Entry into Force of the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks 11 November 2014 No. 14-010 Download PDF (203KB) On 14 April 2014 the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007 (“the Convention") achieved the requisite number of ratifications (10) triggering the entry into force conditions. The Convention will enter into force in State Parties on 14 April 2015. The Convention provides a strict liability, compensation and compulsory insurance regime for States affected by a maritime casualty.  It makes the registered owner of a ship liable for locating, marking and removing a wreck deemed to be a hazard in a State’s Convention area. Key definitions and terms employed in the Convention are explained at the end of this circular.      Scope of the Convention There is provision in article 3(2) for a State Party to include the territorial sea within the scope of the Convention. So far three States (Bulgaria, Denmark and the United Kingdom) have extended the scope of the Convention to their territorial sea.  In States which do not exercise this option, the Convention will apply in the exclusive economic zone but not the territorial sea. The International Group submitted a paper in April 2014 to the International Maritime Organisation Legal Committee reminding States that they may not avail themselves of the right of direct action conferred under the Convention to “wreck” incidents that occur in the territorial sea unless the scope of the Convention has been extended.    Insurance requirements Registered owners of ships of 300 gross tonnage and over registered in a State party or entering or leaving a port in the territory of a State party, will need insurance cover arrangements which meet the requirements of the Convention and a certificate from a State party attesting that such insurance is in force. Such certificate must be carried on board at all times. The Wreck Removal Convention close