“Carrying solid bulk cargoes safely: Guidance for crews on the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code”, is an updated version of a 2013-published guide for ships’ officers and agents who arrange cargoes for loading, explains the UK P&I Club.
The pocket guide addresses the risk that bulk cargoes should shift, liquefy, catch fire or explode due to poor loading procedures, potentially affecting a vessel’s structural stability and seaworthiness.
Included in a list of the primary hazards associated with specific types of cargo is a new warning on the possible liquefaction properties of bauxite - which was considered until recently a cargo not liable to liquefaction, points out the UK Club.
Also covered are the issue of cargo residues deemed harmful to the marine environment, changes to the IMSBC Code’s structure, advice on SOLAS mandatory enclosed space entry and rescue drills, and updated references to supporting IMO Circulars.
Sam James, Lloyd’s Register’s Head of Regulatory Affairs, said the guide is extremely useful to crew members as an aide memoire: "Since the release of the original guide in 2013, it has heightened the awareness of seafarers, managers, charterers and shippers to the hazards associated with carrying solid bulk cargoes.
Stuart Edmonston, Loss Prevention Director at UK P&I Club, added: "The main purpose of the guide is to provide on-the-spot references to help in practical situations."
The guide can be downloaded from the Lloyd’s Register website www.lr.org/imsbc or hard copies ordered from www.ukpandi.com.
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