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 was amended by resolution MSC.318(89), incorporating amendment 01-11, and most recently by resolution MSC.354(92), incorporating amendment 02-13, which may be applied from 1 January 2014 on a voluntary basis, anticipating its envisaged official entry into force on 1 January 2015.
To keep pace with the expansion and progress of industry in recent years, the Code has undergone many changes, including:
- Fully updated individual schedules for solid bulk cargoes
- New individual schedules for such cargoes as nickel ore, alumina hydrate, aluminium smelting and remelting by-products, clinker ash, coal tar pitch, coarse iron and steel slag, crushed carbon anodes, grain screening pellets, granulated nickel matte, granulated gypsum, ilmenite, sand, silicon slag, torrefied wood and solidified fuels recycled from paper and plastics
- References to the most recent SOLAS amendments
- Updated information from the 2012 edition of the IMDG Code
This publication presents additional information that supplements the IMSBC Code, such as the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code, including BLU Manual) and Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships applicable to the fumigation of cargo holds. The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes 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.
