Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code): Including BLU Manual (IA266E) - 2011 Edition

This combined edition of the BLU Code and BLU Manual incorporates all amendments adopted up to May 2010. It includes amendments to the Manual on the loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes for terminal representatives (MSC.1/Circ.1356) and additional considerations for the safe loading of bulk carriers (MSC.1/Circ.1357).

Foreword

Resolution A.862(20): Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers

Introduction

Section 1: Definitions

Section 2: Suitability of ships and terminals

Section 3: Procedures between ship and shore prior to the ship’s arrival

Section 4: Procedures between the ship and the terminal prior to cargo handling

Section 5: Cargo loading and handling of ballast

Section 6: Unloading cargo and handling of ballast

Appendix 1: Recommended contents of port and terminal information books

Appendix 2: Loading or unloading plan

Appendix 3: Ship/Shore safety checklist for loading or unloading dry bulk cargo carriers

Appendix 4: Guidelines for completing the ship/shore safety checklist

Appendix 5: Form for cargo information for solid bulk cargoes

MSC/Circ.1160: Manual on loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes for terminal representatives

Foreword

Introduction

Section 1: Definitions

Section 2: Suitability of ships and terminals

Section 3: Procedures between ship and shore prior to ship’s arrival

Section 4: Procedures between the ship and the terminal, prior to cargo loading/unloading

Section 5: Cargo loading and handling of ballast

Section 6: Unloading cargo and handling of ballast

Annex 1: Pre-arrival ship/shore exchange of information

Annex 2: Avoidance of damage during cargo handling

Annex 3: Repair of damage incurred during loading and unloading

Annex 4: Training of terminal personnel involved in loading and/or unloading bulk carriers

Annex 5: Hazards

Annex 6: Emergency procedures

MSC.1/Circ.1357: Additional considerations for the safe loading of bulk carriers

A??s a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented. ?

In other words, its role is to create a level playing-field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.