A certificate called an International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, the model form of which is set out in the appendix to the International Bulk Chemical Code, should be issued after an initial or periodical survey to a chemical tanker engaged in international voyages which complies with the relevant requirements of the Code.

Note: The Code is mandatory under both chapter VII (Carriage of dangerous goods) of SOLAS 1974 and Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 for chemical tankers constructed on or after 1 July 1986.

International Bulk Chemical Code means the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the Organization by resolution MEPC.19(22) and marine safety committee.

The BCH code is applicable to the chemical tankers built before 1 July 1986. The IBC code is applicable to the chemical tankers built after 1 July 1986.

Noxious liquid substance means any substance indicated in the Pollution Category column of chapter 17 or 18 of the International Bulk Chemical Code 

 Both SOLAS Chapter VII (Carriage of dangerous goods ) and MARPOL Annex II (Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk) conventions require all chemical tankers should comply with an IBC Code.

What are the objectives of IBC code?

 The objective of lBC Code is to provide the international standards in ship design, construction and equipment for the safe carriage of dangerous chemicals and noxious liquid substances. It also tells about cargo transfer, cargo containments, cargo venting arrangements, fire protection & fire prevention and special requirements for certain cargo etc. Implementation of IBC code reduces the risk to ship, crew and environment.