Annex - Amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Maritime Safety Committee - Resolution MSC.426(98) - Amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code - (adopted on 15 June 2017) - Annex - Amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code

Annex - Amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code

 This document has been consolidated into IMSBC Code

Section 1 General provisions

1.4 Application and implementation of this Code

1 In paragraph 1.4.2, the words "Characteristics (other than CLASS and GROUP)" are replaced with the words "Characteristics (other than CLASS, SUBSIDIARY RISK and GROUP)". The words "Paragraph 4.2.2.2;" and "Section 14 Prevention of pollution by cargo residues from ships;" are deleted.

1.7 Definitions

2 In the definition for "Bulk Cargo Shipping Name (BCSN)", the third sentence is replaced with the following:
  • "When a cargo is dangerous goods as defined in the IMDG Code, as defined in regulation VII/1.1 of the SOLAS Convention, refer to 4.1.1."

Section 4 Assessment of acceptability of consignments for safe shipment

4.1 Identification and classification

3 The existing paragraph "4.1.1" is replaced with the following:
  • "4.1.1 Bulk Cargo Shipping Name

  • 4.1.1.1 Each solid bulk cargo in this Code has been assigned a Bulk Cargo Shipping Name (BCSN). When a solid bulk cargo is carried by sea it shall be identified in the transport documentation by the BCSN.

  • 4.1.1.2 Where the cargo is dangerous goods and not identified with a generic Proper Shipping Name, or not otherwise specified (N.O.S) in the IMDG Code, the BCSN shall consist of the Proper Shipping Name followed by the UN number.

  • 4.1.1.3 Except for RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL, LOW SPECIFIC ACTIVITY (LSA-I), non-fissile or fissile – excepted UN 2912 and RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL, SURFACE CONTAMINATED OBJECTS (SCO-I), non-fissile or fissile – excepted UN 2913, where the cargo is dangerous goods identified with a generic Proper Shipping Name and/or not otherwise specified (N.O.S) in the IMDG Code, the BCSN shall consist of, in the following order:
    • .1 a chemical or technical name of the material;

    • .2 a specific description to identify the properties of the material; and

    • .3 the UN number."

4.2 Provision of information

4 The existing paragraph 4.2.2.1 is renumbered as "4.2.2".

5 In the renumbered paragraph 4.2.2, in sub-paragraph .15, the word "and" is deleted.

6 In the renumbered paragraph 4.2.2, a new sub-paragraph .16 is inserted as follows:
  • ".16 whether or not the cargo is classified as harmful to the marine environment in accordance with Annex V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto, as amended; and"

7 In the renumbered paragraph 4.2.2, the existing sub-paragraph .16 is renumbered as sub-paragraph .17.

8 Paragraph 4.2.2.2 "The cargo information should include whether or not the cargo is harmful to the marine environment*" and the corresponding footnote are deleted.

4.5 Interval between sampling/testing and loading for TML and moisture content determination

9 Replace the existing paragraphs 4.5.1 and 4.5.2 with the following:
  • "4.5.1 The shipper shall be responsible for ensuring that a test to determine the TML of a solid bulk cargo is conducted within six months to the date of loading the cargo. Notwithstanding this provision, where the composition or characteristics of the cargo are variable for any reason, the shipper shall be responsible for ensuring that a test to determine the TML is conducted again after it is reasonably assumed that such variation has taken place.

  • 4.5.2 The shipper shall be responsible for ensuring that sampling and testing for moisture content is conducted as near as practicable to the date of commencement of loading. The interval between sampling/testing and the date of commencement of loading shall never be more than seven days. If the cargo has been exposed to significant rain or snow between the time of testing and the date of completion of loading, the shipper shall be responsible for ensuring that the moisture content of the cargo is still less than its TML, and evidence of this is provided to the master as soon as practicable."

Section 9 Materials possessing chemical hazards

9.3.3 Segregation between bulk materials possessing chemical hazards and dangerous goods in packaged form

10 In the segregation table as contained in paragraph 9.3.3, in the row of "Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases", under the column "2.1", replace the number "1" with "2".

Section 13 References to related information and recommendations

13.2 Reference list

11 In section 13.2.7 "Minimum information/documentation", new rows are added at the end of section as follows:

4.2 MARPOL Annex V, regulation 4.3 Discharge of garbage outside special areas
4.2 MARPOL Annex V, regulation 6.1.2.2 Discharge of garbage within special areas

13.2.10 Segregation

12 Delete row "9.3.3".

13.2.11 Transport of solid wastes in bulk

13 In row "10.6", under the column "Reference to the relevant IMO instruments or standard (2)", replace the term "chapter 7.8.4" with "sub-section 2.0.5.4".

Section 14 Prevention of pollution by cargo residues from ships

14 Section 14 is deleted.


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