UK: Wrecks Convention Effective by Mid-April

Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has released a notice to inform affected parties of the coming into force of the Nairobi International Convention on the removal of Wrecks 2007 (the Wrecks Convention), which will enter into force internationally on the 14 April 2015.

The Wrecks Convention requires the registered owner of any seagoing vessel of 300 GT (gross tonnage) and over to maintain insurance or other financial security to cover the costs of locating, marking and removing of wrecks.

Any seagoing vessel of 300 GT and over is required to carry a certificate issued by a state party to the convention attesting that the necessary insurance is in place.

This Marine Information Note provides information that should help ensure that UK registered vessels, and vessels not registered in states party to the convention calling at UK ports or offshore facilities ensure they have the necessary certification in place for 14 April 2015.