(a) A bulk solid cargo—

(1) Consists of particles, granules, or larger pieces of material generally uniform in composition;

(2) Is not grain; and

(3) Is loaded directly into a vessel's cargo space with no intermediate form of containment.

(b) Additional requirements for bulk solid materials needing special handling are contained in Part 148 of this chapter.

(a) The owner or operator of a vessel must provide the master with safe loading and stowage information for each bulk solid cargo that vessel will carry.

(b) The shipper of a bulk solid cargo, as defined in § 148.3 of this chapter, must provide the master of a vessel with information regarding the nature of the cargo in advance of loading operations. Additional requirements in § 148.60 of this chapter may also apply.

If the information provided in § 97.12-3(a) or (b) indicates that the bulk solid cargo to be carried is prone to liquefy during carriage, due to small particle sizes and moisture content, then the requirements contained in § 148.450 of this chapter apply.

Each U.S.-flagged vessel that must comply with Chapter VI/5.6 or Chapter VII/5 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 as amended must have on board a cargo securing manual that meets the requirements of 33 CFR part 97.