Monday, 28th April 2014
The Wreck Removal Convention entry into force conditions were triggered by Denmark’s ratification on 14 April 2014. This means the Convention will have effect for those States that have ratified it from 14 April 2015. The International Group used this timely event as an opportunity to present a paper to the IMO legal committee in order to raise awareness of the opt-in provision which provides that a State Party may extend the Convention to its territory and territorial sea. It is important for States Parties which do not extend the scope of the Convention to the territory and territorial sea by virtue of the opt-in provision to note that they may not rely upon Convention blue cards and certificates if incidents occur outside the Convention area, and the affected State or its agents may not be able to bring direct action claims against the insurer pursuant to article 12 of the Convention.
