BIMCO Basic IMSBC Code Chart: Step-by-Step Guide

(Non all-inclusive chart for basic compliance requirements of a bulk cargo)

IMSBC Code – The Basics IMSBC Code - Classification IMSBC Code -

The Code does not The Code does not Solid bulk cargoes categorized into three distinct groups in the Code:
cover grain cargoes cover solid cargoes in Entry into
– regulated by the bags, or similar enclosed spaces;
International Grain packaged goods – A.1050 (27)
Code regulated by the IMDG Group A: Group C:
Code (International Group B: Pesticides;
Cargoes that Non-
Maritime Dangerous Cargoes that possess chemical hazards Recommendations
may liquefy hazardous
Goods Code) cargoes MSC .1/circ.1264
(cargoes & circ. 1396
that do not
Before accepting cargo for shipment, shipper must Materials meet Group Loading Plan
Risk: Dangerous goods;
provide master with cargo information and signed Hazardous Only A or B) agreed between
Liquefaction, (e.g. cargoes that
cargo declaration form (ref. s 4) in Bulk (MHB); Master and
cargo shift, have been assigned
Cargoes that do Terminal
capsizing by a UN number by
not meet the Representative
the United Nations
criteria for (SOLAS Reg. VI/7,
Sub-Committee of Some cargoes
Correct Bulk Cargo shipping Cargo’s physical inclusion in the BLU Code)
Experts on the may still
name (BCSN) – Important and chemical IMDG classes for
Cargoes prone Transport of carry some
(Implications) properties dangerous CO2 fire fighting
to Dangerous Goods) risks e.g. iron
(s 4.2.2) goods. exemption (MSC
liquefaction: ore and high
1/circ.1395/rev.2)
Contain a density
for certain solid
certain cargoes –
If cargo’s BCSN is not in the Code, bulk cargoes (ref:
quantity of overstressing
it is considered a cargo not listed in the Code SOLAS regulation
moisture and Risk: Fire or explosion due to chemical the tanktop.
II-2/10.7.1.4)
small fine hazards, release of toxic gases and
particles corrosion, damage to ship structures due to Trim level,
Cargo Residues,
Section 1.3 of the Code applies – Shipper’s poor loading procedures. consider ship
hold washing
responsibility to provide cargo information to ballasting and
water & HME
competent authority at port of loading (CA-PL) for loading
substances
assessment of the appropriate carriage Requirements: sequences.
Requirements: (ref: MARPOL
requirements (1) TML/moisture
(1) Doc of Compliance/dangerous Annex V)
certificates Sand, cement
(2) MC < TML goods for ship. Special list, manifest – generation
or stowage plan. Instructions for Contact details of
If assessed as (3) Certificate on of dust.
emergency response. CAs (BC.1/circ.73)
If assessed as Group C, CA-PL Group A or B, shipper’s
will authorise carriage and CA tripartite procedures (2) Segregation requirements Follow
important. DSC.1/circ.71-iron
– port of discharge (CA-PD) agreement precautions in
ore fines
and vessel’s Flag State (FS) required from Code.
will be informed CA-PL, CA-PD Disclaimer: The information contained in this chart is based on CCC.1/circ.2 –
and FS. information from the IMSBC Code and is provided for general guidance bauxite that may
and information purposes only. Whilst every effort is made to ensure liquefy
CA-PL provides master with certificate of cargo that the chart is accurate and up to date, BIMCO does not warrant, nor
schedule, i.e. cargo characteristics and carriage does it accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or
requirements. CA-PL will also inform IMO of same. 24 Nov 2015
completeness of the chart or for any loss or damages which may arise
BIMCO Marine dept ACFN
from reliance on the information contained in the chart