In April 2018, IMO MEPC 72 adopted amendments to the IBC Code and BCH Code due to enter into force on January 1st of 2020. Namely, the amendments concern the International Certificate of Fitness and the Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk.
The resolutions MEPC.302(72) and MEPC.303(72) refer in details to the aforesaid amendments adding a new paragraph which says that ships carrying dangerous chemicals in bulk must be loaded:
-only in accordance with loading conditions verified compliant with intact and damage stability requirements using the approved stability instrument fitted.
-where a waiver permitted is granted and the approved stability instrument required the Code is not fitted, loading should be made in accordance with one or more of the following approved methods:
- in accordance with the loading conditions provided in the approved loading and stability manuals referred to in 6 above; or
- in accordance with loading conditions verified remotely using an approved means ….or;
- in accordance with a loading condition which lies within an approved range of conditions defined in the approved loading and stability manuals referred to in 6 above; or
- in accordance with a loading condition verified using approved critical KG/GM data defined in the approved loading and stability manuals referred to in 6 above; and
-in accordance with the loading limitations appended to this Certificate
Additionally, where it is required to load the ship other than in accordance with the above instruction, then the necessary calculations to justify the proposed loading conditions should be communicated to the certifying Administration who may authorize in writing the adoption of the proposed loading condition.
Further information may be found by reading related IMO’s Resolutions herebelow
RESOLUTION MEPC.302(72) [ Adopted on 13 April 2018]
RESOLUTION MEPC.303(72) [ Adopted on 13 April 2018]
