Bulk & IMSBC Flashcards
What does IMSBC Code stand for?
International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code
What is the purpose of the IMSBC code?
Outlines the appropriate precautions in the loading, carriage and discharge of solid bulk cargoes. Does NOT include grain.
Where can I find general precautions while loading, carrying, and unloading of solid bulk cargoes?
Section 2 of the IMSBC Code.
What are some loading and unloading precautions that should be taken while loading and unloading solid bulk cargoes?
- Cargo spaces should be inspected and prepared for the type of cargo.
- Bilge Wells & Strainers should be inspected.
- Bilges should be sounded after the completion of loading.
- Air conditioning systems should be in recirculating mode.
What do you do if the coal you’re loading is coming into the hold very fast and kicking up a lot of dust?
Stop the loading, clear the area until dust is cleared and make sure accommodation air conditioning systems are on circulation.
How does the IMSBC divide cargoes?
- Group A: Cargoes which may liquify.
- Group B: Dangerous goods in solid form in bulk & materials hazardous only in bulk (MHB)
- Group C: Does not liquify or present a chemical hazard.
Examples of IMSBC Group A cargoes?
- Coal
- Nickel Ore
- Bauxite
What does TML stand for? And what is it?
Transportable Moisture Limit. The maximum moisture content which a group A cargo must be under for it to be deemed safe to transport.
What is the document required for carrying dangerous goods in bulk? Who supplies it?
Dangerous Good Document of Compliance, supplied by the flag state or class society.
Which regulation and section outlines the information you expect to receive from the shipper of a bulk cargo?
Section 4 of the IMSBC Code.
What should the cargo information form for solid bulk cargoes include as per the IMSBC?
- BCSN (Bulk Cargo Shipping Name)
- Cargo Group
- IMO Class
- UN Number
- Total Quantity of Cargo
- Stowage Factor
- The MC (Moisture Content)
- The TML (Transportable Moisture Limit)
Who’s responsible for sampling and testing the MC & TML of a cargo? How long prior to loading are they allowed for issuing these certificates?
The shipper is responsible. TML test certificate is a maximum of 6 months, and MC is a maximum of 7 days.
What is the Can Test used for? And what is its procedure?
Used if in doubt of the moisture content of the cargo declared in the certificates, or if the cargo has been exposed and the moisture content might’ve changed between the test day and loading day.
As per Section 8 of the IMSBC code:
- Fill half a cylindrical can (0.5-1L capacity) with a sample of cargo
- Strike the can at a distance of about 0.2m on a hard surface. Repeat for 25 times at one or two second intervals.
If moisture or fluid appears, then additional tests should be made prior to loading.
What is the angle of repose?
It is the angle between the surface of the pile and the horizontal surface the pile is on.
How do higher values of angles of repose compare to lower values? And which is more dangerous to the vessel’s stability?
Lower angles of repose form flatter piles and are more liable to shifting than materials higher angles of repose. Lower angles are more dangerous.
Which section of the IMSBC code outlines the trimming procedures?
Section 5 of the IMSBC code.
How are the trimming procedures outlines in the IMSBC code? And what are they?
- Angle of repose less than or equal to 30. Should be treated as grain and in accordance with the IGC (International Grain Code)
- Angle of response greater than 30 to 35 inclusive. Vertical distance between highest point and lowest point of cargo surface shall not exceed Beam/10. Max Value 1.5.
- Angle of repose greater than 35. Vertical distance between highest point and lowest point of cargo surface shall not exceed Beam/10. Max Value 2.0m.
Where can you find additional information about a solid bulk cargo?
Appendix 1 of the IMSBC - Individual Schedule of Cargo.
What information can be found for the cargo listed in appendix 1 of the IMSBC code?
- Description
- Size
- Angle of Repose
- Stowage Factor
- Bulk Density
- Class
- Emergency Procedures in case of fire or medical emergency involving material.
What is coal classified under in the IMSBC code?
Classes A & B.
What hazards does the carriage of coal present?
- Liquefaction
- Flammable Atmosphere
- Self Heating
- Corrosion
How could you prevent liquefaction of coal cargoes?
- MC content should always be less than the TML value. A can test should be done if in doubt.
- Avoid handling it while it’s raining to avoid exposing it to moisture.
- Cargo hatches should be closed when handling it.
How does carriage of coal make a flammable atmosphere?
It emits methane gas which in mixture with air can lead to a fire/explosion if a source of ignition is present.
What is an indicator that coal cargo is self-heating?
By monitoring the carbon monoxide levels in the cargo hold. CO levels above 50 PPM is an indication it is self-heating.
