International Maritime Solid Bulk
Cargoes (IMSBC) Code
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS
Convention), as amended, deals with various aspects of maritime safety and
contains, in chapter VI, the mandatory provisions governing the carriage of
solid bulk cargoes. These provisions are
extended in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code).
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.
prime hazards associated with the shipment of solid bulk cargoes are those
relating to structural damage due to improper cargo distribution, loss or
reduction of stability during a voyage and chemical reactions of cargoes. Therefore the primary aim of the IMSBC 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. Observance of the Code
harmonizes the practices and procedures to be followed and the appropriate
precautions to be taken in the loading, trimming, carriage and discharge of
solid bulk cargoes when transported by sea, ensuring compliance with the
mandatory provisions of the SOLAS Convention.
IMSBC Code, was 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. Since then, the Code has been amended three
2011 by resolution MSC.318(89), incorporating amendment 01-11; in 2013 by
resolution MSC.354(92), incorporating amendment 02-13, which entered into force
on 1 January 2015. Finally, in 2015 by resolution
MSC……(95) incorporating amendment 05-15, which may be applied from 1 January
2016 on a voluntary basis anticipating its envisaged official entry in to force
on 1 January 2017.
is worth noting that the IMSBC Code does not cover the carriage of grain in
bulk. The specific requirements for the transport of grain are covered by the
International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk (International
Grain Code, 1991).
Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) is authorized by the IMO's Assembly to adopt
amendments to the Code, thus enabling the IMO to respond promptly to
developments in transport.