The Nairobi International convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007 (WRC)

WRC, coming into force on 14 April 2015, regulates the financial liability for the shipwrecks in the coastal state jurisdiction. All vessels 300 gross tons and larger to be insured or have financial security to cover the liability under the WRC.

The following countries are parties to this Convention:

Antigua & Barbuda Bulgaria Congo Cook Islands Denmark

Germany India Iran Liberia Malaysia

Marshall Islands Morocco Nigeria Palau United Kingdom

Vessels flagged in these countries will need to apply for a certificate from their respective flag state.

• Shipowners are financially responsible for the cost of wreck removal with coverage arranged. The most common form of this is from a P&I Club, issuing a “WRC Blue Card” as the documented proof of the cover.
• Applies to the territorial sea and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

• Ship’s wherever registered must have on board a valid WRC certificate, as evidence of  insurance or other financial security, when entering or leaving the jurisdiction of another State Party. A registry-issued certificate must be presented to port state authorities upon request.

• Shipowners with ships not registered in a State that is a Party to the convention may obtain certificates from any other State that is a Party.

• Certificates issued by any State Party shall be accepted for the purposes of the WRC and shall be regarded as having the same force as certificates issued or certified by them, even if issued for a ship not registered in a State Party.

• Certificates are renewable yearly by February 20^th in line with Civil Liability Certificate (CLC) and Bunker CLC certificates.