Instructions by the Administration of St. Vincent and the Grenadines re CSS Code Annex 14
The Administration of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has advised relevant parties, including ClassNK, on their instructions regarding the application of the revised guidelines for the preparation of the cargo securing manual MSC.1/Circ/1352 and MSC.1/Circ.1353
In accordance with regulations VI/5 and VII/5 of SOLAS 1974, as amended, cargo units and cargo transport units should be loaded, stowed and secured throughout the voyage on accordance with the Cargo Securing Manual approved by this Administration, which should be drawn up to a standard at least equivalent to the Guidelines developed by the Organization.
MSC 87 in May 2010, approved the amendments to the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code) for circulation as MSC.1/ Circ.1352. The amendments include Guidance on Providing Safe Working Conditions for Securingof Containers on Deck as a new annex 14 which is in the CSS Code.
The Maritime Safety Committe, at the same Session, also approved the Revised Guidelines for the Preparation of the Cargo Securing Manual for circulation as MSC.1/ Circ.1353
These Revised Guidelines are based on the provisions contained in the annex to MSC./ Circ.745 but have been expanded to include the safe access for lashing of containers taking into account the provisions of the CSS Code, as amended.
According to these instructions, Annex 14 of the CSS Code is to be applied as a mandatory requirement to St. Vincent and the Grenadines flagged vessels as follows.
Application of the CSS Code, Annex 14 (MSC.1/Circ.1352) for above Administration
- Containerships with a date of keel laying on or after 1 January 2015 are subject to the provisions of Annex 14.
- Existing containerships with a date of keel laying prior to 1 January 2015 are subject to the provisions of sections 4.4, 7.1, 7.3, and 8 in Annex 14; and
- Existing containerships are subject to the provisions of sections 6 and 7.2 in Annex 14 as far as practical with the understanding that existing ships would not be required to be enlarged or undergo other major structural modification as determined by the flag State Administration.
Source: ClassNK
