News 19 Dec, 2013 SOLAS - Amendments to the IMSBC Code (Amendment 02-13) In June 2013 the IMO Maritime Safety Committee adopted Resolution MSC.354(92) specifying forthcoming amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. Contracting governments to the SOLAS Convention may apply the amendments in whole or in part on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2014. Mandatory compliance with the amended IMSBC Code requirements will commence on 1 January 2015. 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 02-13 is the second amendment to the IMSBC Code since compliance became mandatory on 1 January 2011. The principal changes are summarised below: Section 1.7 – Definitions The definition of a “Competent Authority” now includes a requirement for the Competent Authority to operate independently of the shipper. There have been occasions in the past where the shipper and Competent Authority have been closely related, leading to a possible conflict of interests. Section 3 – Safety of personnel and ship Sub-section 3.6 - Cargo under in-transit fumigation; two new paragraphs of precautionary measures have been added to address the hazard of fumigant gases entering occupied spaces during in-transit fumigation. Section 4 – Assessment of acceptability of consignments for safe shipment Sub-section 4.3 - Certificates of test; the requirement in paragraph 4.3.2 for the shipper to provide a signed certificate of the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) and a signed certificate or declaration of the moisture content has been expanded to include a requirement for such documentation to be issued by an entity recognised by the Competent Authority at the port of loading. A new paragraph 4.3.3 has been added stating that when a concentrate or other cargo that may liq