2020 IMSBC Code Amendments

The updates include:

Table of characteristics

The table of characteristics for each schedule has been amended and now includes ‘physical properties’ and ‘hazard classification’.

The physical properties of a cargo are recommendatory whereas the hazard classification information is mandatory and must be included in any cargo declaration.

Section 4.1 Identification and classification

ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE, SOLID, N.O.S. UN 3077 has been added to the cargoes listed in section 4.1.1.3.

The section relates to a cargo which is dangerous goods and identified with a generic Proper Shipping Name and/or not otherwise specified (N.O.S) in the IMDG code. For these cargoes the BCSN shall consist of, in the following order:

1. A chemical of technical name of the material;
2. A specific description to identify the properties of the material; and
3. The UN number

Re-classification of Group B cargoes

The classification of Group B cargoes in Section 9 has been amended:

1. Dangerous goods – classified in accordance with the IMDG Code
2. Materials hazardous only in bulk – MHB
3. Dangerous goods also possessing additional chemical hazards

It is essential to obtain current, valid information about the physical and chemical properties of the cargoes to be shipped in bulk, prior to loading.

Bauxite

The BAUXITE (Group C) schedule has been amended and an additional ‘BAUXITE FINES’ (Group A) schedule has been incorporated into the Code.

The difference in the two schedules relates to the particle size distribution of the cargoes and the outcome of a new Modified Proctor/Fagerberg test procedure specifically for bauxite.

A summary of each schedule is as follows:

BAUXITE FINES (Group A)

The schedule applies to bauxite cargoes containing both:

• more than 30% of fine particles less than 1mm (D_{30 ≤} 1mm) and
• more than 40% of particles less than 2.5mm (D₄₀ < 2.5mm)

Even if they meet the above criteria, bauxite cargoes may still be carried as a Group C cargo in accordance with the BAUXITE schedule where the shipper provides the Master with a certificate, in accordance with the result of the Modified Proctor/Fagerberg test procedure for bauxite, approved by the competent authority of the port of loading.

The test certificate is required to state that the moisture of the cargo freely drains from the cargo so that the degree of saturation is not liable to reach 70%.

BAUXITE (Group C)

Schedule applies to bauxite cargoes containing either:

• 30% of less fine particles less than 1mm (D_{30 ≥} 1mm); or
• 40% of less particles less than 2.5mm (D_{40 ≥} 2.5mm) or a combination of both; or
• where the shipper provides the Master with a certificate as detailed above in the bauxite fines section.

Seed Cake

The existing schedules for SEEDCAKE UN 1386 (b) and SEEDCAKE UN 2217 have been revised.

The shipper is now required to produce a certificate from a person recognised by the competent authority of the country of shipment stating that the oil and moisture content of the material meets specific limits and that the material does not meet the criteria for class 4.2 materials.

The SEED CAKE (non-hazardous) schedule has been removed and two new seed cake schedules have been created:

• SEED CAKES AND OTHER RESIDUES OF PROCESSED OILY VEGETABLES (Group B) covers seed cake cargoes that are substantially free from flammable solvents or chemicals and meet the criteria for materials that self-heat when transported in bulk but do not meet the criteria for dangerous goods in solid bulk form (Class 4.2).
• SEED CAKES AND OTHER RESIDUES OF PROCESSED OILY VEGETABLES (Group C) covers seed cakes and other residues of processed oily vegetables which are substantially free from flammable solvents or chemicals and do not meet any of the criteria on dangerous goods or materials hazardous only in bulk. This cargo must also be provided with a certificate stating that the requirements for exclusion from either schedule for SEED CAKE UN 1386(b) or UN 2217 have been met and that the material does not meet the material hazardous in bulk self-heating criteria.

New Cargoes

In addition to the above amendments, the following new schedules have been incorporated in the Code:

Check your DOC

Remember, any new Group B cargo added into the IMSBC Code may require an amendment to a vessel’s existing Document of Compliance for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods.