As the cargo shifts the vessel lists to one side. The International Grain Code was written at a time when grain was predominantly carried onboard general cargo vessels, employing methods including saucering, bundling and strapping. However, modern bulk carriers are designed and constructed taking the problems of carrying grain into consideration. The BLU Code refers to loading and discharging operations and develops an understanding of procedures.

SOLAS regulation VI/9.1 (Requirements for cargo ships carrying grain) provides that a cargo ship carrying grain must hold a Document of Authorization as required by the International Grain Code, and for the purposes of regulation 9, the requirements of the Code should be treated as mandatory. A ship without a Document of Authorization must not load grain until the master satisfies the flag State Administration, or the SOLAS Contracting Government of the port of loading on behalf of the Administration, that the ship will comply with the requirements of the International Grain Code in its proposed loaded condition (regulation 9.2).

The International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk is commonly called the “International Grain Code” was adopted by the IMO Maritime Safety Committee by resolution MSC.23(59). It applies to ships regardless of size, including those of less than 500gt, engaged in the carriage of grain in bulk, to which part C of chapter VI of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended, applies (A 1.1).