IBC CODE is the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk.

IBC Code provides a world wide standard

IBC Code provides a world wide standard for the safety of dangerous and toxic chemical carriage in bulk. It not only safeguards but also avoids any risk that can be involved with ship, crew and the environment. The code lays down various design and construction standards of the ship along with equipments considering the nature of products carried. By resolution MEPC.19 (22) in 1985, the Code was delegated to look after marine pollution to all ships built after 1st July, 1986. Further in 2004, amendments were made like classifying the products according to potential marine pollutant properties, ship type, carriage requirements, followed by Evaluation of Hazardous Substances Working Group. According to the latest amendments, year 2009 will see the changes that were implemented on July 2007 on fire protection and extinction. The provision of including the regulation 10.5.6 of SOLAS on chemical tankers of 2,000 GT and above is also added to the year 2009 implementation. This means any machinery space beyond 500 m3 in volume has to be approved with fire fighting system apart from the fire extinguishing system.