Commentary on Sections Section 255J – Wreck removal insurance
27.This new section covers the compulsory insurance and state certification requirements. Any ship of 300 gross tonnage and above may not enter or leave a United Kingdom port or offshore installation unless it has insurance or other security compatible with Article 12 of the ICRW (“wreck removal insurance”) and carries a wreck removal insurance certificate confirming that such insurance or other security is in place.
28.The wreck removal insurance certificate of a ship registered in a Wrecks Convention State must have been issued by that State. The Secretary of State will issue the certificate for a United Kingdom flagged ship and may issue a certificate for a ship registered in a State which has not ratified the Convention.