Technical - International Codes and Guidance 

The primary aim of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code is to facilitate the safe stowage and shipment of solid bulk cargoes by providing information on the dangers associated with the shipment of certain types of solid bulk cargoes and instructions on the procedures to be adopted when the shipment of solid bulk cargoes is contemplated. This publication presents additional information that supplements the IMSBC Code, such as the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code, including BLU Manual) and Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships applicable to the fumigation of cargo holds. The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code and supplement is commended to Administrations, shipowners, shippers and masters and all others concerned with the standards to be applied in the safe stowage and shipment of solid bulk cargoes, excluding grain. The IMSBC Code, adopted on 4 December 2008 by resolution MSC.268(85), entered into force on 1 January 2011, from which date it was made mandatory under the provisions of the SOLAS Convention. The Code was amended by resolution MSC.318(89), incorporating amendment 01-11, by resolution MSC.354(92), incorporating amendment 02-13, and most recently by resolution MSC.393(95), incorporating amendment 03-15, which may be applied from 1 January 2016 on a voluntary basis, anticipating its envisaged official entry into force on 1 January 2017. - from Amzon