IMO issues revised recommendations on fumigation of cargoes for sea transport

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has taken a step to enhance safety of crew in maritime cargo operations by issuing revised recommendations for the fumigation of solid bulk cargoes. 

At the recent session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), it approved and subsequently issued the updated circular MSC.1/Circ.1264/Rev.1 which provides improved guidance on the safe use of pesticides in ships, specifically addressing the fumigation of cargo holds for solid bulk cargoes under the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code and the International Grain Code, as per a communique. 

Key updates 

* The revised circular introduces two new sections: one highlighting the risk associated with handling phosphine residues, and another advising against the use of loose tablets for fumigation, recommending safer alternatives. 

* Editorial updates have also been made to other IMO fumigation-related circulars to ensure all references align with the latest recommendations. 

* Importantly, there are no substantive changes to the technical recommendations or procedures for the safe use of pesticides in ships, apart from the above mentioned.  

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