Australia IMSBC Code comes into effect on 1st January 2011
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a notice reminding stakeholders that the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code comes into effect on 1 January 2011. Before loading, the shipper must provide the master with current valid information on the physical and chemical properties of the cargo. It may be necessary for the shipper to test the bulk cargoes to determine their properties. Where a cargo is not listed in the IMSBC Code or presents properties that are not addressed by the available schedules, the shipper must provide AMSA with the characteristics and properties of the cargo to enable AMSA to assess the acceptability of the cargo for safe shipment, handling, and carriage. Life gets more complicated if the cargo is assessed as hazardous.
Please refer to the full text of the Notice.
Source: Australian Maritime Safety Authority