IMSBC Code, 2023 Edition

IMO

As a specialised agency of the United Nations, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

In other words, its role is to create a level playing field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.

The primary aim of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (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. The IMSBC Code, adopted on 4 December 2008 by resolution MSC.268(85), entered into force on 1 January 2011, from which date it was made mandatory under the provisions of the SOLAS Convention. The Code has been amended by resolutions adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee, the most recent being resolution MSC.500(105), incorporating Amendment 06-21, which may be applied from 1 January 2023 on a voluntary basis, and has an official entry into force on 1 December 2023. In order to keep pace with the expansion and progress of industry, the IMSBC Code, as amended, includes: • Modifications to various existing individual schedules for solid bulk cargoes. • New individual schedules for such cargoes as ammonium nitrate based fertilizer, ammonium nitrate based fertilizer MHB, clam shell, leach residue containing lead and superphosphate (triple, granular). • New definitions (including an updated definition for group A cargoes), references and requirements for cargoes which may undergo dynamic separation. This publication presents additional information to supplement the IMSBC Code, such as the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code), the Manual on loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes for terminal representatives (BLU Manual) and recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships applicable to the fumigation of cargo holds. It also includes a directory of contact names and addresses of offices of designated national competent authorities responsible for the safe carriage of grain and solid bulk cargoes. The IMSBC 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.