Instructions from the Administration of Panama regarding IMO MSC.1/Circ. 1352/Rev.1 Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing – CSS Code Annex 14 – were announced in ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-1097 dated 28 December 2016. The Administration has updated MERCHANT MARINE CIRCULAR MMC-340, including their additional guidance on the application of relevant requirements to existing containerships, as attached.
This Technical Information supersedes the previous ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1097 dated 28 December 2016.
The application of the Code, in accordance with MMC-340, foresees:
Containerships with a date of keel laying on or after 1 July 2017 shall apply Annex 14 entirely.
Existing containerships the keel of which were laid or which are at a similar stage of construction before 1 July 2017 shall apply Sections 4.4, 7.1, 7.3 and 8 of Annex 14 by the first survey related to the Safety Construction Certificate on or after 1 July 2018 ; and
As a minimum existing containerships the keel of which were laid or which are at a similar stage of construction before 1 July 2017 shall comply with the requirements from items 2.1.3.1 to 2.1.3.23 in MMC-340, by their first scheduled dry-docking on or after 1 July 2018, but not later than 1 July 2023.
Personnel engaged in containership cargo operations are to be familiarized with the ship’s unique characteristics and potential hazards arising from such operations necessary to carry out their duties. Training should include situational awareness to identify and avoid hazards.
Purpose of the CSS Code
The purpose of the CSS Code is to provide an international standard to promote the safe stowage and securing of cargoes by:
· drawing the attention of shipowners and ship operators to the need to ensure that the ship is suitable for its intended purpose;
· providing advice to ensure that the ship is equipped with proper cargo securing means;
· providing general advice concerning the proper stowage and securing of cargoes to minimize the risks to the ship and personnel;
· providing specific advice on those cargoes which are known to create difficulties and hazards with regard to their stowage and securing;
· advising on actions which may be taken in heavy sea conditions; and
· advising on actions which may be taken to remedy the effects of cargo shifting.
In providing such advice, it should be borne in mind that the Master is responsible for the safe conduct of the voyage and the safety of the ship, its crew and cargo.
