Lloyd’s Register, UK P&I Club, and Intercargo have released an update to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code pocket guide, designed for ships’ officers and agents who arrange cargoes for loading. Carrying solid bulk cargoes safely: Guidance for crews on the IMSBC Code, was first released in 2013 and outlines the precautions that need to be taken before accepting solid bulk cargoes for shipment.
The new version includes a number of updates, including: a warning on the possible liquefaction properties of bauxite (which was considered until recently a cargo not liable to liquefaction), a new appendix that advices on 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 various updated references to supporting IMO Circulars.
A PDF of the pocket guide can be downloaded now at www.lr.org/imsbc and hard copies can be ordered from www.webstore.lr.org or www.ukpandi.com.