News 17 Nov, 2016 SOLAS - Amendments to the IMSBC Code (Amendment 03-15) - Reminder In June 2015 IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee adopted Resolution MSC.393(95) specifying amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. Contracting governments to the SOLAS Convention have been able to apply the amendments in whole or in part on a voluntary basis since 1 January 2016. Mandatory compliance with the amended IMSBC Code requirements will commence on 1 January 2017. The IMSBC Code is subject to updates every two years to reflect changes in the nature and variety of solid bulk cargoes presented for shipment, and advances in expert understanding regarding the safest ways to carry established solid bulk cargoes. Amendment 03-15 is the third amendment to the IMSBC Code since compliance became mandatory on 1 January 2011. The principal changes are summarised below: Section 1.4 – Application and implementation of this Code Three changes have been made to sub-section 1.4.2, listing those parts of the Code which remain recommendatory or informative; A new sub-section 4.2.2.2, which states “The cargo information should include whether or not the cargo is harmful to the marine environment”.   A new section 14 – Prevention of pollution by cargo residues from ships. All appendices apart from Appendix 1 (Individual schedules of solid bulk cargoes) and a new Appendix 5, which lists the Bulk Cargo Shipping Names in three languages (English, Spanish and French). Section 3 – Safety of personnel and ship A new sub-section 3.1.2 has been added addressing fire safety risk assessments on self-unloading bulk carriers with internally installed conveyor systems within the ship’s structure. Section 4 – Assessment of acceptability of consignments for safe shipment As stated above, a new sub-section 4.2.2.2 has been added addressing the provision of information as to whether or not the cargo is harmful to the marine environment, with a footnote reference to IMO’s “2012