THE INTERNATIONAL CODE FOR THE SAFE CARRIAGE OF GRAIN IN BULK (INTERNATIONAL GRAIN CODE)

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General

The International Grain Code(International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk), accepted by resolution MSC.23 (59), has been compulsory under SOLAS chapter VI since 1st Jan. 1994. The term grain includes wheat, maize (corn), oats, rye, barley, rice, pulses, seeds & processed forms whose reactions is similar to that of grain in its natural state. The International Grain Code deals with ships despite of size, including those of less than 500 gross tonnage, engaged in the carriage of grain in bulk and to which part C of SOLAS chapter VI applies. The motive of the Code is to provide an international standard for the safe carriage of grain in bulk.

Outline

The International Grain Code need a document of authorization is issued for every ship loaded in fulfilment of the Code. The document of authorization serves as evidence that the ship is capable of complying with the requirements of the Code and it must be accompanied or incorporated into the grain loading manual which holds information that allow the master to meet the stability requirements of the Code. A copy of the document of compliance with the grain loading stability data & related plans shall be carried on board in order that the master, if so required, shall produce them for the assessment of the Contracting Government of the country of the port of loading.

The contents of the International Grain Code are separated as follows:

 Part A – Specific Requirements

Section 1 – Application

Section 2 – Definitions

Section 3 – Document of authorization

Section 4 – Equivalents

Section 5 – Exemptions for certain voyages

Section 6 – Information regarding ship’s stability & grain loading

Section 7 – Stability – Requirements

Section 8 – Stability requirements for existing ships

Section 9 –  Optional stability requirements for ships without documents of authorization carrying partial cargoes of bulk grain

Section 10 – Stowage of bulk grain

Section 11 – Strength of grain fittings

Section 12 – Divisions loaded on both sides

Section 13 – Divisions loaded on one side only

Section 14 – Saucers

Section 15 – Bundling of bulk grain

Section 16 – Over stowing arrangements

Section 17 – Strapping or lashing

Section 18 – Securing with wire mesh

Part B – Calculation of assumed heeling moments & general assumptions

Section 1 – General Assumptions

Section 2 – Assumed volumetric heeling moment of a filled compartment, trimmed

Section 3 – Assumed volumetric heeling moment of a filled compartment, untrimmed

Section 4 – Assumed volumetric heeling moments in trunks

Section 5 – Assumed volumetric heeling moment of a  partly filled compartment

Section 6 – Other assumptions