International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk

Content and application

The Code applies to chemical tankers built on or after 1 July 1986. Prior to 1986, ships were covered under the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (BCH Code).

The Code covers how liquid chemicals must be transported in bulk and applies to substances listed in MARPOL Annex II. It includes requirements that govern the design, construction, and outfitting of new build or converted chemical tankers. Chapter 17 of the IBC Code lists each product and its carriage requirements, including ship type, tank type, pollution category, ventilation, environmental and fire safety considerations as well as additional specific requirements for toxicity, heat sensitivity, water reactivity and risk of polymerization.

Ships under the Code are designed according to three ship types: type 1, 2 or 3, with a type 1 ships transporting the most severe environmental and safety hazardous chemicals. The Code requires that the ship can withstand damage according to certain design requirements based on type and length.

Ships are required to possess a Certificate of Fitness that sets out what cargoes the chemical tanker can load, carry at sea and discharge.