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1. The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code is subject to updates every two years to reflect the changes in the nature and variety of solid bulk cargoes presented for shipment. In June 2019, IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee adopted Resolution MSC.462 (101) specifying forthcoming amendments (05-19) to the IMSBC Code.
   
   
2. The amendments (05-19) to IMSBC Code will become mandatory from 1 January 2021, however Administrations may choose to apply the amendments on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2020.
   
   
3. The amendments (05-19) to IMSBC Code includes following
   
   

   a. The ‘Characteristics’ table, has been replaced for each individual cargo schedule to clarify the Hazard Classification (subsidiary hazard(s) and MHB).

   b. Inclusion of test procedure for determining transportable moisture limit (TML) of Bauxite cargoes.

   c. Following new schedules have been added to Appendix 1 of the Code:
   
   

   Cargo	Group
   FLUE DUST, CONTAINING LEAD AND ZINC	B
   MATTE CONTAINING COPPER AND LEAD	B
   METAL SULPHIDE CONCENTRATES, SELF-HEATING UN 3190	B
   SEED CAKES AND OTHER RESIDUES OF PROCESSED OILY VEGETABLES	B
   ZINC-OXIDE ENRICHED FLUE DUST	B
   BAUXITE FINES	A
   BRUCITE	C
   CALCIUM FLUORIDE, CALCIUM SULPHATE, CALCIUM CARBONATE MIXTURE	A
   CHLORITE	C
   FERRONICKEL SLAG (granulated)	C
   SEED CAKES AND OTHER RESIDUES OF PROCESSED OILY VEGETABLES	C

    

   d. Changes in the existing individual schedule - SEED CAKE (non-hazardous) is deleted

4. MSC.1/Circ.1395/Rev.3 has been revised and replaced by MSC.1/Circ.1395/Rev.4 – Lists of solid bulk cargoes for which a fixed gas fire extinguishing system may be exempted or for which a fixed gas fire extinguishing system is ineffective.
   
   Following new cargoes have been added in MSC.1/Circ.1395/Rev.4
   
   
   • FLUE DUST, CONTAINING LEAD AND ZINC
   • MATTE CONTAINING COPPER AND LEAD
   • ZINC OXIDE ENRICHED FLUE DUST
   
   For Ships which are issued with Exemption certificate for fixed gas fire extinguishing system, if the above mentioned cargoes are carried or intended to be carried, exemption certificate will need to be replaced due to change to addendum i.e. MSC.1/Circ.1395/Rev.4.
   
   
5. Ship Owners and Operators are advised to ensure their vessels comply with the amended IMSBC Code (05-19) requirements from 1 January 2021 or earlier if required by the vessel’s flag state or the National Authorities at a port of call.

Enclosure:

• Nil

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.

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