What Is The IMSBC Code And Why You Should Know About It

The IMSBC code or International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes are the safety codes for the shipment of bulk cargoes. IMO( International Maritime Organization) proposed this code back in 2008 addressing the problems occurring during the shipment of bulk cargoes. IMO keep upgrading the codes frequently in order to make sure that shipment faces least problems. Back 1986 IMO published safe codes for the shipment which by more amendments became Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code) after several editions. Finally in 2008, IMO renamed the BC Code to International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes with further amendments.

As per IMO guidelines, IMSBC code covers the requirements and safety codes for all the bulk cargoes except grain. International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk (International Grain Code), is responsible for dealing with grain cargoes.

Why is it required?

The IMSBC code includes all the safety measures and precautions required to avoid any possible hazard associated with the shipment. With the help of codes, the carries can avoid preparing for structural damages related to improper load distribution, chemical reaction of the cargoes or stability loss during a voyage. The aim of the code is to successfully deliver the information and safety instructions associated with potential hazard could happen while shipping the bulk cargoes. The code covers all the possible situation while ensuring the secure loading, trimming, managing, carriage, and discharge of these solid bulk cargoes.

While shipping solid bulk cargoes, it is essential to take the IMSBC code into consideration. All the safety codes mentioned are designed by a professional team of IMO. With every amendment, the organization keeps adding more precise and helpful safety codes for the solid bulk cargo carriers. . Based on these safety codes, it is easier to prepare for the shipping journey and make sure about the bulk cargo safety. According to IMO, all the carriers should strictly stick to the safety codes in order to successfully do the shipping.

A Quick Guide On Navigation Charts And Its Advantages

As the name suggests, navigation charts are primarily designed for navigational purposes. A nautical chart presents most of the information useful for the marine navigator, including latitude and longitude scales, topographical features, navigation aids such as lighthouses and magnetic information, indications of reefs, water depth, and different levels of warning notices. Such information allows for both planning a safe course, as well as monitoring the progress while sailing.

• Distinction between navigation charts and maps

A nautical chart shows hydro graphic data, along with detailed information on water depths, tide predictions, obstructions such as rocks and shipwrecks, and also navigational aids. A map, on the other hand, focuses on landform, having information on a variety of geographic and cartographic products. A map will mostly represent topographical information.

• The advantages of using navigational charts

Digital nautical charts are slowly replacing the traditional paper chart systems. These top-quality electronic charts go beyond the use of navigation. The data standard to be followed for electronic charts opens up a wide range of possible applications. When organized in an efficient manner, these charts can provide maritime administrations access to some powerful, versatile databases to establish a geographic reference database for e.g., Vessel Traffic Service can be employed for search and rescue, and for various applications in coastal zone management systems. Digital marine geographic information will soon become a big part of the evolving global spatial data infrastructure.

You can buy digital navigation charts from various online stores and use them as an alternative to the physical charts.