1 In response to the continuing loss of ships carrying solid bulk cargoes
- sometimes without trace and with heavy loss of life - the Code of Safe Practice
for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU
Code) was developed by IMO as one of a number of measures to enhance the
operational and structural safety of bulk carriers. It was adopted as a
recommendatory instrument by the International Maritime Organization's Assembly at
its twentieth session in November 1997.
2 Possible stress and damage imposed by cargo handling throughout the
life of a ship was considered to be a possible contributory cause of structural
failure of bulk carriers leading to casualties and losses. The purpose of the BLU
Code, therefore, is to provide guidance to ship masters of bulk carriers,
terminal operators and other parties for the safe handling, loading and unloading of
solid bulk cargoes.
3 To augment the BLU
Code, the Manual on Loading and Unloading of Solid Bulk Cargoes for
Terminal Representatives (BLU Manual) is intended to provide more detailed guidance
to Terminal Representatives (as defined in the BLU
Code) and others involved in the handling of solid bulk cargoes;
including those responsible for the training of personnel.
4 It should be noted that in this Manual, a reference to an appendix is a
reference to an appendix in the BLU
Code and a reference to an annex is to an annex in this Manual.
5 Further guidance on the safe loading and unloading of solid bulk
cargoes is contained in the following publications: "Bulk carriers, Handle with
Care", IACS Ltd. 1998, 36 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH, United Kingdom, Tel: +44 (0)207
976 0660, Fax +44 (0)207 808 1100, E-mail: permsec@iacs.org.uk, Website:
www.iacs.org.uk; "The Loading and Unloading of Solid Bulk Cargoes, ICHCA
International Ltd., Suite 2, 85 Western Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 3LS, United
Kingdom, Tel: +44 (0)1708 735 295, Fax: +44 (0)1708 735 225, E-mail:
info@ichcainternational.co.uk.