Technical Circular No: 028/2024
1. SOLAS Regulation VI/1-2 requires that the carriage of solid bulk cargoes other than grain shall be in compliance with the relevant provisions of the IMSBC Code.
2. Typical cargoes currently shipped in bulk, together with advice on their properties and methods of handling, are given in the schedules for individual cargoes. However, these schedules are not exhaustive and the properties attributed to the cargoes are given only for guidance. Consequently, before loading, it is essential to obtain current valid information from the shipper on the physical and chemical properties of the cargoes presented for shipment. The shipper shall provide appropriate information about the cargo to be shipped.
3. If a solid cargo which is not listed in appendix 1 to this Code is proposed for carriage in bulk, the shipper shall, prior to loading, provide the competent authority of the port of loading with the characteristics and properties of the cargo. Based on the information received, the competent authority will assess the acceptability of the cargo for safe shipment.
4. Various sand cargoes, but not all, are listed in IMSBC Code as Group A (cargoes which may liquefy when shipped at moisture content greater than transportable moisture limit (TML)) and some in Group C (neither group A, nor group B (possess chemical hazard)). However, sand cargoes that are under group C are required to be kept dry before loading, during loading and during voyage.
5. Sand is being transported at Indian ports bearing various names, including “River Sand”. River Sand is not listed in Appendix 1 of the IMSBC code. However, it has been reported that the River Sand is rich in minerals and can liquefy if the moisture content is more than TML.
6. In such cases where cargo such as river sand that is not included in Appendix 1 of the IMSBC code be loaded with formal permission of the competent authority (local MMD).
7. Vessel Owners/ Managers to inform Masters for ensuring compliance.
Enclosure:
Disclaimer:
This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.