International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced that the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal Wrecks will enter into force on April 14, 2015. The convention was deposited on Monday after ratification by Denmark, the 10th country to ratify the convention and thereby triggering its entry into force a year later.

The 17 states that so far have ratified the Convention are Antigua & Barbuda, Bulgaria, Congo, Cook Islands, Denmark, Germany, India, Iran, Liberia, Malaysia, Marshal Islands, Morocco, Nigeria, Palau, UK, Malta, Tuvalu

 

Convention applies to all the vessels (including fishing vessels and commercial yachts) of 300 GT or above registered in a state party. 

The registered owners of such vessels must maintain insurance or other financial security to cover the location, marking and removal of a wreck, deemed to be a hazard in the convention area of States that are party to the convention. The insurance cover must be equal to the limit of liability under the “applicable national or international limitation regime” – insofar as any limitation applies. 

All vessels will need a certificate from a State party attesting that the insurance is in force. In other words if a ship flies the Flag of a state that is not a party to the convention – they have to get their certificates from a State Party. Notwithstanding that so few States have signed up to the Convention it will be required (under the principal of no more favourable treatment) that all ships carry insurance and Wreck Removal Certificates on 14 April 2015. 

 

The International Group of P&I Insurers will include Wreck Removal Insurance with the renewals of policies which will come into effect on 22 February 2015. This means that 90% of world shipping will have the necessary insurance in place when the Convention comes into force in April. (The list of the International Group of P&I Insurers for Cook Island Flag is herewith attached) 

 

HOW TO OBTAIN WRECK REMOVAL CERTIFICATE (WRC)

 

You  have possibility to obtain such Certificates for your vessels from Cook Island or Palau as Nairobi Convention State Parties as  with our assistance.

 

WRC from Cook Island is 350$ +100$ (courier/administrative expenses) 

WRC from Palau is 330$ +100$ (courier/administrative expenses) 

 

Terms: 24-48 hours 

 

Required documents in copy to apply for :

 

 

WRC Certificate from Cook Islands:

1. Blue  card  for  Wreck  Removal from one of Insurance Company 

      Addressed to:   Maritime Cook Islands 

                                  Administrative Officer 

                                  P.O. Box 882, Avarua

                                  RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS 

2. Certificate of registry for your vessel

 

 

Call or email for details:

 

Tel. : +38 (0552) 415304

         +38 (0552) 415305

 

e-mail: info@marinesafety.org.ua