1.2. Timeline
Enclosure (2) of this correspondence circular gives the tentative (most optimistic) timeline for covering specific items within the correspondence group. The timeline will be finalized in the next round of correspondence based on your comments. I should submit a progress report to the head office of our ministry until the end of October, preferably middle of October.
Action requested : CG members are invited to examine the timeline (especially with regard to items where they have particular concern and comments) and plan their schedules appropriately.
Action : Noted.
1.3. Method for correspondence
If possible, I would like to send all circular letters by means of E-mail with document files of Microsoft Word 95 (Word Processing Software). The document files of Microsoft Word 97 are also acceptable for me except specially formatted substance such as figures.
Action requested : CG members are invited to comment on above method for correspondence.
Action : E-mail with document files of M.S. Word 95 is acceptable.
2. Investigation on the scope of the application of the requirements for liquefaction materials
2.1. Cargoes for which the requirements are applied in Japan
In Japan, twenty one general names of cargoes are listed for determining the scope of the application of the requirements under the condition that the requirements are applied only for the cargoes which may liquefy during the voyage. The list covers all cargoes listed in Appendix A of the BC Code. Furthermore, it is expressly provided that the requirements are applied for (granulated) slags when they may liquefy during the voyage.
Action requested : C.G. members are invited to take note the above issue.
Action : Noted.
Comments by Canada
Due note has been taken of this item. It is desirable to express the characteristics of the twenty one general cargoes mentioned. It is also suggested that such data be described in a similar manner as the Australian Manual we received in the Working Group at the DSC 4 session.
Coordinator's comments (2) - Regarding comments by Canada:
One "general name of cargo" in Japanese often indicates plural cargoes related to one mineral such as "crude ore", "ore concentrate", "concentrate", "middling", "fines", etc. Therefore, it is difficult to express their characteristics in a similar manner as the manual.
2.2. National legislation of your country
Action requested : C.G. members are invited to explain about your national legislation on the scope of the application of the requirements for cargoes which may liquefy. Examples of the answer are as follows:
(A) Just using the words "concentrates of other cargoes which may liquefy" as regulation 6/VI of SOLAS.
(B) Using the words "concentrates of other cargoes which may liquefy" and referring to the appendix A of the BC Code or the same list of cargoes.
Australia
In Australia the BC Code is mandatory for Australian ships loading a bulk cargo anywhere in the world and for overseas flag ships loading at Australian ports. Thus, the requirements of Appendix A and other requirements of the Code relevant to liquefaction must be met.
Canada
The Canadian Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes has been prepared to be used in conjunction with the IMO BC Code.
Poland
In POLAND we use BC Code - Appendix A.
