1. International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code
RESOLUTION MSC.268 (85)

2. IMSBC Code INTRODUCTION

3. Introduction Purpose of the Code
Special hazards are associated with solid cargoes in bulk when they are shipped:
structural damage due to improper cargo distribution,
loss or reduction of stability during the voyage,
chemical reactions of cargoes.
To facilitate the safe stowage and shipment of solid bulk cargoes by giving information on the possible dangers and instructions on carriage procedures.
Contains mostly operational instructions on stowage and handling of cargoes. Some specific provisions refer to the design or the equipment of the ship.
Applicable to any ship carrying cargoes in bulk (except grains).

4. Introduction A brief history
In the 1960’s, the industry recognized some issues in the carriage of bulk cargoes, due to the nature of maritime transport (chemical reactions of cargoes, loss/reduction of stability…). Provisions for the safe carriage of solid bulk cargoes were found necessary.
1st edition of the BC Code in 1965 – Recommendatory only
Several revisions, to follow the progress of the industry. Latest BC Code edition: 2004 – Recommendatory only
In 2003, it was decided to make those provisions mandatory, to ensure worldwide application and to address the many incidents and casualties = the BC Code became the new mandatory IMSBC Code.

5. The amendments are expected to enter into force
Introduction
IMO Facts
IMSBC Code was adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.268(85) dated 4th of December 2008
The amendments are expected to enter into force
on 1 January IMO however encourages interested parties to implements the Code on a voluntary basis as from 1 January 2009.

6. Introduction

7. To make the Code mandatory
Introduction
BC to IMSBC, why such a move ?
To make the Code mandatory
The requirements of the Code will be mandatory from 01/01/2011 but States can choose a voluntarily application from 01/01/2009.
To draw a parallel with the structure of the IMDG Code
The Code will be reviewed every 2 years, as it is the case for IMDG Code. New products can be added easily.
Information have been updated according to the 2008 Edition of IMDG Code.

8. Introduction
To add new products and to update information for existing cargoes
Chopped Rubber and coarse chopped tyres
Linted Cotton Seed
Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)

9. IMSBC Code THE CODE – LAY OUT

10. The Code - Lay out Sections 1 to 10 – Mandatory
Provide general information on loading, carriage and unloading precautions; safety of personnel and ship; cargoes that may liquefy; etc…
Sections 11 to 13 are recommendatory (security, stowage factor conversion tables, list of references)
Appendix 1 Individual schedules of solid bulk cargoes
Appendixes 2 to 4 – various information

11. The Code - Lay out APPENDIX 1 – List of cargoes
Cargoes are categorized in 3 groups, plus a special category
Group A : cargoes which may liquefy if shipped at a moisture content in excess of their transportable moisture limit.
Group B : cargoes which possess a chemical hazard which could give rise to a dangerous situation on a ship.
Group C : consists of cargoes which are neither liable to liquefy (A) nor to possess chemical hazards (B).
Materials Hazardous only in Bulk (MHB): materials which may possess chemical hazards when carried in bulk other than materials classified as dangerous goods in the IMDG Code.

12. The Code - Lay out
Schedule example: Copra (Group B)

13. The Code - Lay out
Each schedule displays the following categories of information:
Description (recommendations)
Characteristics
Hazard
Stowage and segregation
Hold cleanliness
Weather precautions
Loading
Precautions
Ventilation
Carriage
Discharge
Clean-up
Emergency Procedures
The Medical First Aid Guide is available in MSC/Circ.857 or in the IMDG Code-Supplement

14. IMSBC Code EXAMPLES OF REQUIREMENTS

15. Examples of requirements
Requirements related to the design or the equipment of a ship:
Ventilation
Stowage / Construction
Electrical equipment
Instruments
Fire fighting

16. Examples of requirements
VENTILATION – Details
Ventilation means exchange of air from outside to inside a cargo space.
.1 Continuous Ventilation means ventilation that is operating at all times.
.2 Mechanical Ventilation means power-generated ventilation.
.3 Natural Ventilation means ventilation that is not power-generated.
.4 Surface Ventilation means ventilation of the space above the cargo.

17. Examples of requirements
VENTILATION – Details
Cargo spaces fitted with mechanical ventilation shall have at least two separate fans.
The total ventilation shall be at least six air changes per hour, based on the empty space.
Ventilation shall be arranged such that any escaping gases are minimized from reaching living quarters on or under the deck.
Ventilation fans shall be of certified safe type for use in a flammable atmosphere.

18. IMSBC Code KEY DIFFERENCES

19. New Carriage requirements for Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)
Key Differences
New Carriage requirements for Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)
DRI is now categorized into three types of product, based on the increasing hazardous nature of each sub-category:
DRI (A) - hot moulded briquettes - Carriage requirements remain essentially the same as in the BC Code.
DRI (B) - lumps, pellets or cold moulded briquettes - The IMSBC Code allows carriage only under inert conditions with enhanced monitoring of atmosphere (i.e. a vessel should be fitted with a nitrogen generating plant).
NEW DRI (C) - by-products. Inert conditions also required.

20. Key Differences New products Linted Cotton Seed – Group B
Chopped rubber and Plastic Insulation – Group C
Coarse Chopped Tyres – Group C
Sulphur (formed, solid) – Group C

21. Existing products with updated details
Key Differences
Existing products with updated details
COAL – Special Precautions Added for
Gravity fed self-unloading bulk carrier
Ventilation
Gas monitoring, …

22. IMSBC Code ISSUANCE OF A STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE First Step

23. Initial issuance of Document of Compliance for carriage of DANGEROUS GOODS (SOLAS II-2/19 or II-2/54)
Request from owner / yard
Initial survey carried out
Record Ad 1331 filled in
(in Record editor)
Cross check tables 1,2,3
SOLAS reg 19 / reg 54
Interim DOC for Dangerous
goods issued by surveyor
CM checking
Definitive cert. issued
NMM updated

24. Initial issuance of Document of Compliance for carriage of DANGEROUS GOODS
For each hold and deck space to be filled in
It is now established which UN Class cargo the ship can carry in each hold.
NB:If the letter « B » for bulk only is to be used, add a note to specify it.

25. IMSBC Code ISSUANCE OF A STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE Second Step

26. Issuance of IMSBC Statement of Compliance
Choose under which Code (BC or IMSBC) the Statement is delivered
Choose II-2/19 or II-2/54
2 annexes:
Annex 1: list of products
Annex 2: list of provisions applicable the products chosen

27. Issuance of IMSBC Statement of Compliance
The table displays only Group B and MHB cargoes, which are considered to be the most “dangerous”.
Specify the hold in which the cargo can be loaded.
Once cargoes are selected (box ticked), the table of footnotes is automatically established.
Cross check with DOC for DG and tick Class of cargo allowed to be carried.
Include MHB (not subject to the requirements of SOLAS II- 2/9) if the provisions from the notes (table in TNS 16-5) are complied with.

28. Issuance of IMSBC Statement of Compliance
The appendix displays the applicable provisions, depending on the products selected.

29. IMSBC Code Case study 1: General Cargo-ship built in 2004

30. General Cargo vessel built in 2004
Request for issuance of a Statement of Compliance for the carriage of cargo in bulk for subject vessel.
Vessel is already in the possession of a Doc of Compliance for the carriage of Dangerous Goods.

31. General Cargo vessel built in 2004
Check if bulk goods may be carried “
“A” packaged and bulk goods allowed

32. General Cargo vessel built in 2004
According to the Doc of Compliance for the carriage of Dangerous Goods the vessel is allowed to carry bulk goods UN Class
4.1
4.2
4.3 solids
5.1
6.1 solids
8 solids 9
All bulk goods with the aforementioned UN class shall be included on the Statement of Compliance for the carriage of cargo in bulk.
Other bulk goods, i.e. MHB (Material Hazardous in Bulk) should be subject to further checking, to ascertain compliance with the provision of notes shown for each MHB product.
Class 7 (radioactive material) are not covered by SOLAS DOC, but there are 2 Class 7 products in IMSBC Code. To be added if applicable.

33. General Cargo vessel built in 2004
Cross check with DOC for DG if cargo can be carried
applicable hold to be entered
Donc on inclut les MHB sur le principe qu’ils ne sont pas visés par la SOLAS. OK, mais une fois IMSBC obligatoire, il faudra aussi vérifier que les prescriptions sont satisfaites pour le transport des MHB
Box to be ticked to include cargo on the statement
Include MHB Products and Class 7 (not subject to the requirements of SOLAS II-2 reg19) if the notes are complied with.

34. General Cargo vessel built in 2004
Note:
1) Products listed in Group A and C of the BC Code
A Statement of Compliance may be issued without further surveys but it should be verified that bulk loading conditions are included in the stability booklet and loading manual.
2) Products listed in Group B of the BC Code
Those products present some chemical hazards and request special measures to be taken for their shipment. Products listed in the Group B of the BC Code shall not be inserted in the Statement of Compliance without prior satisfactory survey to ascertain that specific requirements set forth in the BC Code are complied with.
3) MHB Products
May be included in the list of products if the applicable notes are complied with.

35. IMSBC Code Case study 2: And for a vessel exclusively designed to carry COAL?

36. Case Study 2: Vessel exclusively designed to carry COAL
COAL is a cargo classified as
Dangerous Good (with UN Class)? MHB (Group B)?
Requirements for the carriage of coal are given in the IMSBC Code.
Consequently, a vessel designed exclusively for the carriage of COAL can be with issued a single ……………………………………………….

37. Case Study 2: Vessel exclusively designed to carry COAL
A Statement of Compliance will be issued without prior issuance of a SOLAS II-2/19 DoC, since the vessel is not scheduled for the carriage of any dangerous cargoes.
In that case, the following should be assessed:
- for the ship in general and for each hold if relevant, the provisions as given in IMSBC Code, should be complied with.
For convenience purposes, the TNS 16-5 table can be used. It sums up the major requirements for each product of category B or MHB.

38. Thank you