Bulk carriers Services developed in 1950s to carry large quantities of non-packed commodities like grains, coal and iron ore. Around 5,000 bulk carriers trade to the world, provide a crucial service to world commodities' transportation. Bulk carrier operators must be aware of the safety concerns related to the bulk shipment. Loading of cargo must be done carefully, to ensure cargo cannot be shifted during the voyage leading to stability problems. Large hatch covers must be watertight and secure. The international Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code)  first adopted in 1965 and it has been updated at regular intervals. It is kept under continuous review by the Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers.

The practices contained in the Code are intended as Governments recommendations, ship operators and shipmasters. Aim is to get the attention of those concerned who internationally-accepts method of dealing with the hazards to safety which may be encountered when carrying cargo in bulk. The Code highlight are dangers and associated with the shipment of certain types of bulk cargoes and gives guidance on various procedures which is adopted; lists typical products which are shipped in bulk; gives advice on their properties and how they should be handled; and describes various test procedures which should be employed to determine the characteristic cargo properties. The Code contains a general precaution and says it is a fundamental importance that bulk cargoes be properly distributed throughout the ship so that the structure is not overstressed and the ship has an adequate standard of stability. A revised version of the Code was adopted in 2004 as Resolution MSC.193(79) Code of safe practice for solid bulk cargoes, 2004 The DSC Sub-Committee is currently developing the BC Code as a mandatory text and has drafted amendments to SOLAS chapters VI and VII to make the Code mandatory. The proposed timetable would see the mandatory BC Code and SOLAS amendments adopted in 2008, with entry into force in 2011. SOLAS Chapter XII Additional Safety Measures for Bulk Carriers Following a spate of losses of bulk carriers in the early 1990s, IMO in November 1997 adopted new regulations in SOLAS containing specific safety requirements for bulk carriers, Chapter XII - Additional Safety Measures for Bulk Carriers. In the same month, the 20th Assembly of IMO adopted the "BLU Code" - the Code of Practice for the safe unloading and loading of bulk carriers (resolution A.862(20).

Following the 1998 publication of the report into the sinking of the bulk carrier Derbyshire, the Maritime Safety Commitee (MSC) initiated a further review of bulk carrier safety, involving the use of Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) studies to help assess what further changes in regulations might be needed. In December 2002, at its 76th session, the MSC adopted amendments to SOLAS chapter XII and the 1988 Load Lines Protocol and also agreed to a number of recommendations to further improve bulk carrier safety. In December 2004, the MSC adopted a new text for SOLAS chapter XII, incorporating revisions to some regulations and new requirements relating to double-side skin bulk carriers. These amendments entered into force on 1 July 2006 .