods shall be classified in accordance with part 2 of the IMDG Code 

Hazard classification

Dangerous goods are classified in accordance with chapter 2 of the IMDG Code.

Class 4.1: Flammable solids: The materials in this class are readily combustible solids and solids which may cause
fire through friction.

Class 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion: The materials in this class are materials, other than
pyrophoric materials, which, in contact with air without energy supply, are liable to self-heating. .

Class 4.3: Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases: 

The materials in this class are solids which, by interaction with water, are liable to become spontaneously
flammable or to give off flammable gases in dangerous quantities. .

Class 5.1: Oxidizing substances: The materials in this class are materials while in themselves not necessarily
combustible, may, generally by yielding oxygen cause, or contribute to, the combustion of other material.

Class 6.1: Toxic substances: The materials in this class are materials liable either to cause death or serious injury
or to harm human health if swallowed or inhaled, or by skin contact. .

Class 7: Radioactive materials: The materials in this class are any materials containing radio nuclides where both
the activity concentration and the total activity in the consignment exceed the values specified in 2.7.7.2.1 to
2.7.7.2.6 of the IMDG Code.

Class 8: Corrosive substances: The materials in this class are materials which, by chemical action, will cause
severe damage when in contact with living tissue or will materially damage, or even destroy, other goods or the
means of transport. .

Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles: 

The materials in this class are materials and articles which, during transport, present a danger not covered by
other classes.

Some Definitions
Solid bulk cargo
means any cargo, other than liquid or gas, consisting of a combination of particles, granules or any larger pieces

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 of material generally uniform in composition, which is loaded directly into the cargo spaces of a ship without any
intermediate form of containment. .

Dangerous goods in solid form in bulk  means any material, other than liquid or gas, consisting of a combination
of particles, granules or any larger pieces of material, generally uniform in composition, which is covered by
the IMDG Code and is loaded directly into the cargo spaces of a ship without any intermediate form of
containment, and includes such materials loaded in a barge on a barge-carrying ship. .

Transportable Moisture Limit (TML)  of a cargo which may liquefy  means the maximum moisture content of the
cargo which is considered safe for carriage in ships other than specially constructed or fitted cargo ships (see
7.3.2 of IMBSC Code for full details). -

Let’s have a look at the provisions of carriage of dangerous goods in solid form in bulk.
IMDG Code deals with dangerous goods in packaged form.
Packaged form means dangerous goods packed in packages specified in IMDG Code, eg; UN 1942 AMMONIUM
NITRATE packed in Woven plastics water-resistant bags. .
If we load UN 1942 AMMONIUM NITRATE directly in to the holds of a cargo ship without packing in bags then
the provisions of IMBSC Code has to be applied. .
Cargoes are identified and listed in IMSBC Code with Bulk Cargo Shipping Name (BCSN).
All names are listed in appendix 4 of IMSBC Code in an alphabetical order together with their group name and
references if any. .
In order to understand the provisions of carriage of dangerous goods in bulk let us look
at FERROSILICON. In appendix 4 (Index of solid bulk cargoes) Ferrosilicon is listed as below .
In Appendix 1 (Individual schedules of solid bulk cargoes) Ferrosilicon is listed and twice first entry
reads FERROSILICON UN 1408 which is same as above listed in the index.

The entry in appendix 1 gives full details of Ferrosilicon UN 1408 as below .

FERROSILICON UN 1408 with 30% or more but less than 90% silicon (including briquettes)

DESCRIPTION

Ferrosilicon is an extremely heavy cargo.

CHARACTERISTICS

ANGLE OF REPOSE BULK DENSITY (kg/m3) STOWAGE FACTOR (m3/t)

Not applicable 1389 to 2083 0.48 to 0.72

(1111 to 1538 for briquettes) (0.65 to 0.90 for briquettes)

SIZE CLASS GROUP

Up to 300 mm
4.3 / 6.1 B
Briquettes
HAZARD

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 In contact with moisture or water it may evolve hydrogen, a flammable gas which may form explosive mixtures
with air and may, under similar circumstances, produce phosphine and arsine, which are highly toxic gases. This
cargo is non-combustible or has a low fire-risk..

STOWAGE & SEGREGATION

“Separated from” foodstuffs and all class 8 liquids.

HOLD CLEANLINESS

Clean and dry as relevant to the hazards of the cargo..

WEATHER PRECAUTIONS
This cargo shall be kept as dry as practicable before loading, during loading and during voyage.
This cargo shall not be loaded during precipitation.
During loading of this cargo all non-working hatches of the cargo spaces to which this cargo are loaded or to be
loaded shall be closed..
LOADING

Trim in accordance with the relevant provisions required under sections 4 and 5 of the Code.
As the density of the cargo is extremely high, the tank top may be overstressed unless the cargo is evenly spread
across the tank top to equalize the weight distribution.
Due consideration shall be paid to ensure that tank top is not overstressed during voyage and during loading by a
pile of the cargo. Refer to the appendix to this schedule..
PRECAUTIONS

The manufacturer or the shipper shall provide the master with a certificate stating that, after manufacture, the
cargo was stored under cover, but exposed to dry weather for not less than three days prior to shipment..

VENTILATION

Continuous mechanical ventilation shall be conducted during the voyage for the cargo spaces carrying this cargo.
If maintaining ventilation endangers the ship or the cargo, it may be interrupted unless there is a risk of
explosion or other danger due to interruption of the ventilation.
In any case mechanical ventilation shall be maintained for a reasonable period prior to discharge. Refer to the
appendix to this schedule..
CARRIAGE

For quantitative measurements of hydrogen, phosphine and arsine, suitable detectors for each gas or
combination of gases shall be on board while this cargo is carried.
The detectors shall be of certified safe type for use in explosive atmosphere.
The concentrations of these gases in the cargo spaces carrying this cargo shall be measured regularly, during
voyage, and the results of the measurements shall be recorded and kept on board..
DISCHARGE

Refer to the appendix to this schedule.

CLEAN-UP

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 After discharge of this cargo, the cargo spaces shall be swept clean twice. Water shall not be used for cleaning of
the cargo space which has contained this cargo, because of danger of gas..

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
SPECIAL EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT TO BE CARRIED

Self-contained breathing apparatus.

Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.

EMERGENCY ACTION IN THE EVENT OF FIRE

Batten down and use CO2 if available. Do not use water.
MEDICAL FIRST AID
Refer to the Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG), as amended. .
The entry further contains APPENDIX:

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CARRIAGE OF FERROSILICON

and detailed requirements, operational requirements, gas releases from ferrosilicon impurities when water is
added.Under Precautions, see above, manufacturer or shipper is required to provide a certificate which is similar
to IMDG Code requirement of ‘weathering certificate”.

Similar to Dangerous Goods transport document required by IMDG Code

IMSBC Code require a declaration from shipper, see below image.

This declaration must be furnished well in advance of loading to enable the precautions which may be necessary
for proper stowage and safe carriage of the cargo to be put into effect.

Apart from Dangerous Goods listed in IMDG Code there are some goods which possess dangerous properties
when carried in bulk. These goods are called Materials hazardous only in bulk (MHB).

One example of MHB is WOOD PELLETS. This is a group B cargo (cargoes which possess a chemical hazard), in
appendix 1 class for this entry reads “MHB” with stowage and segregation requirement as for class 4.1 materials
( flammable solids)

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 Apart from Dangerous Goods listed in IMDG Code there are some goods which possess dangerous properties
when carried in bulk. These goods are called Materials hazardous only in bulk (MHB).

One example of MHB is WOOD PELLETS. This is a group B cargo (cargoes which possess a chemical hazard), in
appendix 1 class for this entry reads “MHB” with stowage and segregation requirement as for class 4.1 materials
( flammable solids)

BLU Code

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE SAFE LOADING AND UNLOADING OF BULK

CARRIERS

Following the dramatic increase in the number of bulk carrier incidents and the loss of their crews, the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) developed and subsequently adopted a wide range of safety measures designed to
improve the safety of bulk carriers.
Included in these safety measures are requirements for improving the strength and maintenance of bulk carriers,
guidelines for their inspection at terminals (IMO Resolution A.866 (20)) and recommendations concerning the
loading and unloading of bulk cargoes.

The latter are published in the “Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers” (Res. A.862
(20)), which was adopted by the IMO in November 1997

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and amended by MSC.238(82) effective from the 1st of January 2007.

The purpose of the Code is to assist persons responsible for the safe loading or unloading of bulk carriers to carry out
their functions and to promote the safety of bulk carriers.

The recommendations in this Code provide guidance to shipowners, masters, shippers, operators of bulk carriers,
charterers and terminal operators for the safe handling, loading, and unloading of solid bulk cargoes.

The recommendations are subject to terminal and port requirements, or national regulations.

Persons responsible for the loading or unloading of bulk carriers should also be aware of such regulations and
requirements.

It is recommended that a copy of this Code be made available to every ship, charterer and bulk loading or unloading
terminal so that advice on operational procedures is readily available and respective responsibilities are identified.

CONTENTS
Introduction

Section 1 Definitions

Section 2 Suitability of ships and terminals

Section 3 Procedures between ship and shore prior to the ship’s arrival

Section 4 Procedures between ship and terminal prior to cargo handling

Section 5 Cargo loading and handling of ballast

Section 6 Unloading cargo and handling of ballast Appendix 1 Recommended contents of port and terminal

information books 14

Appendix 1 Recommended contents of port and terminal information books

Appendix 2 Loading or unloading plan 15

Appendix 3 Ship/shore safety checklist 18

Appendix 4 Guidelines for completing the ship/shore safety checklist 20

Appendix 5 Form for cargo information 25

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