Bulk

Question 1

What is the IMSBC Code?

Answer 1

The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC)

The IMSBC Code is intended to aid the safe stowage and shipment of solid bulk cargoes through the provision of cargo characteristics and procedural instructions. It is a mandatory regulation for ships with dry bulk cargoes of all size and age.

The Supplement to the IMSBC Code contains the BLU Code and the BLU Manual.

Question 2

What are the three categories of cargoes under the IMSBC Code?

Answer 2

IMSBC Code Cargo Categories

Group A – Cargoes which may liquefy if exposed to moisture content in excess of their transportable moisture limit;
Group B – Cargoes that pose a chemical hazard that could result in a threat to the ship and crew
Group C – Cargoes that are not liable to liquefy and that do not possess chemical hazards

Question 3

What risks may a ship carrying solid bulk cargoes face?

Answer 3

Risks of Solid Bulk Cargoes

• Structural damage due to improper cargo distribution;
• Loss of stability due to liquefaction of cargo;
• Cargo shift;
• Cargoes chemically reacting and posing a danger to the ship and crew.

Question 4

What are MHBs?

Answer 4

Materials Hazardous only in Bulk (MHB)

MHB cargoes are materials which possess chemical hazards when transported in bulk that do not meet the criteria for inclusion in the IMDG code.

Combustible Solids
Self-heating Solids
Solids that evolve into flammable gas when wet
Solids that evolve toxic gas when wet
Toxic solids
Corrosive Solids

Question 5

What is the contents of the IMSBC Code?

Answer 5

Section 1 to 10 is mandatory:
• Loading, carriage and unloading precautions
• Assessment of acceptability of consignments for safe shipment
• Trimming procedures
• Methods for determining angle of repose
• Cargoes that may liquefy
• Chemical hazards of cargoes

Section 11 – 13 provide recommendatory info and advice on security, stowage factor conversion tables and related IMO instruments.
The Appendices contain individual schedules of solid bulk cargoes, test procedures, and properties of solid bulk cargoes.
The Supplement contains the BLU Code, BLU Manual, plus more additional information.

Question 6

How do BCSNs and UN numbers help when shipping Solid Bulk Cargoes?

Answer 6

Cargoes listed in the IMSBC code are given Bulk Cargo Shipping Names. This is the official name and should be referred to as such on all transportation documentation.

Cargoes which are classed as Hazardous Substances are also given a four-digit UN Number.

The IMSBC Code contains detailed schedules for each type of cargo. These provide a detailed analysis of the substance, the environmental conditions it should be carried in and precautions to be taken during loading, stowage, transportation and discharge.

Question 7

What documentation is required under the BLU Code?

Answer 7

Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code)

Bulk carriers over 500gt that carry dangerous goods must hold a Document of Compliance (sometimes referred to a Bulk Certificate on bulk carriers) that lists the cargoes the ship is considered suitable to carry.

Bulk carriers must also have an approved Stability and Loading Booklet.

Question 8

What is the BLU Code?

Answer 8

Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code)

Made mandatory in 1997 after increasing number of bulk carrier incidents that resulted in the loss of ships and crew, the BLU Code was brought into force. It is referred to in SOLAS VI and is contained in the Supplement to the IMSBC Code.

It provides Masters and terminal operators with the necessary information and guidance for the safe handling, loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes.