Background and Summary
3.The Nairobi International Convention for the Removal of Wrecks (ICRW) was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in May 2007. The IMO is the United Nations specialised agency with responsibility for safety and security at sea and prevention of marine pollution from ships. The text of the ICRW is included in the Schedule to the Act.
4.The ICRW will enter in to force twelve months following the date on which ten states either have signed it without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval or have deposited instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the IMO Secretary General. It will apply only to wrecks that occur after its entry into force. It is anticipated the Act would be commenced when the Convention enters into force
5.The Act provides measures to enable the United Kingdom to ratify and implement the ICRW in the United Kingdom’s domestic law by the insertion of new sections (255A to 255U) and a Schedule (11ZA) into the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.