2019 Amendments to the IMSBC Code

Amendments 04-17 to the IMSBC code, which have been in place on a voluntary basis since 1st January 2018, will become mandatory on 1st January 2019.
The updates include:

Coal schedule

The coal schedule has been amended. Coal is now classified as Group A and B unless proven to be Group B only by a test determined by the appropriate authority or where it has the following particle size distribution:

• not more than 10% by weight of particles less than 1 mm (D10 > 1mm); and
• not more than 50% by weight of particles less than 10 mm (D50 > 10 mm).

A blend of two or more coals shall be classified as Group A and B unless all original coals in the blend are Group B only.

The hazard has been updated to state “This cargo may liquefy if shipped at a moisture content in excess of its transportable moisture limit (TML).”

Weather precautions have been updated to “the moisture content of the cargo shall be kept less than its TML during loading operations and the voyage” and “the cargo may be handled during precipitation under the conditions stated in the procedures required in paragraph 4.3.3 of this Code”

The Modified Proctor/Fagerberg test procedure for establishing the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) of coal cargoes up to a nominal top size of 50mm.

Substances harmful to marine environment

Shippers are now required to include on the declaration whether or not the cargo is classified as harmful to the marine environment in accordance with MARPOL Annex V.

New cargo schedules

* This material also meets MHB criteria of toxic solids and corrosive solids.

For further details on the amendments to the IMSBC code please see IMO resolution MSC.426(98) which can be read here.