Singapore has ratified the Wreck Removal Convention (WRC) which will enter into force in the country on 8 September 2017, according to MPA Singapore.
The Wreck Removal Convention (WRC) was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in May 2007, to provide a sound legal basis for States to remove wrecks in their exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and to ensure adequate compensation is available to pay for the costs of wreck removal.
The WRC requires owners of ships over 300 GT to take out insurance or provide other financial security to cover the costs of wreck removal, capped at an amount equal to the limits of liability under the applicable national or international limitation regime.
In view of this, all Singapore-registered ships over 300 GT are required to carry on board a WRC State certificate, to attest that insurance or other financial security to cover liability for wrecks is in place. (However, the Convention does not apply to any warship or other ship owned or operated by a State and used, for the time being, only on Government non-commercial service, unless that State decides otherwise).
MPA Singapore urges the shipping community to take necessary action to comply with the Convention. Each WRC State certificate costs S$60. For ships that are currently enrolled in the Annual Administrative Fee (AAF) Scheme, no additional payment is required as the WRC State certificate is covered under the scheme.
- Singapore-registered ships with valid WRC State certificate issued by other recognised State Parties : Singapore-registered ships that are currently holding valid WRC State certificates issued by other recognised State Parties are not required to apply for WRC State certificates from MPA until prior to the expiry of their existing WRC State certificates in accordance with the procedure set out below.
- Singapore-registered ships not holding WRC State certificate: Singapore-registered ships that need to procure a WRC State certificate can make an application with the MPA Registry Dept. by completing the WRC State certificate application form, and providing a copy of the relevant Blue Card, for submission via email to: [email protected]
In July, Croatia also ratified the convention.
