The UK is asking owners for their views on incorporating the latest International Maritime Organization's safety rules for bulkers into national law.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has begun a consultation on proposals that would put updates made to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (Solas) on to the statute books later this year.
The UK flag currently includes 29 bulkers.
Updates cover tighter rules on damage stability and structural requirements.
One key measure is for ships with double-sided skin construction built after 2006 to have sufficient strength to withstand flooding of any one cargo hold, up to the water level outside the ship.
Committed to safety
A spokesperson for the MCA said: "We are committed to the safety of life at sea, and by updating the legislation relating to the safety requirements for bulk carriers we are improving the safety not only of those operating under the UK flag but also for any that are operating in UK waters."
The agency said the move will make it absolutely clear what is expected of owners.
Following the sinking of the Derbyshire in 1980 with the loss of 44 lives, there was a move to improve safety standards for bulk carriers and the seafarers who work on them.
This process was initiated by the IMO with the introduction of the new Chapter XII of Solas, which was implemented in UK law in 1999.
Six resolutions have been agreed at the IMO since 2004 to further improve the safety standards.
Updates also include performance standards for protective coatings for seawater ballast tanks.
