Application This Code is applicable to fire safety systems as referred to in chapter II -2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea@ 1974@ as amended. Unless expressly provided otherwise@ this Code is applicable for the fire safety systems of ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2002. However@ amendments to the Code adopted after 1 July 2002 shall apply only to ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction@ on or after the date on which the amendments enter into force@ unless expressly provided otherwise