BLU Code - Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers

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

The safety of bulk carriers is one of the most important issues that IMO has addressed in recent years and, as a result, a number of safety measures, covering both structural and operational aspects of such ships, have been recently introduced by the Organization. The Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code) is one such measure.

Being concerned about the continued loss of ships carrying solid bulk cargoes, sometimes without a trace, and the heavy loss of life incurred, and recognizing that a number of accidents have occurred as a result of improper loading and unloading of bulk carriers, the Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC) at its first session (February 1996) developed a draft code of practice for the safe loading and unloading

of bulk carriers, with the aim of preventing such accidents.

The Code was reviewed by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at its sixty-sixth session (June 1996) and by the DSC at its second session (February 1997), and was subsequently approved by the MSC at its sixty-eighth session (June 1997); finally, it was adopted by the Assembly at its twentieth session (November 1997) by resolution A.862(20).

In adopting the resolution, the Assembly urged Governments to implement the BLU Code at the earliest possible opportunity, and to inform IMO of any non-compliance. It further urged Governments in whose territories solid bulk cargo loading and unloading terminals are situated to introduce port by-laws as follows:

• terminal operators are required to comply with the relevant IMO codes and recommendations on ship/port cooperation;
• terminal operators are required to appoint a “terminal representative” as stipulated in section 1.6 of the annex to resolution A.797(19);
• the master is responsible at all times for the safe loading and unloading of the ship, the details of which should be confirmed with the terminal operator in the form of an agreed loading or unloading plan;
• in case of noncompliance with the agreed loading or unloading plans or any other situation which endangers the safety of the ship, the master has the right to stop the loading or unloading; and
• port authorities have the right to stop the loading or unloading of solid bulk cargoes when the safety of the ship carrying such cargoes is endangered.

The BLU Code, which provides guidance to ship masters of bulk carriers, terminal operators and other parties concerned for the safe handling, loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes, is also linked to regulation VI/7 (Loading, unloading and stowage of bulk cargoes) of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended by resolution MSC.47(66).

Further amendments to the BLU Code were adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee at its eighty-second and eighty-seventh sessions by resolutions MSC.238(82) and MSC.304(87), respectively.

The Maritime Safety Committee, at its eightieth session (11 to 20 May 2005), approved the Manual on loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes for terminal representatives and agreed that the application of the guidance contained therein would address the concerns on risk control options and urged Member Governments, shipowners, ship operators and terminals to apply the guidance contained therein. Amendments to the BLU Manual were

approved by the Maritime Safety Committee at its eighty-seventh session, MSC.1/Circ.1356 refers.

The Maritime Safety Committee recognized the need to provide further guidance to supplement the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code) and agreed to the Additional considerations for the safe loading of bulk carriers, MSC.1/Circ.1357 refers.

The provisions of the Code should be applied with due regard to the provisions of the IMSBC Code where applicable.

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.