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Home › Cargo Operations › BLU Code: Safety in the Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers
Operational guide · Operational procedure

BLU Code: Safety in the Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers

SOLAS VI/7 contains the Convention requirements for bulk-carrier loading and unloading; the BLU Code is linked operational guidance and the IMSBC Code governs solid bulk cargo under a distinct framework.

BLU Codebulk carrierIMSBC Codeship-shore interface

Operational Explanation

The correct architecture starts with SOLAS VI/7. The BLU Code, adopted by A.862(20), is a recommendatory Code of Practice providing guidance to the Master, terminal operator and other parties. Specific measures become binding when they derive from SOLAS VI/7, national/regional law or applicable procedures.

Regulatory Reference

SOLAS VI/7: relevant Convention requirements for loading/unloading bulk cargo. BLU Code A.862(20) and BLU Manual: ship/terminal operational guidance. IMSBC Code: classification and carriage of solid bulk cargo. Chapter XII is not the basis of the ship/shore form.

Scope of Application

Bulk carriers and terminals loading or unloading solid bulk cargo, with any additional duties from regional/national law, SMS and terminal procedures. Always distinguish mandatory basis from guidance.

Procedure / How to Complete It

  1. Identify applicable SOLAS VI/7 requirements.
  2. Use BLU Code and Manual to prepare and agree the ship/shore plan.
  3. Apply the IMSBC Code to cargo classification and handling.
  4. Integrate any national/regional law and terminal/Company procedures.
  5. The Master stops the operation when safety or agreed limits are compromised.

Practical Example

Example: before the start of iron ore loading, the Master and the terminal representative jointly complete the ship/shore information exchange form, agreeing the loading sequence across the 5 holds and the maximum hourly rates; the designated officer monitors the actual application of the sequence during operations, immediately flagging to the terminal a hold loaded out of sequence relative to the agreement.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Several serious structural failures on bulk carriers, the subject of in-depth industry investigations, have been attributed to loading sequences that departed from what was agreed in the information exchange form required by the BLU Code, with excessive structural stresses concentrated in intermediate loading stages that were not adequately monitored or corrected in time.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

MistakeConsequenceHow to avoid it
Ship/shore information exchange form completed as a documentary formality, without verifying its actual application during operationsThe loading sequence actually applied differs from the one agreed, with structural riskActively monitor during operations that the actual sequence matches the one agreed in the form
No ship's officer specifically designated for continuous coordination with the terminalDeviations from the agreed sequence not promptly detectedAlways designate an officer responsible for continuous coordination for the entire duration of operations
Emergency procedures for sudden bad weather not agreed in advance with the terminalDisorganised handling of operations in the event of weather deterioration during loadingAlways agree the emergency procedures for bad weather as part of the information exchange form

What the PSCO Checks

Although the BLU Code form is not typically subject to routine PSC documentary verification, Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) may request evidence of the ship/shore information exchange and of the consistency between the declared loading sequence and the structural conditions observed on board.

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

Educational checklist. This summary supports learning and preparation only. It does not replace the vessel’s approved procedures, manuals, statutory documents, company SMS, or applicable official requirements. Completing it demonstrates neither compliance nor readiness for an inspection: it shows that a list has been read, not that the ship is in order. Always verify the current documents carried on board.

FAQ

Is the BLU Code by itself a standalone mandatory source?
It is a recommendatory Code of Practice providing guidance linked to SOLAS VI/7; obligation comes from the Convention, applicable law or a binding procedure.
What is the basis of the loading/unloading plan?
SOLAS VI/7, applied with BLU guidance and other relevant requirements.
Do IMSBC and BLU do the same thing?
No. IMSBC governs classification and carriage of solid bulk cargo; BLU concerns the ship/terminal loading and unloading process.

Related Topics

Loading/Discharging PlanCargo Hold Survey for Bulk Carriers (ESP)

Last substantive revision of this page: 31 August 2026 · page fingerprint e03e111eb9a5