IBC Code

The IBC Code is the mandatory international standard for ships carrying dangerous liquid chemicals in bulk, applying to chemical tankers built on or after 1 July 1986. It is mandatory under SOLAS Chapter VII and MARPOL Annex II. Chapter 17 lists each cargo with its required ship type (1, 2, or 3), tank type, and special carriage conditions, ranking hazards from pollution, fire, toxicity, and reactivity. The Code governs cargo containment, transfer, venting, environmental control, and personnel protection. Its sister instruments are the IGC Code for liquefied gases and the BCH Code for older ships.