1 The BLU Code applies
to the loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes, to or from bulk carriers of more
than 500 gross tonnage. The BLU Code does
not apply to: Ships which are not bulk carriers, by definition, ships which
are loading, carrying or unloading grain and ships which are being loaded or
unloaded using shipboard equipment only.
2 The guidance in this Manual is intended to complement the BLU
Code by providing guidance on good practice, regardless of ship size,
terminal capacity or cargo quantity. This should assist terminal representatives to
implement the Code.
3 Although this Manual is written primarily in the context of the
operation of major bulk terminals operating ship loaders and unloaders, smaller bulk
facilities and non specialist terminals may also load and/or unload solid bulk
cargoes by grabs, conveyors, chutes or even directly from vehicles etc. Not all the
guidance in the Manual may be appropriate to such smaller terminals and facilities
and the ships they serve but the general principles should still apply and be
followed.
4 The guidance in this Manual is intended primarily to assist Terminal
Representatives to understand the key issues to be dealt with at the interface
between the ship and the terminal. It should also assist relevant ships' personnel
to understand the issues involved from the terminal's perspective.
5 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.