Nairobi Convention Set To Enter Into Force

Introduction

The Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks – which was adopted on May 18 2007 – entered into force on April 14 2015, a year after gaining approval from the requisite number of countries. Cyprus had not ratified the convention by the time it entered into force, but has since done so through Law 12(III)/2015.¹

The convention will enter into force in Cyprus on October 22 2015 in accordance with Article 18(2). From that date, Cyprus-flagged vessels of 300 gross tonnage or more and vessels, irrespective of flag, of 300 gross tonnage or more that call at Cyprus ports or operate within Cyprus's territorial waters must carry a certificate proving that they have insurance in accordance with Article 12 of the convention. Vessels that fail to produce the requisite certificate will be liable to criminal and administrative penalties under Law 12 (III)/2015, including: