Instructions from several flag states regarding IMO MSC.1/Circ. 1352 (CSS Code Annex 14) were announced in ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0995 dated 1 August 2014.

The administration of Cyprus has advised relevant parties, including ClassNK, of their instructions regarding the application of the CSS Code as per attached.
According to the instruction, the CSS Code Annex 14 is to be applied as a mandatory requirement to Cyprus flagged vessels as follows.

- 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. In particular, existing containerships must comply with the following requirements at the first survey after or on 1 January 2015:
.1 Vessels not equipped with lashing platforms need to be retrofitted. - (6.1.2)
.2 All relevant deck surfaces used for movement about the ship and all passageways and stairs must have non-slip surfaces. - (6.2.1.2)
.3 The sides of lashing bridges and platforms onboard of existing ships are to be fitted with toe boards along the sides of such lashing bridges and platforms. - (6.2.2.5)
.4 Lashing bridges or platforms onboard existing vessels are to be provided with sufficient fencing in line with annex 14. - (6.2.3)
.5 Onboard of existing ships, appropriate actions must be arranged to get over permanent obstructions. - (6.2.4.8)
.6 The rod's length in conjunction with the length and design of the turnbuckle should be such that the need of extension is eliminated when lashing high cube (9'6") containers. - The approval of new lashing rods and extensions designs must be carried out by vessel's class or any other IACS Member Classification Society. - (6.3.3.5)

Please be advised that new ClassNK Technical Information will be issued upon receipt of instructions from flag states other than the above.

(To be continued)